Needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves

Abstract

A needleless injector based on underwater discharge using a shock wave according to an embodiment of the present application is characterized by including a pressure chamber storing a driving fluid, a drug solution chamber connected to the pressure chamber and storing a drug solution, a pressure transmission part provided between the pressure chamber and the drug solution chamber and applying a propelling pressure to the drug solution stored in the drug solution chamber when a volume of the pressure chamber is expanded, an ejection part provided at one side of the drug solution chamber and discharging the drug solution, and an electrode part generating a bubble in the driving fluid stored in the pressure chamber and causing a breakdown, thereby expanding the volume of the pressure chamber.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves. Background Technology

[0002] A drug delivery system is a system designed to minimize the side effects of existing methods and maximize the therapeutic effects of pharmaceuticals used to treat diseases or wounds in order to effectively deliver the required amount of drug into the body.

[0003] While the most widely used injection method in drug delivery systems can accurately and effectively inject drugs, it also has problems such as injection phobia caused by pain during injection, infection risks due to reuse, and the generation of a large amount of medical waste.

[0004] To address this problem, drug delivery methods such as needle-free injectors are being developed.

[0005] For example, one type of needle-free injection technology is driven fluid injection technology, which involves applying a shock wave through laser or electromagnetic waves to the driven fluid to cause the fluid to expand thermally, and using the pressure generated at this time to generate a high-speed driven fluid jet, thereby injecting the driven fluid into the skin.

[0006] However, the driving fluid injection technology generates shock waves within the driving fluid, which makes it difficult to accurately adjust the thermal conductivity based on the density and temperature of the driving fluid, i.e., it is difficult to accurately adjust the degree of expansion of the driving fluid.

[0007] Furthermore, the use of high-energy laser pulses with short pulse widths to generate shock waves within the driving fluid necessitates laser equipment, leading to increased equipment size and cost. Additionally, the need for numerous optical systems to irradiate the driving fluid results in potential damage to these systems. Summary of the Invention

[0008] Technical issues

[0009] The present invention is proposed to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. The purpose of the present invention is to provide a needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves, which can be implemented with small and economical equipment and can prevent damage to the optical system.

[0010] The technical problems to be solved by the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above. Other technical problems not mentioned can be clearly understood by those skilled in the art from the following description.

[0011] Technical solution

[0012] A needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves, according to an embodiment of the present invention, is characterized by comprising: a pressure chamber storing a driving fluid; a drug chamber connected to the pressure chamber and storing a drug solution; a pressure transmission unit disposed between the pressure chamber and the drug solution chamber, which applies a propulsion pressure to the drug solution stored in the drug solution chamber when the volume of the pressure chamber expands; a jetting unit disposed on one side of the drug solution chamber and discharging the drug solution; and an electrode unit that generates bubbles and causes breakdown in the driving fluid stored in the pressure chamber, thereby causing the volume of the pressure chamber to expand.

[0013] Furthermore, the electrode portion may include: a first electrode and a second electrode to generate the shock wave; and an insulating portion sandwiched between the first electrode and the second electrode.

[0014] Furthermore, the first electrode, the second electrode, and the insulating portion may each have different lengths.

[0015] Furthermore, the ends of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the insulating portion arranged outside the pressure chamber can each be arranged with a stepped difference.

[0016] Furthermore, the shock wave can be a pulsed shock wave.

[0017] Furthermore, the pressure transmission part can be an elastic plate.

[0018] Furthermore, the first electrode can be inserted inside the insulating part; and the second electrode can be arranged on the outer surface of the insulating part.

[0019] Furthermore, the needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves may further include: a drive fluid storage section storing drive fluid; and a drive fluid circulation section circulating the drive fluid stored in the drive fluid storage section and the drive fluid stored in the pressure chamber.

[0020] Furthermore, the needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves may also include: a drug storage section storing drug solution supplied to the drug solution chamber; and a check valve to prevent the drug solution contained in the drug solution chamber from flowing back to the drug storage section.

[0021] Furthermore, the needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves may further include: a power unit that supplies pulsed power to the electrode unit; the power unit may include: a power supply unit; an electrical storage unit that stores the voltage and current supplied by the power supply unit as electrical energy; and a switch that converts the electrical energy stored in the electrical storage unit into pulsed power and applies it to the electrode unit.

