Cosmetic formula atomizing device with piston spring structure

Abstract

A system for atomizing and spraying a formulation, comprising: a canister; a nozzle fluidly connected to the canister, the nozzle including a venturi and an end; a cylinder having an outlet orifice, the outlet orifice being fluidly connected to the inlet of the venturi tube; a piston disposed in the cylinder so as to be displaceable in the cylinder; a driving unit for displacing the piston in a direction in which the volume of the intake space in the cylinder increases; and an elastic member that deforms according to displacement of the piston and stores elastic energy when the piston is displaced, in which the driving unit includes: an elastic energy release mechanism that releases the elastic energy such that the piston impacts and vibrates; and a damper on the nozzle between the venturi tube and the end, where the damper reduces vibrations.

Description

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0001] The present disclosure is provided to introduce in a simplified form a selection of concepts further described below in the detailed description. The present disclosure is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter.

[0002] Cosmetic formulations (such as liquid emulsions containing hyaluronic acid) are typically applied to specific parts of a user's body (such as the face, hands, and arms) via shallow transdermal delivery (i.e., shallow-depth skin delivery). For more effective transdermal delivery of such formulations, it is desirable to atomize the formulation into micron-sized fine droplets and spray or sprinkle them onto the desired part of the user's body at high speed. However, when the formulation is atomized, it may cause vibrations or shock waves to be transmitted to the user, which may cause discomfort to the user.

[0003] In one aspect, the present disclosure describes a system for atomizing and spraying a formulation for transdermal delivery, the system comprising: a tank configured to contain the formulation; a nozzle fluidly connected to the tank, the nozzle including an end and a venturi tube, the venturi tube including a longitudinal central axis and an internal channel extending along the longitudinal central axis, wherein the internal channel is fluidly connected to the tank via an orifice defined in the venturi tube, wherein the internal channel includes a converging section, a diverging section, and a throat section, the throat section being located between the converging section and the diverging section; a cylinder including a longitudinal central axis, an end wall orthogonal to the longitudinal central axis, a circumferential wall extending from the end wall along the longitudinal central axis, and an outlet holder formed on the end wall, wherein the outlet hole is fluidly connected to an inlet of the converging section of the venturi tube; a piston disposed in the cylinder and configured to be displaceable in the cylinder along its longitudinal central axis, wherein the piston and the cylinder cooperate to define an intake space in the cylinder, the intake space being fluidly communicated to the inlet of the converging section of the venturi tube via the outlet hole of the cylinder; a drive unit configured to displace the piston in a direction in which the volume of the intake space in the cylinder increases; an elastic member configured to deform and store elastic energy therein according to the displacement of the piston when the piston is displaced in the direction in which the volume of the intake space increases, wherein the drive unit includes an elastic energy release mechanism that releases the elastic energy stored in the elastic member, thereby causing the piston to impact in a direction in which the volume of the intake space decreases, causing vibrations from the piston to the venturi tube; and a damper located on the nozzle and between the venturi tube and the end, wherein the damper is configured to reduce the vibrations.

[0004] In another aspect, a device for transdermal delivery of an atomized formulation is disclosed, the device comprising the system and a housing at least partially containing the system.

[0005] In yet another aspect, a kit for transdermal delivery of an atomized formulation is disclosed, the kit comprising the device and a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzle is a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles and wherein the plurality of nozzles are configured to be coupled to the device.

[0006] In another aspect, the present disclosure describes a method of atomizing and injecting a formulation for transdermal delivery, the method comprising: filling a cannister with the formulation, wherein the nozzle includes an end and a venturi, the cannister being fluidly connected to the nozzle through an internal passage of the venturi via an orifice defined in the venturi, wherein the internal passage includes a converging section, a diverging section, and a throat section located between the converging section and the diverging section; displacing a piston in the cylinder in a direction in which the volume of the intake space in the cylinder increases, wherein the intake space is defined between the piston and the end wall of the cylinder, and wherein an outlet hole formed in the end wall of the cylinder is fluidly connected to an inlet of the converging section of the venturi; deforming, when the piston is displaced in the direction in which the volume of the intake space increases, an elastic member being arranged to deform in accordance with the displacement of the piston and storing elastic energy in the elastic member; releasing the elastic energy stored in the elastic member, thereby causing the piston to impact in a direction in which the volume of the intake space decreases, further causing vibration from the piston to the venturi; ejecting, by air pushed out from the cylinder through the outlet hole in the end wall of the cylinder via the impact of the piston, the formulation from outside the cannister supplied to the internal passage of the venturi; and reducing the vibration by a damper located between the venturi and the end of the nozzle. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0007] The foregoing aspects of the present disclosure and many of the attendant advantages thereof will become readily appreciated when considered in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0008] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an example device for transdermal delivery of an atomized liquid according to the present technology;

