Segmented Drug Patch for Custom Lesion Coverage
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current transdermal and topical patches are not easily customizable to fit varying lesion sizes and locations on the skin, leading to wasted adhesive and difficulty in applying the patches around anatomical joints, with existing patches often occluding healthy skin and being difficult to handle due to their size and flexible backing layers.
Innovation Solution
A drug delivery device featuring an array of patch segments defined by segment separation lines in a backing layer, allowing users to tailor the device to cover specific areas by separating and reapplying patch segments, which can be polygonal in shape with at least five sides and no greater than seven, ensuring flexibility and reduced waste.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a large fixed-size patch is used to cover varying lesion sizes, then the patch can cover larger lesions, but it wastes adhesive on smaller lesions and occludes healthy skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is divided into multiple separable segments defined by segment separation lines in the backing layer. Users can separate and remove individual segments to customize the patch size and shape to match the lesion area, thereby avoiding waste of adhesive on unused portions and preventing occlusion of healthy skin.
2Ease of operation
If a large flexible patch is used, then it can be applied to various skin areas, but it becomes difficult to handle and apply around anatomical joints
Solution Approach 1:
The large flexible patch is segmented into smaller, more manageable sections. These smaller segments are easier to handle, position, and apply around anatomical joints and contours, reducing the handling difficulty while maintaining the ability to cover various skin areas through combination of segments.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a single large patch is used, then it provides continuous coverage, but it cannot be easily repositioned or adjusted to cover additional areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patch structure is segmented into multiple independently separable sections. Users can apply some segments and set aside others, then reposition or reapply unused segments to cover additional areas or adjust coverage as needed, providing flexibility while maintaining the integrity of each individual segment.
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 customizable design allows for precise coverage of lesions without occluding surrounding skin, reduces waste, and maintains contact with the skin over joints, with the ability to reapply unused patch segments, enhancing the efficiency and flexibility of drug delivery.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive composition that is disposed on the second major surface of the backing layer of the drug delivery device is in contact with the skin of the user
Data Source
AI summary
Various embodiments of a drug delivery device and a method of using such device are disclosed. The drug delivery device includes a backing layer having a first major surface and a second major surface, and an array of patch segments defined by segment separation lines disposed in the backing layer. Each segment separation line is adapted to enhance separation of one or more patch segments from the array of patch segments. Further, a patch segment of the array of patch segments includes a polygonal shape.