Skin Preparation Patch for Transdermal Device Alignment
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transdermal devices face challenges in accurately aligning the working area with the prepared skin due to the device's design, which can lead to poor transport and unreliable measurements or drug delivery, as the working area is often hidden during application.
Innovation Solution
A dual-purpose skin preparation patch that defines the skin preparation area and serves as a guide for correctly locating the transdermal device, ensuring alignment by forming a frame around the treated area after preparation, with a flexible design that can be adapted to various orientations and shapes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the transdermal device is designed with a small working area relative to the total device area, then the device structure can be compact and manageable, but it becomes difficult to accurately align the working area with the prepared skin area during application
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is divided into multiple functional parts: a first part that remains on the skin to define the preparation area, and a second part that is removed to reveal the working area. This segmentation allows the small working area to be precisely positioned relative to the prepared skin area, solving the alignment accuracy problem while maintaining compact device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part of the patch acts as an intermediary element that remains on the skin after application. It serves as a visual guide and positioning reference, enabling accurate alignment of the working area with the prepared skin area without requiring the entire device to be large or complex.
2Device complexity
If the working area is placed in the centre of the device face, then the device structure is simplified and symmetric, but the working area and skin preparation area become hidden during application, making accurate location difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is segmented into a first part that remains on the skin and a second part that is removed. This allows the working area to be strategically positioned and visible during application, improving ease of operation while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part of the patch is applied to the skin in advance to define and mark the preparation area. This preliminary action creates a visible guide that facilitates subsequent alignment of the working area, making the application process easier without requiring complex device structures.
3Measurement precision
If the skin preparation area is clearly defined and marked, then alignment accuracy is improved, but the device structure becomes more complex with additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patch is divided into functional segments where the first part defines the preparation area and the second part contains the working area. This segmentation provides clear alignment markers without requiring additional complex components, achieving high alignment accuracy with minimal structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The first part of the patch serves multiple functions: it defines the preparation area, acts as a positioning guide, and remains adhered to the skin as a reference marker. This multi-functionality provides accurate alignment information without adding separate dedicated components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
A patch having at least first and second parts (1,2) is applied to the skin to prepare the skin for a transdermal device (10) to be applied subsequently. The second part (2) defines the area (5) of the skin (8) in which the required preparation process should be carried out, either by removal of a third part (3) to form an opening in the second part (2) or by providing preparation means such as microneedles (14) on the underside of the second part (2). The second part (2) is then removed to leave the first part (1) adhered to the skin (8), which can be used as a guide for correctly locating the transdermal device (10) so that the working area (12) of the device and the prepared area (5) of the skin (8) are in alignment.