[0009] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an example system for atomizing and ejecting a formulation for transdermal delivery according to the present technology;

[0010] Figure 3 is according to the present technology Figure 2 an enlarged cross-sectional view of a venturi of an example system therein;

[0011] Figure 4 is the formation according to the present technology Figure 2 A perspective view of various gears of a driving force transmission mechanism of a driving unit of an exemplary system according to the present technology;

[0012] Figure 5 is an exemplary device according to the present technology;

[0013] Figure 6 is according to the present technology Figure 5 An enlarged nozzle of an exemplary device according to the present technology;

[0014] Figures 7A - 7D shows an exemplary device in operation according to the present technology Figure 5 ;

[0015] Figure 8 is an exemplary kit according to the present technology;

[0016] Figure 9 shows a dynamometer for measuring the vibration of a device according to the present technology;

[0017] Figure 10A is a graph showing the vibration of a device without a damper according to the present technology;

[0018] Figure 10B is a graph showing the reduced vibration of a device with a damper according to the present technology;

[0019] Figure 11 is an exemplary method for atomizing and ejecting a formulation for transdermal delivery according to the present technology. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0020] Although the illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it should be understood that various changes can be made therein without departing from the spirit and scope of the present disclosure.

[0021] A novel system for atomizing and ejecting a liquid (especially a liquid with a high molecular weight) for transdermal delivery, and a novel device for transdermal delivery of a liquid, which includes such a system, are described herein.

[0022] In particular, the present technology provides a novel system and a novel device for atomizing and ejecting a liquid for transdermal delivery, which do not require a replaceable (i.e., single-use / disposable) energy source such as a high-pressure gas cylinder, and can thus atomize and eject the liquid multiple times according to the user's desire. In addition, it is an object of the present technology to provide a novel system and a novel device for atomizing and ejecting a liquid for transdermal delivery, which do not require an external supply source such as an air compressor or an air pump, and are thus compact and easy to move, transport, and handle. Finally, the present technology provides the feature of applying the formulation with shock absorption / damping in a manner comfortable to the user.

[0023] In addition, the systems, devices, and methods according to the present disclosure do not require a replaceable (i.e., single-use / disposable) power source such as a high-pressure gas cylinder to atomize and eject the liquid for transdermal delivery. Thus, the systems, devices, and methods according to the present technology are capable of repeatedly atomizing and ejecting the liquid. Additionally, the systems, devices, and methods according to the present technology do not require any external source such as an air compressor or an air pump. That is, a high-speed air jet for atomizing and discharging the liquid can be generated internally. Thus, the system and device can be sufficiently compact as a whole for hand-held use and are easy to move, transport, and handle.

[0024] In some embodiments, the present technology includes a system for atomizing and ejecting a formulation for transdermal delivery, the system comprising: a can configured to contain the formulation; a nozzle fluidly connected to the can, the nozzle including an end portion and a Venturi tube, the Venturi tube including a longitudinal central axis and an internal passage extending along the longitudinal central axis, wherein the internal passage is fluidly connected to the can via an orifice defined in the Venturi tube, wherein the internal passage includes a converging section, a diverging section, and a throat section located between the converging section and the diverging section; a cylinder including a longitudinal central axis, an end wall orthogonal to the longitudinal central axis, a circumferential wall extending from the end wall along the longitudinal central axis, and an outlet holder formed in the end wall, wherein the outlet hole is fluidly connected to an inlet of the converging section of the Venturi tube. In some embodiments, the system further includes: a piston disposed in the cylinder and configured to be displaceable in the cylinder along its longitudinal central axis, wherein the piston and the cylinder cooperate to define an intake space in the cylinder, the intake space being fluidly communicated to the inlet of the converging section of the Venturi tube via the outlet hole of the cylinder; a drive unit configured to displace the piston in a direction in which the volume of the intake space in the cylinder increases; an elastic member configured to deform and store elastic energy therein according to the displacement of the piston when the piston is displaced in the direction in which the volume of the intake space increases, wherein the drive unit includes an elastic energy release mechanism that releases the elastic energy stored in the elastic member, thereby causing an impact of the piston in a direction in which the volume of the intake space decreases and causing vibration from the piston to the Venturi tube; and a damper on the nozzle located between the Venturi tube and the end portion, wherein the damper is configured to reduce the vibration.

