Smart Patch with Piezo-Resistive Sensor and Micro-Needle Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional devices designed to prevent body parts from being bent for long periods are heavy, uncomfortable, and lack a smart reminder feature, making them impractical for extended use.
Innovation Solution
A smart patch with a substrate, a piezo-resistive pressure sensor detecting component, and a reminding component that transmits signals when the substrate's resistance exceeds preset values, combined with micro-needles that release medicine upon contact with the skin to provide relief and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional rectifying devices are designed to prevent body parts from being bent for long periods, then the rectifying function is achieved, but the devices become heavy and uncomfortable
Solution Approach 1:
The traditional bulky rectifying device is segmented into a lightweight substrate with integrated detecting components (piezo-resistive pressure sensors) and reminding components. This segmentation allows the device to maintain its rectifying function while significantly reducing weight and improving comfort for extended wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate serves multiple functions: it acts as the structural base for the device, integrates the detecting component to monitor stretch degree, and provides the platform for the reminding component. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate heavy components, resolving the contradiction between reliability and weight.
2Reliability
If traditional rectifying devices are designed to prevent body parts from being bent for long periods, then the rectifying function is achieved, but the devices lack a smart reminder feature
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting component continuously monitors the stretch degree of the substrate and provides real-time feedback to the reminding component. When the monitored stretch degree meets a preset condition (indicating prolonged bending), the reminding component transmits a reminding signal to alert the user, thus adding the missing smart reminder function while maintaining the rectifying function.
Solution Approach 2:
The passive mechanical rectifying device is replaced with an intelligent system that uses piezo-resistive pressure sensors (detecting component) to detect stretch degree and an electronic reminding component to transmit alerts. This substitution adds the reminder function while keeping the device lightweight.
3Measurement precision
If the detecting component is configured to have resistance increasing as the substrate is stretched, then the stretch degree can be detected, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detecting component utilizes the inherent piezo-resistive property of the substrate material itself, where the substrate's resistance naturally increases as it is stretched. This self-service approach allows stretch degree detection without requiring complex external sensing mechanisms, thus maintaining simplicity while achieving precise measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The detecting component measures stretch degree by monitoring changes in electrical resistance parameter of the substrate. As the substrate is stretched, its resistance increases, providing a direct electrical signal that correlates with the stretch degree. This parameter-based detection method is simple yet precise, avoiding complex mechanical measurement systems.
4Adaptability or versatility
If micro-needles with medicine shells are added to the substrate, then the medicine delivery function is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The micro-needles with medicine-filled shells are pre-fabricated and integrated into the substrate during the manufacturing process. The shells are prepared in advance with the medicine enclosed, and the micro-needles are arranged in arrays on the substrate before final assembly. This preliminary preparation simplifies the overall manufacturing by allowing parallel processing of different components.
Solution Approach 2:
The micro-needle structure combines multiple materials: the needle body material, the shell material (which is hydrolyzable), and the medicine. This composite structure allows the micro-needles to maintain integrity during storage and application, then release medicine upon contact with tissue fluid through controlled hydrolysis of the shell, achieving versatile medicine delivery without excessively complicating manufacturing.
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 smart patch effectively reminds users of prolonged bending, providing comfort and preventing injury while being lightweight and compact, with the micro-needles delivering medicine to alleviate soreness and promote blood circulation.
Implementation Method 1
the detecting component includes a piezo-resistive pressure sensor
Implementation Method 2
the micro-needle is configured, when puncturing into to a skin, to enable at least a part of the shell to be hydrolyzed so that the medicine in the shell contacts with tissue fluid of the human body
Data Source
AI summary
A smart patch and a method for fabricating the same are provided. The smart patch includes: a substrate, a detecting component arranged on the substrate, and a reminding component connected with the detecting component, wherein the detecting component is configured to detect a stretch degree of the substrate; and the reminding component is configured to transmit a reminding signal when the stretch degree of the substrate, detected by the detecting component, meets a preset condition.