[0022] Technical effect

[0023] The needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves according to an embodiment of the present invention has the advantages of being able to be implemented with small and economical devices and being able to prevent damage to the optical system.

[0024] The effects of the present invention are not limited to those mentioned above, and those skilled in the art will clearly understand other effects not mentioned below through the description below. Attached Figure Description

[0025] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a needleless injector based on underwater discharge utilizing shock waves according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the electrode portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the electrode portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Figures 4 to 5 This is an operational diagram illustrating a needleless injector based on underwater discharge utilizing shock waves, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0029] References and Appendix Figure 1 The advantages and features of the invention, as well as the methods for achieving them, will become clear from the detailed embodiments described below. However, the invention can be implemented in many different forms and is not limited to the embodiments disclosed below. The purpose of providing these embodiments is to fully disclose the invention and to fully inform those skilled in the art of the scope of the invention, which is defined only by the scope of the claims.

[0030] The terminology used in this specification is for illustrative purposes and not for limiting the invention. In this specification, unless specifically stated otherwise, the singular includes the plural. The terms "comprises" and / or "comprising" as used in this specification do not exclude the presence or addition of more than one of the mentioned constituent elements. Throughout the specification, the same reference numerals refer to the same constituent elements, and "and / or" includes each and all combinations of more than one of the mentioned constituent elements. Although "first," "second," etc., are used to describe multiple constituent elements, these constituent elements are obviously not limited to these terms. These terms are only used to distinguish one constituent element from another. Therefore, the first constituent element mentioned below can obviously also be a second constituent element within the technical concept of this invention.

[0031] Unless otherwise defined, all terms used in this specification (including technical and scientific terms) are to be understood in a meaning commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this invention pertains. Furthermore, terms as defined in commonly used dictionaries should not be interpreted ideally or excessively unless specifically defined otherwise.

[0032] Hereinafter, embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings.

[0033] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram illustrating a needleless injector based on underwater discharge utilizing shock waves, according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 2 This is a perspective view showing the electrode portion according to an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 3 This is a perspective view showing the electrode portion according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0034] like Figure 1 As shown, a needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves according to an embodiment of the present invention includes a pressure chamber 10, a drug chamber 20, a jetting section 21, a pressure transmission section 30, a power section 40, and an electrode section 50.

[0035] The pressure chamber 10 and the liquid medicine chamber 20 can be constructed using a single shell, and a pressure transmission part 30 is arranged between the pressure chamber 10 and the liquid medicine chamber 20.

[0036] The pressure chamber 10 can contain a driving fluid containing dissolved gas. Specifically, the pressure chamber 10 has a sealed containment space in which the driving fluid containing dissolved gas is contained.

[0037] As an example, the driving fluid can be water with dissolved gas. However, the presence of electrolytes or conductive substances in the water may cause voltage loss in the pulse shock wave. Therefore, it is preferable to use deionized water, pure water, or ultrapure water that has been deionized and purified to remove ions and impurities.

[0038] As another example, the driving fluid can be a liquid substance such as a polymeric sol or gel, like ethanol or polyethylene glycol.

[0039] The pressure chamber 10 is not particularly limited, but it is preferably formed in a cylindrical shape. The electrode part 50, which will be described later, is embedded on one side of the pressure chamber 10, and the pressure transmission part 30, which will be described later, is provided on the other side of the pressure chamber 10.

[0040] The liquid medicine chamber 20 contains the liquid medicine. Specifically, the liquid medicine chamber 20 has a sealed containment space in which the liquid medicine is contained.

[0041] The liquid medicine chamber 20 can be formed into a cylindrical shape. A pressure transmission part 30 (described later) is provided on one side of the liquid medicine chamber 20, and a spraying part 21 (described later) is provided on the other side of the liquid medicine chamber 20.

[0042] The pressure transmission unit 30 is an elastic plate disposed between the pressure chamber 10 and the liquid medicine chamber 20. It functions to apply propulsion pressure to the liquid medicine stored in the liquid medicine chamber 20 by elongating and deforming when the volume of the pressure chamber 10 expands.

[0043] The pressure transmission part 30 can be made of a thin-film rubber material, such as natural rubber or synthetic rubber that is harmless to the human body. Alternatively, the pressure transmission part 30 can be made of silicone.

