Shear-Induced Dermal Infusion via Oscillating Friction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current skin care treatments face challenges in effectively penetrating the Stratum Corneum, the topmost layer of the epidermis, as it acts as a significant natural barrier, preventing skin formulations from reaching lower epidermal layers, and existing methods are often painful, infectious, or ineffective.

Innovation Solution

A skin treatment apparatus with a shear inducing head that applies oscillating shear forces to create fissures only in the Stratum Corneum, using a movable head with friction surfaces spaced to apply controlled shear, allowing skin formulations to penetrate without harming underlying tissues.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If micro needles, electrophoresis, ultrasound, dermal/micro-dermal abrasion, or chemical peels are used to aid infusion, then penetration of skin formulation into the epidermis is improved, but pain, bleeding, and infection occur

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepenetration effectivenessVSAvoidpain, bleeding, and infection

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical penetration methods (micro needles, abrasion) with acoustic energy (ultrasound) to create microchannels in the stratum corneum. This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact that causes pain and bleeding, while maintaining effective delivery of active ingredients through acoustic cavitation and mechanical vibration effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an acoustic field as an intermediary between the skin formulation and the epidermis. The ultrasound waves act as a mediator that temporarily opens pathways through the stratum corneum without direct mechanical contact, thereby enabling penetration while avoiding the harmful effects of traditional mechanical methods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional skin care formulations are applied to the skin, then the skin surface is treated, but the formulations cannot reach the lower layers of the epidermis due to the Stratum Corneum barrier

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveformulation deliveryVSAvoidbarrier resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies mechanical vibration through ultrasound waves to the stratum corneum, causing it to oscillate and create temporary microchannels. This vibration disrupts the barrier structure temporarily, allowing skin formulations to penetrate through the stratum corneum and reach the viable epidermis, thereby overcoming the barrier resistance without chemical or mechanical damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #18Mechanical vibration

3Adaptability or versatility

If existing penetration methods are used, then some level of infusion is achieved, but they are not effective on all types of fluids or skin conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuniversal effectivenessVSAvoidinfusion effectiveness

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates a universal penetration system using ultrasound technology that can handle various types of fluids (creams, gels, serums) and different skin conditions. The acoustic field can be adjusted in frequency and intensity to accommodate different formulation viscosities and skin types, making the method universally applicable while maintaining high infusion effectiveness across diverse applications.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 apparatus effectively opens the Stratum Corneum for enhanced penetration of skin formulations, ensuring painless and infection-free delivery of active materials to deeper epidermal layers, improving the efficacy of skin care treatments.

Implementation Method 1

a shear inducing head having a first friction surface adjacent a first edge, and a second friction surface adjacent a second edge

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

applying shear force to a region of a subject's skin, thereby defining sheared areas of skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectShear stress: Shear Stress

Data Source

PatentUS10194935B2Shear-induced dermal infusion

Publication Date: 2019.02.05 LOREAL SA

AI summary

Treatment protocols for preparing a subject's skin to receive skin formulations having one or more active materials are provided. The devices and/or methods for carrying out the treatment protocols aim to increase the skin's ability for skin formulations to penetrate or infuse into the SC layers thereof. The treatment protocol includes the application of shearing forces in order to part, tear, or form fissures only in the Stratum Corneum (SC) of the subject's skin without inducing trauma in viable skin layers below the SC. After application of shearing forces to the skin, a skin formulation can be applied to the sheared areas of skin.