Thermoplastic Elastomer Phase Change Material for Heat and Active Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing post-surgical garments using hydrogels for thermal therapy and compression suffer from high thermal conductivity, discomfort due to uneven compressive forces, lack of durability, and quick desiccation, leading to reduced treatment efficacy and potential skin damage.
Innovation Solution
A thermoplastic elastomer composite with controlled delivery of fat-soluble active substances, utilizing a thermoplastic elastomer matrix with microcraters for even pressure distribution, durability, and controlled heat management, combined with silver-based antimicrobial agents for infection prevention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Temperature
If hydrogels are used for thermal therapy, then thermal conductivity is improved, but patient discomfort and skin damage increase due to excessive heat drawing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from hydrogel to thermoplastic elastomer, which fundamentally alters the thermal conductivity and heat capacity characteristics. This parameter change resolves the contradiction by providing a material that does not excessively draw heat from the body, thereby reducing patient discomfort and skin damage while still enabling thermal therapy functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable thermoplastic elastomer articles that are pre-formed and discarded after single use. This approach eliminates the need for complex temperature control systems and reduces the risk of skin damage from prolonged or improperly controlled thermal contact, while maintaining effective thermal therapy through the material's inherent thermal properties.
2Ease of manufacture
If hydrogels are used for compression therapy, then ease of manufacture is improved, but compressive force distribution becomes uneven leading to reduced treatment efficacy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from hydrogel to thermoplastic elastomer, which possesses inherent elastic recovery properties. This parameter change enables the material to uniformly distribute compressive forces when applied to the body, as the elastomer conforms to body contours and maintains even pressure distribution, thereby improving treatment efficacy while remaining manufacturable through molding processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The thermoplastic elastomer articles are designed with curved or contoured shapes that match body anatomy. This curvature design enables the compression garment to conform to body surfaces and distribute pressure evenly, resolving the issue of uneven compressive force distribution that plagues flat hydrogel applications.
3Ease of manufacture
If hydrogels are used for compression therapy, then ease of manufacture is improved, but durability decreases due to lack of tear strength
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material composition from hydrogel to thermoplastic elastomer, which fundamentally improves mechanical strength parameters including tear strength and elasticity. The elastomer's cross-linked polymer structure provides inherent durability and resistance to tearing, while still allowing for relatively simple manufacturing through molding processes, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and durability.
4Use of energy by moving object
If hydrogels are used for thermal therapy, then heat capacity is improved, but lifespan decreases due to quick desiccation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material from hydrogel to thermoplastic elastomer, which eliminates the desiccation problem inherent in water-based gels. The elastomer's non-aqueous composition provides inherent moisture resistance and durability, extending the lifespan of the compression garment while maintaining thermal therapy capabilities through the material's heat capacity and thermal conductivity properties.
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 solution provides effective thermal therapy with reduced discomfort, enhanced durability, and controlled delivery of active substances, while preventing infections, thereby promoting healing and reducing post-surgical complications.
Implementation Method 1
This thermoplastic elastomer changes phase at a temperature that is acceptable for skin contact. This allows for utilization of the latent heat of fusion that occurs at the phase change temperature.
Implementation Method 2
This allows for utilization of the latent heat of fusion that occurs at the phase change temperature.
Implementation Method 3
While being heated, the elastomer softens, becoming formable.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing a therapeutic material incorporating a soft thermoformable elastomer with a phase change material exhibiting high latent heat of fusion. The compound provides elasticity, softness, formability, and heat over an extended duration and to facilitate prolonged skin contact at elevated temperatures. Used in combination with active ingredients the increased temperature and formability provides enhanced transdermal delivery through the skin. Thermoplastic elastomers may be manufactured by mixing together plasticizing oil, a triblock copolymer, a paraffinic substance and one or more additives, e.g., an antioxidant, an antimicrobial agent, and/or other additives to form a mixture which melted then cooled into the thermoplastic elastomer. During cooling, the thermoplastic elastomer may be molded or otherwise formed into any number of articles including, but not limited to, prosthetic liners, prosthetic sleeves, external breast prostheses, breast enhancement bladders, masks, wound dressing sheets, wound dressing pads, socks, gloves, malleolus pads, metatarsal pads, shoe insoles, urinary catheters, vascular catheters, and balloons for medical catheters both vascular as well as urinary. Active ingredients are preferably added to the cooling thermoplastic elastomer when the temperature is below 100° F. to prevent heat degradation and/or breakdown of vital proteins.