[0044] The injection section 21 is provided on one side of the liquid medicine chamber 20 and discharges the liquid medicine. Specifically, when the volume of the pressure chamber 10 expands and the pressure transmission section 30 elongates and deforms to apply a propulsion pressure to the liquid medicine stored in the liquid medicine chamber 20, the liquid medicine can be discharged through the injection section 21.

[0045] For example, the spray section 21 can be formed in the shape of a hole. Furthermore, the spray section 21 can be formed in a shape that protrudes annularly from the outside of the liquid chamber 20. Additionally, the accompanying drawings show an example where the spray section 21 is located at the lower end of the liquid chamber 20 and sprays liquid downwards, but the invention is not limited thereto.

[0046] The drug spraying speed is determined based on the diameter of the spraying part 21. For example, the diameter of the spraying part 21 can be from 50 micrometers to 1000 micrometers. However, if the diameter of the spraying part 21 is less than 50 micrometers, the amount of drug sprayed from the spraying part 21 is relatively small, and the drug may not be able to penetrate to a sufficient depth into the deep layers of the skin. If the diameter of the spraying part 21 is greater than 1000 micrometers, the amount of drug sprayed from the spraying part 21 is relatively large, and with a relatively large amount of drug ejected from the skin surface, drug waste may be increased. Therefore, the diameter of the spraying part 21 is preferably limited to the above-mentioned values.

[0047] The power unit 40 functions to generate pulsed power instantaneously by operating the voltage charged to the capacitor via the switch 43, and then transmits this pulsed power to the electrode unit 50. Here, pulsed power means high-voltage electrical energy.

[0048] The power unit 40 may include a power supply unit 41, an energy storage unit 42, and a switch 43.

[0049] The power supply unit 41 can be a generator. Such a generator converts AC voltage to DC voltage and supplies it to the energy storage unit 42.

[0050] The energy storage unit 42 stores electrical energy from the voltage and current supplied by the power supply unit 41. For example, the energy storage unit 42 can use a capacitor or an inductor.

[0051] Switch 43 applies a pulse power that instantaneously (e.g., a few microseconds) boosts the electrical energy charged to the electrical storage unit 42 from a low voltage to a high voltage to the electrode unit 50. Here, the user can use switch 43 to adjust the voltage intensity of the pulse power, thereby adjusting the pulse width of the pulse shock wave generated in the electrode unit 50. At this time, the user can use the switch to adjust the pulse width of the pulse power from several seconds to several nanoseconds.

[0052] Additionally, the power unit 40 may also include circuitry for maintaining the formation of the generated pulse. Preferably, this circuitry can be a pulse forming network (PFN) and can prevent the formation of the square pulse from collapsing due to parasitic inductance, thereby maintaining the pulse formation.

[0053] The electrode section 50 is connected to one side of the pressure chamber 10, receives pulsed power from the power section 40, applies high-voltage current to the driving fluid, induces electrolysis of the driving fluid stored in the pressure chamber 10 to generate bubbles, and causes breakdown (insulation failure) in the generated bubbles, thereby generating a shock wave and a cavity in the pressure chamber 10, causing the volume of the pressure chamber 10 to expand. Here, the shock wave can be a pulsed shock wave. Here, the cavity can be a region formed by bubbles generated inside the pressure chamber 10.

[0054] Specifically, when the electrode section 50 applies a high-voltage current to the driving fluid, bubbles are generated due to the electrolysis of the driving fluid. As these bubbles break down, the cavity created in the pressure chamber 10 expands instantaneously and then disappears, thereby generating a shock wave and expanding the volume of the pressure chamber 10. As described above, when the volume of the pressure chamber 10 expands, the pressure transmission section 30 extends and deforms toward the liquid medicine chamber 20, thus applying a propulsion pressure to the liquid medicine stored in the liquid medicine chamber 20, thereby enabling the liquid medicine to be discharged through the injection section 21.

[0055] In addition, the application of high voltage from the power unit 40 to the electrode unit 50 can be achieved by a control unit such as a microcomputer.

[0056] The electrode portion 50 may include a first electrode 51, a second electrode 52, and an insulating portion 53.

[0057] The first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are connected to one side of the pressure chamber 10 and in contact with the driving fluid, and receive pulse power from the power unit 40. For example, the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 may be electrode bodies that can be applied with a + voltage and a - voltage, respectively.

