Thread-Based Integrated Functional Devices for 3D Tissue Interface

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing wearable and implantable diagnostic devices are limited by their two-dimensional integration, which restricts their ability to move within three-dimensional spaces and interface effectively with biological tissues.

Innovation Solution

Integration of various components onto a flexible, one-dimensional thread structure, forming a composite thread that can be used as a microfluidic channel and sensor platform, enabling intimate interaction with biological tissues and wireless data transmission.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If devices are integrated into a two-dimensional manifold, then device integration is achieved, but the ability to move through three-dimensional space and interface with biological tissues is restricted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveability to interface with biological tissuesVSAvoidtwo-dimensional manifold structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from two-dimensional planar integration to one-dimensional thread-based integration. This dimensional reduction allows the device to conform to three-dimensional biological structures and move freely within tissue spaces, fundamentally resolving the contradiction between integration capability and three-dimensional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Solution Approach 2:

The thread structure acts as a flexible one-dimensional manifold that can be easily moved through three-dimensional space and interfaced with biological tissues. The flexibility and thin profile of the thread enable it to navigate complex three-dimensional environments while maintaining device integration.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

2Ease of operation

If a rigid planar structure is used, then structural stability is maintained, but devices cannot move relative to each other and adapt to three-dimensional spaces

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemovability through three-dimensional spaceVSAvoidstructural stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The rigid planar structure is replaced with a flexible thread-based one-dimensional manifold. This flexible structure can be easily moved through three-dimensional space while maintaining structural integrity through the thread's inherent strength and the integrated device architecture.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If components are integrated onto a thread, then three-dimensional mobility and tissue interface capability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvethree-dimensional mobilityVSAvoidcomposite thread structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple functional components are merged into a single one-dimensional thread structure. By integrating sensors, microfluidic channels, and communication components onto a single thread, the patent achieves three-dimensional mobility while managing complexity through consolidation rather than multiplication of separate components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The thread-based platform serves multiple functions: structural support, sensor integration, microfluidic transport, and wireless communication. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby managing overall device complexity while enhancing three-dimensional adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This approach allows for the monitoring of physiochemical properties and the delivery of payloads, enhancing the ability to diagnose and monitor conditions such as wound healing, pH, glucose levels, and temperature within three-dimensional biological environments.

Implementation Method 1

The wicking property of such threads permits their use as microfluidic channels within such a composite thread

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectWicking: Capillary Action

Implementation Method 2

Exemplary sensors are those used to measure mechanical properties, such as strain, and chemical properties, such as gastric and subcutaneous pH

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectStrain sensing: Piezoresistive Effect

Implementation Method 3

Exemplary sensors are those used to measure mechanical properties, such as strain, and chemical properties, such as gastric and subcutaneous pH

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectpH sensing:

Implementation Method 4

The outer layer can be a polydimethylsiloxane layer. Also among these embodiments are those in which the second coating is selected to protect the first coating from delamination during stretching and relaxation of the elastic thread

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDelamination prevention: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS11484262B2Thread-based integrated functional devices

Publication Date: 2022.11.01 TRUSTEES OF TUFTS COLLEGE

AI summary

A composite thread includes first and second segments joined to each other. The first segment comprises a functional segment that interacts with an environment of the thread. The second segment communicates information between the first segment and a point external to said composite thread.