4-Way Stretch Therapeutic Patch for Joint Adhesion and Drug Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current transdermal and topical patches suffer from poor adhesion, especially when applied to moving joints and muscles, leading to detachment and uneven delivery of therapeutic agents due to limitations in stretchability and adhesive properties, which restrict movement and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A highly elastic 4-way stretch patch composed of nylon and spandex fabric with an adhesive layer containing active agents, designed for sustained release, featuring a fabric layer that stretches up to 150-200% in both longitudinal and transverse directions, and a strong adhesive layer with acrylic-based additives for improved adhesion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If 2-way stretch fabric is used in therapeutic tapes, then the tape can stretch in the longitudinal direction, but it cannot stretch in the transverse direction, which creates limitation during complex movements and results in higher detachment rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the stretch parameter from 2-way (longitudinal only) to 4-way (both longitudinal and transverse) by selecting fabric with specific elastane content (5-30%) and weave structure, enabling the therapeutic tape to stretch in both directions and adapt to complex movements without detaching
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite fabric materials combining nylon (70-95%) and spandex/elastane (5-30%) to achieve both transverse and longitudinal stretch capabilities while maintaining durability and adhesion resistance during movement
2Adaptability or versatility
If 4-way stretch therapeutic tapes are used, then the tape is stretchable in both transverse and longitudinal directions, but the recoil force is too high, causing the patch to fail and detach or restrict movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the elastane content parameter (5-30%) and fabric construction to achieve the right balance between stretchability and recoil force, ensuring the tape can stretch with skin movement but returns gently without causing detachment or discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different material properties to different parts of the tape construction, using specific fabric weights, adhesive formulations, and layer configurations to locally manage stretch and recoil characteristics in the transverse versus longitudinal directions
3Quantity of substance
If aqueous base patches are used, then the patches can deliver therapeutic agents, but they are heavier and thicker, which impacts movement and increases the likelihood of peeling/detaching from the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the base formulation from aqueous to non-aqueous, reducing the patch weight and thickness parameters while maintaining therapeutic agent delivery capability through the adhesive matrix system
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses composite adhesive formulations combining polymer matrices with therapeutic agents, achieving effective drug delivery in a lighter, thinner format that does not restrict movement or increase detachment risk
4Ease of operation
If patches are applied to moving joints and muscles, then the patches can treat the target area, but the patches detach due to insufficient stretchability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent increases the stretch parameter of the fabric from conventional limits to 150-200% in both transverse and longitudinal directions, matching the stretch characteristics of skin over joints and muscles, thereby maintaining adhesion during full range of motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a dynamic system where the fabric continuously adapts its stretch and recoil properties to match the movement of the underlying skin and muscle, maintaining constant contact and therapeutic delivery during activity
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 patch provides sustained and uniform delivery of therapeutic agents while maintaining adhesion to the skin, accommodating movement without detachment, ensuring effective and comfortable application.
Implementation Method 1
an adhesive layer on said face side of the base layer... wherein said adhesive layer attaches the patch to the skin of the user
Implementation Method 2
a fabric layer stretchable in both directions along a longitudinal axis of the patch and stretchable in both directions along a transverse axis of the patch... The patch is stretchable to at least 150% or at least 200% of a relaxed length of the patch
Implementation Method 3
an active agent dispersed in said adhesive layer... provides sustained release of the active agent to the skin
Data Source
AI summary
The subject invention relates to a therapeutic patch, its manufacture and use wherein the patch comprises: a fabric layer made of synthetic fibers stretchable in both directions along a substantially orthogonal transverse axis of the patch, an adhesive layer on said face side of the base layer, an active agent dispersed in said adhesive layer, and optionally, a penetration enhancing agent in said adhesive layer.