Transdermal Current-Carrying Patch With Enzymatic Current Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing current-carrying patches do not effectively improve remedial effects on target parts of the body, and there is a need for a patch that can provide therapeutic benefits such as pain alleviation with controlled current density to avoid user discomfort.
Innovation Solution
A transdermal current-carrying patch with a biobattery system using enzymes and conductive sponges to generate a DC current with a current density of 0.5 μA/cm² to 500 μA/cm², optimized to improve remedial effects while minimizing user discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a very small amount of current (0.1 μA to 5 μA) is generated by the current-carrying patch, then the patch can be used for treatment without user discomfort, but the remedial effect on the target part is not verified and remains unknown
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by optimizing the current density to a specific range (0.5 μA/cm² to 500 μA/cm²) and controlling the voltage output (0.1 V to 5 V) of the biobattery. This resolves the contradiction by finding the optimal parameter window that provides both therapeutic effectiveness and user comfort, transforming the unverified remedial effect into a controlled and reliable treatment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs dynamics by using a biobattery system that can dynamically adjust current output based on enzymatic reactions with substrates applied to the patch. The current-generating capability changes over time as the enzymatic reactions proceed, allowing the patch to adapt its therapeutic output while maintaining safety limits, thus achieving both reliability and comfort.
2Reliability
If the current density is increased to improve remedial effect, then the therapeutic benefit increases, but the user may feel stimulation and discomfort
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves this contradiction by establishing and maintaining current density within the optimized range of 0.5 μA/cm² to 500 μA/cm². This parameter control ensures that the current is high enough to produce therapeutic effects (avoiding the unverified low-current regime) while staying below the threshold that causes noticeable stimulation and discomfort to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms through the biobattery system where the current output is continuously influenced by the enzymatic reaction rates. The system naturally regulates current flow based on the biochemical reactions occurring at the electrodes, providing a self-adjusting mechanism that maintains therapeutic effectiveness while preventing excessive current that would cause discomfort.
3Reliability
If a DC current with current density of 0.5 μA/cm² or more is used to improve remedial effect, then the therapeutic benefit is enhanced, but the patch must be designed to prevent stimulation at higher current densities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies parameter changes by designing the biobattery and electrode system to operate within specific voltage (0.1 V to 5 V) and current density (0.5 μA/cm² to 500 μA/cm²) ranges. These parameter constraints enable the patch to deliver effective therapeutic current while preventing the stimulation threshold from being exceeded, thus allowing safe long-term attachment and use.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs beforehand cushioning by designing the electrical circuit and biobattery with built-in current limiting capabilities before deployment. The system is pre-configured with resistance values and voltage limits that prevent current from exceeding safe levels, cushioning against the potential harm of over-stimulation before it can occur during long-term use.
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 enhanced therapeutic benefits by maintaining a controlled current density, allowing long-term attachment without user discomfort, thereby improving remedial effects on target areas.
Implementation Method 1
at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode carries an enzyme that catalyzes an oxidation-reduction reaction
Implementation Method 2
at least one of the positive electrode and the negative electrode carries an enzyme that catalyzes an oxidation-reduction reaction
Implementation Method 3
a conductive sponge that comes into contact with the positive electrode and the negative electrode to correspond to the positive electrode and the negative electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A transdermal current-carrying patch 1 includes an electrode body 10 having an anode electrode 11 and a cathode electrode 12, and conductive portions 20A and 20B disposed to come into contact with the electrode body 10. In the transdermal current-carrying patch 1, the anode electrode 11 and the cathode electrode 12 are brought into contact with a target part of a subject via the conductive portions 20A and 20B to form an electric circuit that generates a weak current to flow through the target part. The weak current flowing through the living body by the electric circuit is a DC current having a current density of 0.5 μA/cm2 or more and less than 500 μA/cm2.