[0058] An insulating portion 53 is sandwiched between the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52, serving to insulate the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 from each other. For example, the insulating portion 53 can be formed as a ring, with a cylindrical first electrode 51 inserted inside, and a ring-shaped second electrode 52 arranged on the outer surface of the insulating portion 53. Furthermore, the inner surface of the insulating portion 53 may or may not be in contact with the first electrode 51, and the outer surface of the insulating portion 53 may or may not be in contact with the second electrode 52. Moreover, because the insulating portion 53 surrounds the first electrode 51 and is isolated from the outside, rapid Joule heating is possible, thereby enabling the rapid generation of bubbles in the driving fluid.

[0059] When pulsed power is supplied to the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52, the driving fluid around the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 undergoes electrolysis, thereby generating bubbles. At the same time, since the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are separated by the insulating part 53, the bubbles generated around the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52, together with the sparks, cause breakdown.

[0060] Furthermore, the ends of the first electrode 51, the second electrode 52, and the insulating portion 53 that are in contact with the driving fluid can be arranged side by side. Therefore, since the ends of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 are arranged very close together, as a very strong spark is generated between the ends of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52, it is easier for the driving fluid to break down between the ends of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52.

[0061] Furthermore, one end of the first electrode 51 is not particularly limited, but can be formed into a conical shape. In this case, as the pulse tower is concentrated at one end of the first electrode 51, the bubbles generated around the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 can more easily generate sparks.

[0062] The first electrode 51, the second electrode 52, and the insulating part 53 may each have different lengths.

[0063] For example, the length of the insulating portion 53 may be shorter than the length of the first electrode 51 and longer than the length of the second electrode 52.

[0064] In this configuration, the other ends of the first electrode 51, the second electrode 52, and the insulating portion 53, which are located outside the pressure chamber 10, can be arranged with a stepped difference. Therefore, there is a relatively large gap between the other ends of the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 compared to the gap between one end of the first electrode 51 and the other end of the second electrode 52. This gap is insulated by the insulating portion 53, thereby preventing a short circuit between the other ends of the first electrode 51 and the other ends of the second electrode 52.

[0065] In addition, bubbles caused by the pulse shock wave from the electrode section 50 are generated in the driving fluid stored in the pressure chamber 10, the amount of gas dissolved in the driving fluid decreases and the internal pressure of the pressure chamber 10 increases. In this embodiment, the amount of gas dissolved in the driving fluid can be replenished and the internal pressure of the pressure chamber 10 can be reduced by the driving fluid storage section 60 and the driving fluid circulation section 70.

[0066] The drive fluid storage section 60 is a storage tank containing a drive fluid in which gas is dissolved.

[0067] The drive fluid circulation unit 70 circulates the drive fluid stored in the drive fluid storage unit 60 and the drive fluid stored in the pressure chamber 10. For example, the drive fluid circulation unit 70 may include: a circulation pump 71 for circulating the drive fluid stored in the drive fluid storage unit 60 and the drive fluid stored in the pressure chamber 10; and a pair of solenoid valves 72 respectively disposed between the drive fluid storage unit 60 and the circulation pump 71 and between the circulation pump 71 and the pressure chamber 10. Furthermore, the drive fluid circulation unit 70 may also include: a filter 73 for filtering impurities and air bubbles included in the drive fluid circulated by the circulation pump 71.

[0068] This embodiment may also include: a pressure sensor (not shown), a control circulation pump 71, and a solenoid valve 72. The pressure sensor measures the internal pressure of the pressure chamber 10 during the period when the electrode section 50 applies a pulse shock wave to the driving fluid to generate a spark.

[0069] When the pressure sensor detects that the internal pressure of the pressure chamber 10 is below the reference value, the solenoid valve 72 is opened, thereby stopping the circulation of the drive fluid caused by the circulation pump 71, which circulates the drive fluid stored in the drive fluid storage section 60 and the drive fluid stored in the pressure chamber 10.

[0070] In addition, when the medicine stored in the medicine chamber 20 is sprayed through the spraying part 21, it is necessary to replenish the medicine stored in the medicine chamber 20. In this embodiment, the medicine in the medicine chamber 20 can be replenished through the medicine storage part 80 and the inspection valve 90.

[0071] Drug storage section 80 is a storage tank containing drugs.

[0072] The inspection valve 90 serves to ensure that the drug stored in the drug storage section 80 is only transferred to the pressure chamber 10.

