Polymeric Matrix with Embedded Heating Element for Controlled Substance Release

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current matrix devices for distributing active substances lack the ability to control the release of active substances at precise times and quantities, leading to inefficiencies and waste, particularly with non-volatile substances, and fail to deliver a consistent dose effectively.

Innovation Solution

An autonomous matrix system with a polymeric matrix loaded with active substances, embedded heating elements, and an electronic control card that manages heating intensity, duration, and frequency to release active substances at controlled and adjustable rates, optimizing the release profile for specific treatments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If passive diffusion matrix devices are used to distribute active substances, then the device structure is simple, but the release of active substances cannot be controlled at precise times and quantities

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidrelease control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the static passive diffusion matrix into a dynamic system by embedding heating elements that can be activated on demand. The matrix transitions from a passive state to an active state when heated, enabling controlled release of active substances at precise times and quantities while maintaining relative structural simplicity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the temperature parameter of the matrix to control the release behavior of active substances. By heating the matrix to specific temperatures for controlled durations, the system achieves precise temporal and quantitative control over substance release without significantly increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Speed

If heating elements are applied to promote diffusion of active substances, then the release speed is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease speedVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the heating element directly into the matrix structure, combining the release medium and the activation mechanism into a single integrated component. This reduces overall system complexity while achieving rapid and controlled release of active substances through localized heating.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The matrix is designed to be self-heating through embedded resistive heating elements that convert electrical energy to thermal energy directly within the matrix material. This self-service approach eliminates the need for external heating apparatus, thereby increasing release speed without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If continuous passive diffusion is used, then the device operation is simple, but significant quantity of active substance is sequestered and wasted

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidactive substance waste
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs periodic heating cycles to release active substances in controlled bursts rather than continuous diffusion. This periodic action ensures complete utilization of the active substance load, minimizing sequestration and waste while maintaining simple operation through automated or manually triggered heating sequences.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system ensures continuous useful action by maintaining the active substance in a ready-to-release state through controlled heating, preventing the sequestration that occurs in passive diffusion systems. The heating element remains embedded and可随时激活, ensuring no active substance is lost to irreversible sequestration in the matrix.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

4Productivity

If heating is applied to release non-volatile active substances, then the release efficiency is improved, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverelease efficiencyVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The heating element is localized within the matrix structure, providing heating only where needed to release active substances. This localized heating approach maximizes release efficiency for non-volatile substances while minimizing overall energy consumption by avoiding unnecessary heating of the entire device or surrounding environment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

The system ensures efficient and precise distribution of active substances, minimizing passive diffusion and maximizing the use of the active substance, achieving better treatment effectiveness and reducing waste by releasing almost all of the substance, while allowing for simultaneous or staggered distribution of multiple substances.

Implementation Method 1

a heating element embedded in said charged matrix, said element being capable of homogeneously heating said matrix to trigger the release of said active substance

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Data Source

PatentEP3280258B1Controlled stand-alone matrix system for the controlled distribution of active substances
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 AB7 INNOVATION SASU(FR)
  • EP3280258B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3280258B1 patent drawingFigure 2(a)~2(c)
  • EP3280258B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a controlled stand-alone matrix system (1) for the controlled and variable distribution of at least one active substance solely at precise appropriate moments, characterised in that it comprises a polymer matrix (2) loaded with the active substance, at least one heating element (4) embedded in the loaded matrix (2), and an electricity generator (5) connected to an electronic control card in turn connected to the heating element (4), the electricity supplied to same by the generator (5) being controlled by the card which is housed in an electronic box (3).