[0025] In some embodiments, the damper is selected from the group consisting of elastic springs, sponges, air cushions, rubber pads, bellows, cylinder dampers, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the damper includes an elastomer selected from the group consisting of rubber, nitrile rubber, fluororubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the elastomer has a hardness of about 20 to 70 Shore A. In some embodiments, the elastomer has a hardness of about 30 to 60 Shore A.

[0026] In some embodiments, the system further includes a muffler disposed between the damper and the end and configured to further reduce the vibration. In some embodiments, the vibration is reduced to a force of about 0 to 20 gf.

[0027] In some embodiments, the piston includes: a longitudinal central axis; an end wall facing the end wall of the cylinder; and a circumferential wall extending from the end wall along the longitudinal central axis, wherein a rack extending along the longitudinal central axis is formed on an outer surface of the circumferential wall of the piston, wherein the drive unit includes a sector gear having teeth only within a certain angular range, the sector gear meshing with the rack of the piston and linearly driving the rack, wherein the combination of the sector gear and the rack forms an elastic energy release mechanism.

[0028] In some embodiments, the drive unit further includes: a power source; and an electric motor electrically connected to the power source and configured to directly or indirectly rotate and drive the sector gear.

[0029] In some embodiments, the elastic member is a helical spring at least partially received within the piston. In some embodiments, the tank is fluidly connected to the throat section of the venturi tube. In some embodiments, the formulation is a cosmetic or aesthetic formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation can be a drug, a cosmetic, or a skin cream.

[0030] In another aspect, the present disclosure describes an apparatus for transdermal delivery of an atomized formulation, the apparatus including the system described herein and a housing at least partially containing the system.

[0031] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure describes a kit for transdermal delivery of an atomized formulation, the kit including the device described herein and a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzle is a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles, and wherein the plurality of nozzles are configured to be coupled to the device. In some embodiments, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles includes an outlet orifice having a size different from that of the other nozzles of the plurality of nozzles. In some embodiments, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles is configured to dispense a different formulation. In some embodiments, the plurality of nozzles are disposable.

[0032] In yet another aspect, the present disclosure describes a method for atomizing and injecting a formulation for transdermal delivery, the method including: filling a canister with the formulation, wherein the nozzle includes an end and a venturi tube, the canister being fluidly connected to the nozzle through an internal passage of the venturi tube via an orifice defined in the venturi tube, wherein the internal passage includes a converging section, a diverging section, and a throat section located between the converging section and the diverging section; displacing a piston in the cylinder in a direction in which the volume of the intake space in the cylinder increases, wherein the intake space is defined between the piston and the end wall of the cylinder, and wherein an outlet orifice formed in the end wall of the cylinder is fluidly connected to an inlet of the converging section of the venturi tube; deforming, when the piston is displaced in the direction in which the volume of the intake space increases, an elastic member being arranged to deform according to the displacement of the piston and storing elastic energy in the elastic member; releasing the elastic energy stored in the elastic member, thereby causing the piston to impact in a direction in which the volume of the intake space decreases, further causing vibrations from the piston to the venturi tube; pushing air from the cylinder out through the outlet orifice in the end wall of the cylinder due to the impact of the piston, delivering the formulation from outside the canister supplied by the canister into the internal passage of the venturi tube; and reducing vibrations through a damper located between the venturi tube and the end of the nozzle.

[0033] In some embodiments, the method further includes further reducing vibrations through a muffler disposed between the damper and the end of the nozzle. In some embodiments, the vibrations are reduced to a force of about 0 - 20 gf.

[0034] Some example embodiments of the present technology are shown in Figures 1 - 8 In each figure, the ratio of the width, length, height, diameter, etc. of each element may not be constant and may be different from the actual parameters. It should be noted that in certain drawings, for emphasis, certain elements or features are drawn larger or smaller than they are.