[0073] The following describes an operational example of a needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0074] Figures 4 to 5 This is an operational diagram illustrating a needleless injector based on underwater discharge utilizing shock waves, according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0075] like Figure 4 As shown, firstly, the power unit 40 generates pulse power and provides it to the electrode unit 50.

[0076] Next, the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 of the electrode section 50 receive pulse power and apply high-pressure current to the driving fluid stored in the pressure chamber 10.

[0077] At this time, the driving fluid around the first electrode 51 and the second electrode 52 undergoes electrolysis to generate bubbles. These bubbles, along with the spark, break down, causing the cavity in the pressure chamber 10 to expand instantaneously and then disappear, thereby generating a shock wave and expanding the volume of the pressure chamber 10.

[0078] Secondly, such as Figure 5 As shown, as the volume of the pressure chamber 10 expands due to the bubbles generated inside the pressure chamber 10, the pressure transmission part 30 is stretched and deformed, thereby applying a propulsion pressure to the liquid medicine stored in the liquid medicine chamber 20.

[0079] Secondly, as propulsion pressure is applied to the liquid medicine stored in the liquid medicine chamber 20, the liquid medicine stored in the liquid medicine chamber 20 is injected into the skin through the jet section 21 at ultra-high speed.

[0080] According to the present invention, the needleless injector based on underwater discharge using shock waves according to embodiments of the present invention has the advantages of being able to be implemented with small and economical equipment and being able to prevent damage to the optical system.

[0081] The embodiments of the present invention have been described above with reference to the accompanying drawings. However, those skilled in the art will understand that the invention can be implemented in other specific forms without altering the technical concept or essential features of the invention. Therefore, the embodiments described above should be understood as exemplary in all respects, and not as limiting.

Claims

1. A needleless injector based on underwater discharge using a shock wave, characterized in that, comprises: a pressure chamber storing a driving fluid; a medicine chamber connected to the pressure chamber and storing a medicine; a pressure transmission part provided between the pressure chamber and the medicine chamber, and applying a propulsive pressure to the medicine stored in the medicine chamber when a volume of the pressure chamber is expanded; an ejection part provided at one side of the medicine chamber and discharging the medicine; and an electrode part generating a bubble in the driving fluid stored in the pressure chamber and causing a breakdown, thereby expanding the volume of the pressure chamber, wherein the electrode part comprises: a first electrode and a second electrode generating the shock wave; and an insulation part interposed between the first electrode and the second electrode, wherein one end of each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the insulation part in contact with the driving fluid is arranged in parallel alignment.

2. The needleless injector based on underwater discharge using a shock wave according to claim 1, wherein one end of the insulation part surrounds one end of the first electrode.

3. The needleless injector based on underwater discharge using a shock wave according to claim 2, wherein the first electrode, the second electrode, and the insulation part have different lengths, respectively.

4. The needleless injector based on underwater discharge using a shock wave according to claim 3, wherein the other end of each of the first electrode, the second electrode, and the insulation part arranged outside the pressure chamber is arranged with a step difference, respectively.

5. The needleless injector based on underwater discharge using a shock wave according to claim 1, wherein the shock wave is a pulsed shock wave.

6. The needleless injector based on underwater discharge using a shock wave according to claim 1, wherein the pressure transmission part is an elastic plate.

7. The needleless injector based on underwater discharge using a shock wave according to claim 2, wherein the first electrode is inserted inside the insulation part, the second electrode is arranged on an outer surface of the insulation part. further comprising:

8. The needle-free injector based on underwater discharge utilizing shock waves of claim 1, characterized in that, a driving fluid storage part storing a driving fluid; and a driving fluid circulation part circulating the driving fluid stored in the driving fluid storage part and the driving fluid stored in the pressure chamber. further comprising:

9. The needle-free injector based on underwater discharge utilizing shock waves of claim 1, characterized in that, a medicine storage part storing a medicine supplied to the medicine chamber; and a check valve preventing the medicine contained in the medicine chamber from flowing back to the medicine storage part. further comprising:

10. The needle-free injector based on underwater discharge utilizing shock waves of claim 1, characterized in that, a power part supplying a pulsed power to the electrode part; the power part comprising: a power supply part; an electric storage part storing a voltage and a current supplied from the power supply part as electric energy; and a switch converting the electric energy stored in the electric storage part into a pulsed power and applying the pulsed power to the electrode part. ​

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