Resilient Transdermal Applicator Wall for Liquid Spreading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implements for applying topical or transdermal liquids, such as sunscreens or medicated substances, face challenges in accurately dispensing a metered dose while minimizing residual liquid retention and ensuring easy cleaning, particularly when used for medicated applications where the free hand cannot be treated.
Innovation Solution
A resiliently deformable receptacle with a flexible membrane and hinge formation, designed to maintain contact with the treatment surface, minimizes residual liquid retention and facilitates easy cleaning by allowing the wall to flex and spread the liquid effectively, while being detachable for convenient use and cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a brush or sponge is used to spread liquid, then the liquid is effectively spread over the treatment surface, but residual liquid is retained after application
Solution Approach 1:
The receptacle wall is divided into distinct functional zones: a reservoir portion for holding liquid, a working surface for application, and release features (channels/apertures) that segment the liquid flow path. This segmentation allows liquid to be delivered through controlled pathways rather than being retained in a continuous mass, reducing residual retention while maintaining spreading effectiveness
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle incorporates resiliently deformable walls that can dynamically change shape during operation. The wall flexes to maintain contact with the treatment surface during spreading, then returns to its original shape to release trapped liquid through the release features. This dynamic deformation cycle enables effective spreading while minimizing residual retention
2Ease of operation
If an implement is designed to retain liquid temporarily, then the liquid can be applied to the treatment surface, but accurate metered dosing becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The implement controls the physical parameters of liquid retention through the receptacle's geometric parameters (reservoir volume, wall thickness, channel dimensions) and material parameters (resilience, flexibility). By carefully selecting these parameters, the implement retains exactly the prescribed dose volume temporarily while ensuring complete transfer to the treatment surface, achieving both retention and dosing accuracy
3Ease of operation
If a traditional implement is used for applying liquid, then the liquid can be spread, but the implement is difficult to clean and can contaminate subsequent liquids
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid-retaining and liquid-spreading functions are extracted from a traditional porous implement (brush/sponge) and transferred to a non-porous receptacle with defined geometric features. The liquid is contained in a reservoir and delivered through controlled release features rather than being absorbed into porous material, eliminating the contamination issue while maintaining application capability
Solution Approach 2:
The receptacle is designed with homogeneous non-porous surfaces (smooth plastic or metal) throughout its liquid-contact areas, including the reservoir, working surface, and release features. This homogeneous non-porous construction prevents liquid absorption and capillary retention, making the implement easy to clean and preventing cross-contamination between different liquid applications
4Ease of operation
If the support means is relatively rigid, then the receptacle wall can be movable for applying liquid, but the overall structure becomes less stable
Solution Approach 1:
The implement is segmented into distinct functional components with different rigidity requirements: a rigid support means for structural stability, a rigid base for positioning, and a resiliently deformable wall for liquid application. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function without compromising overall structural integrity
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the implement have different rigidity properties tailored to their functions. The support means and base are rigid to provide structural stability, while the receptacle wall is locally made resiliently deformable to enable contact maintenance and liquid release. This local differentiation of mechanical properties resolves the contradiction between stability and movability
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 implement efficiently applies a consistent dose of liquid to the treatment surface with reduced residual retention, ensuring accurate application and easy cleaning, thereby addressing the limitations of traditional brushes and sponges.
Implementation Method 1
at least the wall is resiliently deformable so in use the working surface maintains contact with the treatment surface when spreading the liquid
Data Source
AI summary
An implement 1 for applying a volume of liquid to a treatment surface can include a support 3 onto which is mounted a receptacle 2, the receptacle defining a reservoir space 4 which receives the liquid. The receptacle includes a wall 6 having a working surface that is used to spread the liquid over the treatment surface. The wall 6 is resiliently deformable so in use the working surface maintains contact with the treatment surface when spreading the liquid. The implement has a specific application in applying a transdermal lotion to the axilla area of the user. A system for transdermal administration of a physiological active agent from a liquid composition and a method of using this system are described.