Transdermal Patch Disposal System with Activated Carbon Adsorption
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Solution Overview
Problem
The improper disposal of pharmaceuticals, particularly transdermal patches, leads to environmental contamination and potential abuse due to residual drug compounds, posing risks to human health and wildlife, as well as challenges in safe disposal methods.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising a support with an activated carbon layer and adhesive for securely holding a pharmaceutical composition, which is designed to be used with a cover to safely dispose of pharmaceutical patches by adsorbing and neutralizing the active agents, utilizing activated carbon to inactivate the drugs and prevent their entry into the environment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If transdermal patches are disposed of in traditional methods (flushing or trash), then disposal convenience is improved, but environmental contamination and drug abuse risk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary substance (activated carbon or oxidizing agent) that mediates between the pharmaceutical patch and the environment. This intermediary captures or neutralizes the drug compound, allowing convenient disposal while preventing environmental contamination and abuse. The intermediary acts as a buffer that transforms the harmful drug residue into a safe form.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the harmful residual drug compound into a beneficial state by using activated carbon adsorption or oxidizing agents to neutralize it. The harmful pharmaceutical residue is transformed into an inert or non-active form, turning a potential environmental hazard into a safe disposal outcome while maintaining ease of use.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If activated carbon layer is used to adsorb pharmaceutical compounds, then environmental safety is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes porous activated carbon material to adsorb pharmaceutical compounds from the patch. The porous structure of activated carbon provides high surface area for drug capture, achieving effective neutralization in a thin layer that minimizes device thickness and complexity while maximizing environmental safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite material structures combining activated carbon or oxidizing agents with adhesive layers and protective barriers. These composites integrate multiple functions (adsorption, adhesion, containment) into unified material systems, reducing the need for separate components and simplifying overall device structure.
3Reliability
If adhesive is placed at perimeter area surrounding activated carbon layer, then pharmaceutical patch retention is improved, but risk of drug exposure during application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the adhesive function from the activated carbon layer by placing adhesive at the perimeter area surrounding the carbon layer rather than mixing them. This spatial segmentation allows the adhesive to secure the patch while the activated carbon layer remains positioned to capture any potential drug exposure, maintaining both retention stability and safety.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies different functional properties to different locations: adhesive material at the perimeter for secure attachment, and activated carbon in the central area for drug capture. This local quality differentiation optimizes each zone's function while preventing drug exposure during the adhesive bonding process.
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
Effectively inactivates and retains pharmaceutical compounds, preventing their release into the environment and misuse, providing a safe and environmentally friendly method for disposing of unused or expired medications.
Implementation Method 1
an activated carbon layer present on the surface... wherein the adhesive is present on a surface of the support at a perimeter area at least partially surrounding the activated carbon layer
Data Source
Figure 1A~1C
Figure 2A~2E
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
Devices for use in the disposal of pharmaceutical compositions are provided. Aspects of the devices include: a support having a surface; an activated carbon layer present on the surface; and an adhesive for stably associating a pharmaceutical composition with the activated carbon layer upon application of the pharmaceutical composition to the activated carbon layer. Also provided are methods of using the devices and kits containing the devices.