Thermo-responsive polymer film for controlled skin composition delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing topical skin compositions applied manually can be messy and inefficient, and may irritate fragile skin, as they often require direct hand contact and can be difficult to apply carefully and controlledly, especially to hard-to-reach areas.
Innovation Solution
A delivery product utilizing a thermo-responsive polymer film that is solid at ambient temperature but degrades at body temperature, allowing for the controlled release of topical skin compositions without the need for manual application, which can be integrated into absorbent articles or used as an insert for targeted skin treatment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If topical compositions are applied manually by hand or applicator, then the composition can be applied to the skin, but the application becomes messy and creates waste
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the topical composition from manual application by embedding it in a polymer film that transfers to the skin. The composition is taken out of the traditional cream/lotion form and delivered through a controlled film transfer mechanism, eliminating the mess and waste associated with manual application.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer film serves as an intermediary between the composition and the skin. Instead of applying composition directly with hands or applicators, the film acts as a mediator that holds the composition and transfers it cleanly to the skin surface, solving the mess and waste problems.
2Ease of operation
If topical compositions are applied manually, then the composition can be applied to the skin, but the skin may be irritated by direct contact
Solution Approach 1:
The polymer film serves as a protective intermediary that contacts the skin instead of hands or applicators. This eliminates direct mechanical contact that can irritate fragile or compromised skin, while still delivering the therapeutic composition effectively.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible polymer film that can conform to the skin surface and deliver composition without rough mechanical contact. The thin film structure allows gentle application that won't irritate sensitive or compromised skin barriers.
3Ease of operation
If manual application is used, then the composition can be applied, but it is difficult to apply carefully to hard-to-reach areas
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the application function from manual dexterity requirements by using a film that can be positioned and transferred to hard-to-reach areas without requiring precise manual manipulation. The film delivers composition accurately to targeted areas regardless of accessibility.
4Duration of action of moving object
If a polymer film degrades at body temperature, then controlled release is achieved, but the film must be stable at ambient temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses temperature as a critical parameter that triggers film degradation. The polymer is selected to be stable at ambient temperature (below transition temperature) but degrades at body temperature (above transition temperature), enabling controlled release based on the temperature parameter change when the film contacts the skin.
Solution Approach 2:
The polymer film undergoes a phase transition at its glass transition temperature. Below Tg, the film is stable and maintains structural integrity; above Tg (at body temperature), the film becomes more flexible and degrades, releasing the embedded composition in a controlled manner.
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
Enables gentle, controlled, and mess-free application of skin compositions to sensitive areas, reducing waste and irritation, while allowing for tailored release durations and suitability for use with compromised dexterity or skin conditions.
Implementation Method 1
Once contacted with the skin, the thermo-responsive polymer film increases in temperature due to absorbing body heat
Implementation Method 2
the thermo-responsive polymer film degrades releasing the topical skin composition or otherwise disassociating from the topical skin composition
Data Source
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AI summary
A delivery product is used to deliver a skin composition to the skin of a user. The delivery product includes a thermo-responsive polymer film. The polymer film is solid at room temperature but, once contacted with the skin, increases in temperature and degrades. A skin composition is associated with the polymer film. The skin composition can be applied to a surface of the film or can be incorporated into the film. The skin composition is released by the polymer film for treating the skin of the user.