Transdermal Microneedle Patch With Segmented Covers

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing transdermal sensors are not durable, require frequent replacement, and lack the ability to store data, leading to inefficiencies in monitoring physiological conditions and medication effectiveness due to continuous testing needs and power wastage.

Innovation Solution

A transdermal microneedle array patch design with detachable covers, where the microneedle group collection is on the bottom cover and the signal processing and power supply units are on the top cover, forming a closed circuit to enable long-term monitoring without replacing the signal processing unit, allowing for data storage and power conservation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If transdermal sensors are used for single-use testing, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity and resource waste increase due to frequent replacement

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The transdermal sensor system is divided into two separable modules: a reusable top cover containing the signal processing unit and power supply, and a disposable bottom cover containing the microneedle array. This segmentation allows the complex signal processing components to be reused while only the consumable microneedle portion is replaced, reducing overall system complexity and resource waste.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The design enables recovery and reuse of the valuable signal processing unit and power supply components by discarding only the consumable microneedle array. The reusable top cover can be paired with multiple new bottom covers, recovering expensive components from single-use sensors and eliminating the need to replace the entire sensor assembly after each test.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

2Reliability

If continuous testing is performed with frequent sensor replacement, then measurement continuity is improved, but energy consumption increases due to repeated system initialization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring continuityVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The reusable top cover maintains continuous operation by keeping the signal processing unit and power supply active across multiple testing sessions. Only the bottom cover needs replacement, allowing the system to maintain continuous monitoring capability without repeated system initialization, thereby reducing energy consumption while ensuring measurement continuity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

3Measurement precision

If complete sensor replacement is performed for each test, then measurement accuracy is improved, but data loss occurs and operational efficiency decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidoperational efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The system recovers the top cover containing the signal processing unit and data storage capabilities after each test. This allows continuous data accumulation and eliminates data loss that would occur with complete sensor replacement, while maintaining measurement accuracy through the reusable precision components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

4Ease of operation

If detachable cover design is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to additional assembly components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereplacement convenienceVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor is segmented into two covers that connect through simple mechanical interfaces. The bottom cover with microneedles can be easily detached and replaced by users without requiring complex tools or procedures, significantly improving ease of operation while adding minimal structural complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 easy replacement of the microneedle group collection without replacing the signal processing unit, avoids test interruptions, eliminates data loss, and conserves power by allowing adjustable turn-on times, facilitating long-term monitoring and resource conservation.

Implementation Method 1

enable an analyte in the subcutaneous interstitial fluid to electrochemically react with enzymes on the microneedle group collection, and electrical signals resulting from the reaction are subsequently read by the signal processing unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentUS11278217B2Transdermal microneedle array patch

Publication Date: 2022.03.22 RICHHEALTH TECH CORP

AI summary

Provided is a transdermal microneedle array patch, including: a bottom cover; a top cover; a substrate disposed within the top cover; and a first probe and a second probe disposed between the bottom cover and the top cover and electrically connected the substrate. The first and second probes form an open circuit. While the bottom cover is combined with the top cover to form the transdermal microneedle array patch, the first and second probes form a closed circuit.