Transdermal Patch Regulator with Roller Mechanism for Dosing Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current transdermal drug administration systems lack the ability to control the timing and rate of drug delivery from conventional patches without human supervision, failing to provide precise dosing and potential for overdose or underdose.

Innovation Solution

A regulator system that automatically controls the engagement and disengagement of transdermal drug patches, allowing for delayed initiation, interrupted, or increased drug delivery based on pre-programmed schedules or sensor-activated responses, using a patch control device with a roller mechanism to manage patch placement and dosage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional transdermal patches are used without automated control, then the device structure remains simple, but the dosing precision and reliability deteriorate due to inability to control timing and rate of drug delivery

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedosing precisionVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A regulator device is introduced as an intermediary between the transdermal patch and the skin. This regulator includes a roller mechanism that controls patch engagement and disengagement, and a controller that automates the timing and duration of drug delivery. The intermediary device enables precise dosing control without modifying the original patch structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The regulator device incorporates sensors that automatically detect skin properties and drug delivery parameters, eliminating the need for manual supervision. The controller uses this sensor data to autonomously adjust patch engagement time and drug delivery rate, achieving self-regulated precise dosing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If transdermal patches are continuously applied without automated regulation, then continuous drug delivery is maintained, but the risk of overdose increases due to lack of control over delivery timing and duration

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesafety against overdoseVSAvoidautomated control
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The regulator device includes sensors that continuously monitor skin properties, drug absorption rate, and delivery parameters. This feedback information is sent to the controller, which automatically adjusts patch engagement duration and drug delivery rate to prevent overdose, ensuring safe and reliable treatment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The controller is pre-programmed with optimal dosing schedules and safety parameters before use. The regulator automatically executes these pre-planned dosing regimens, controlling patch engagement and disengagement timing to ensure safe drug delivery without requiring real-time manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of operation

If manual supervision is used to control patch application, then dosing can be adjusted, but human intervention is required which reduces convenience and increases operational complexity

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveconvenienceVSAvoidhuman intervention
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSExtent of automation

Solution Approach 1:

The regulator device autonomously performs all dosing control functions including patch engagement, disengagement, and drug delivery rate adjustment. Sensors automatically monitor treatment progress and the controller makes real-time decisions without human intervention, maximizing convenience and ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical control of patch application is replaced with an automated electronic control system. The controller uses electronic signals to actuate the roller mechanism and regulate drug delivery, substituting human-operated mechanical systems with automated electromechanical systems for greater convenience.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Data Source

PatentEP3258895B1Regulator device for drug patch
Publication Date: 2022.11.16 ALMA THERAPEUTICS LTD
  • EP3258895B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3258895B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3258895B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

Embodiments are disclosed of a method of controlling timing and/or dosage of a transdermal drug patch. For example, a control device operative to move the patch to one or more of a plurality of operational relationships with a skin of a patient, including being fully engaged with the skin, partially engaged with the skin, and disengaged with the skin. The device may include a roller that peels a patch on and off the skin. Optionally a convention patch is used. In some embodiments a patch and/or an adaptor has a mobile zone and an immobile zone. In some embodiments, an active surface of the patch fully contacts the skin in an engaged state. For example the patch may be attached to the device on a passive portion thereof.