Transdermal Patch Packaging with Heat-Activated Disposal

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Solution Overview

Problem

The disposal of used transdermal patches poses risks due to retained active ingredients, and existing methods like flushing them down the toilet or costly 'take back' programs are not considered secure or convenient.

Innovation Solution

A packaging system with separate compartments for new and used transdermal patches, featuring a disposal member with adhesive zones and heat-activated encapsulating materials to securely store and render used patches unusable.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If used transdermal patches are disposed of in the trash, then disposal convenience is improved, but safety is worsened due to retained active ingredients

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposal convenienceVSAvoidsafety risk from retained active ingredients

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging is divided into separate compartments: a first compartment for new patches and a second compartment for used patches. This segmentation allows users to easily separate and dispose of used patches in a dedicated space, improving disposal convenience while containing the safety risks within the sealed second compartment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A disposal member with adhesive zones acts as an intermediary between the used patch and the environment. The adhesive zones securely bond to the used patch, and when the disposal member is activated (e.g., by heat), it encapsulates and neutralizes the retained active ingredients, transforming the harmful object into a safe disposed form.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Speed

If used transdermal patches are flushed down the toilet, then disposal speed is improved, but environmental harm is worsened due to water supply contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedisposal speedVSAvoidwater supply contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The heat-activated encapsulating material transforms the thermal energy from a potential hazard into a beneficial disposal mechanism. When exposed to heat (e.g., from a microwave or heat source), the material melts and encapsulates the used patch, effectively neutralizing the active ingredients and preventing environmental contamination while maintaining rapid disposal.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #22Blessing in disguise (Convert harm into benefit)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If 'take back' programs are used for patch disposal, then safety is improved, but cost and complexity are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesafety from proper disposalVSAvoidprogram complexity and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The packaging system enables self-service disposal by incorporating all necessary disposal components directly in the container. Users can independently activate the heat-activated encapsulating material and seal the second compartment without requiring external take-back programs, eliminating program complexity and cost while maintaining safety through proper containment and neutralization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 packaging system securely isolates and renders used transdermal patches unusable, enhancing safety and convenience by facilitating secure disposal without the need for costly programs.

Implementation Method 1

heat-activated encapsulating materials to securely store and render used patches unusable

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeat-activated encapsulation: Melting

Implementation Method 2

a disposal member with adhesive zones

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectAdhesion: Adhesive

Data Source

PatentUS8925727B2Disposable transdermal patch packaging

Publication Date: 2015.01.06 SPECGX LLC

AI summary

A transdermal patch container (10) that includes a container body (16), a first compartment (24), and a second compartment (28) is disclosed. One or more first transdermal patches (34) may be stored in the first compartment (24). One or more second transdermal patches (36) may be stored in the second compartment (28). The first transdermal patches (34) differ from the second transdermal patches (36) in at least one respect. A number of features may be incorporated to reduce the potential of being able to withdraw second transdermal patches (36) out of the second compartment (28). For instance, second transdermal patches (36) may be required to be directed through a slot (44) to enter a second compartment (28i). A flap (66) may be positioned below such a slot (58) within a second storage compartment (28ii). A plurality of vertically spaced or staggered flaps (96) may be positioned within a second storage compartment (28iv).