Transdermal Delivery Device Ultrasonic Energy Transfer Efficiency
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Solution Overview
Problem
Prior art ionosonic devices suffer from inefficiency in delivering ultrasonic energy to the desired tissue surface due to reflective effects and impedance matching issues, leading to suboptimal medicament delivery.
Innovation Solution
A medical device featuring a reservoir for medicaments, a current driver coupled with electrodes, and an oscillation driver for a vibrational element, where the electrodes and vibrational elements form channels for efficient ultrasonic energy transfer, with the vibrational element being piezoelectric and configured to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies, enhancing medicament penetration through the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If prior art ionosonic devices are used to deliver ultrasonic energy through the skin, then medicament delivery is achieved, but the efficiency of ultrasonic energy transfer is reduced due to reflective effects and impedance matching issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary coupling medium between the ultrasonic transducer and the skin surface to eliminate air gaps and improve acoustic coupling. This mediator facilitates more efficient transfer of ultrasonic energy from the transducer through the skin into the tissue, reducing reflective effects at interfaces and improving overall energy delivery efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies physical parameters of the ultrasonic delivery system, including adjusting the frequency, amplitude, and duty cycle of ultrasonic vibrations. By optimizing these parameters and matching them to the acoustic impedance of the skin and underlying tissues, the system achieves improved energy transfer efficiency while minimizing reflections and maximizing medicament penetration.
2Reliability
If traditional iontophoretic devices are used for medicament delivery, then transdermal delivery is achieved, but the penetration depth and delivery efficacy are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges iontophoresis (electrical field-driven drug delivery) with ultrasonic vibration technology into a single integrated device. The combination allows simultaneous application of electrical current for iontophoretic transport and ultrasonic vibrations for enhanced skin penetration, creating a synergistic effect that overcomes the limitations of either technique alone and achieves deeper, faster medicament delivery.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanical ultrasonic vibrations to the skin surface during medicament delivery. These high-frequency vibrations temporarily disrupt the skin barrier structure, increase permeability, and facilitate faster penetration of medicaments through the stratum corneum, thereby enhancing both the speed and efficacy of transdermal delivery.
3Area of stationary object
If single-line iontophoretic devices are used, then localized treatment is achieved, but the coverage area is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the treatment area into multiple zones with separate electrode lines and ultrasonic transducer elements arranged in arrays. Each segment can be independently controlled to deliver medicament to specific regions, allowing coverage of large surface areas while maintaining high delivery rates through parallel operation of multiple segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional device that can treat various conditions across different body areas using the same platform. The device incorporates multiple electrode configurations and ultrasonic elements that can be adapted for localized treatment of small areas or expanded for broader coverage, making it universally applicable to diverse clinical needs while maintaining productivity.
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 device achieves greater efficiency in electrode and ultrasonic energy transfer, leading to enhanced medicament delivery and increased efficacy in treating conditions such as herpetic infections and dental anesthesia by improving skin penetration and tissue absorption.
Implementation Method 1
the vibrational element is piezoelectric and configured to vibrate at ultrasonic frequencies
Implementation Method 2
Iontophoresis involves the application of an electromotive force to drive or repel oppositely charged ions through the dermal layers into the area to be treated
Implementation Method 3
an oscillation driver for a vibrational element; where the electrodes and vibrational elements form channels for efficient ultrasonic energy transfer
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device for administering a medicament is disclosed that includes a reservoir for storing the medicament, a current driver electrically coupled to an electrode, and an oscillation driver electrically coupled to a vibrational element. The electrode forms multiple channels in fluid communication with the reservoir. A method of administering a medicament is also provided.