[0035] As used herein, terms related to directions such as "upper", "lower", "upper side", "lower side", "upward", "downward", "above", "below", "right side", "left side", etc. should be understood with respect to the orientation of the system and device in the drawings, which may or may not match the actual direction in use. Additionally, as will be apparent to those skilled in the art, in this specification, the term "distal" or "distally" refers to the direction away from the venturi tube that sprays or releases the atomized liquid. On the other hand, the term "proximal" or "proximally" refers to the direction closer to the venturi tube.

[0036] Figure 1 is a schematic block diagram of an exemplary device for transdermal delivery of an atomized formulation according to the present technology; the device 1 may include a system 10 for atomizing and spraying a liquid for transdermal delivery, and as will be explained in detail herein, a housing 20 that houses the system 10 therein. In the illustrated embodiment, the housing 20 substantially surrounds the entire system 10 except for the outlet of the venturi tube for discharging the atomized liquid (as Figure 2 shown), although the housing 20 may only house a portion of the system 10. The formulation that the device 1 is intended to atomize and spray is particularly a cosmetic formulation, such as a liquid emulsion containing hyaluronic acid for transdermal delivery. However, the device 1 can be used for atomizing and spraying water, oil, various emulsions, etc., and the system 10 can thus also be used for atomizing and spraying water, oil, various emulsions, etc.

[0037] In addition, as Figure 2 shown, the system 10 further includes a tank 100 for containing a certain amount of the formulation (F) (e.g., from a few milliliters to several hundred milliliters of the formulation (F)). The tank 100 is preferably made of, for example, transparent plastic or transparent glass such that the content and / or amount of the formulation can be seen from the outside. In some embodiments, a translucent or opaque material is used to manufacture the tank 100. The system 10 also includes a venturi tube 200, a cylinder 300 disposed adjacent to the venturi tube 200, and a piston 400 slidably disposed in the cylinder 300. The venturi tube 200 can be formed of a plastic material having sufficient rigidity, such as acrylonitrile butadiene styrene (ABS), polypropylene (PP), polycarbonate (PC), etc. The cylinder 300 and the piston 400 can also be formed of the same material. In some embodiments, both the cylinder 300 and the piston 400 are formed of a suitable metal (or metal alloy) material.

[0038] The system 10 may additionally include a drive unit 500 operably (i.e., mechanically) associated with the piston 400, an elastic member 600 (such as a helical spring) also mechanically associated with the piston 400, and an elongated guide rod 700 arranged to be surrounded by the helical spring 600.

[0039] In particular, as Figure 1As shown, the drive unit 500 may mainly include a set of gears 500a and an energy component 500b, which will be described in detail herein. In this embodiment, the energy component 500b includes a battery (or power supply) 520, a motor 530 (or an electric motor), and a switch 580 disposed therebetween. It should be noted that, for convenience, the battery 520 and the switch 580 are not shown in the drawings except Figure 1 except as shown in .

[0040] Figure 2 is a schematic diagram of an exemplary system for atomizing and ejecting a formulation for transdermal delivery according to the present technology; in some embodiments, the system (such as system 1) includes a cylinder 300 and a piston 400.

[0041] In some embodiments, the cylinder 300 includes a longitudinal central axis X2, an end (proximal) wall 310 facing the venturi tube 200 and orthogonal to the longitudinal central axis X2, and a circumferential wall 320 extending along the longitudinal central axis X2 from the end wall 310. That is, the cylinder 300 is a hollow body with an open end. In some embodiments, the cylinder 300 is fixedly supported by the frame of the system 10 (e.g., a sub-shell (not shown) of the device 1). The cylinder 300 further includes an outlet hole 330 formed in its end wall 310. The outlet hole 330 is fluidly connected to the inlet 232 of the converging section 230 of the venturi tube 200. In this embodiment, the venturi tube 200 is directly connected to the cylinder 300 such that the inlet 232 of the converging section 230 of the venturi tube 200 and the outlet hole 330 of the cylinder 300 are aligned with each other. However, a configuration in which the inlet 232 of the converging section 230 is connected to the outlet hole 330 of the cylinder 300 via a pipeline or a conduit can also be adopted.

[0042] In the cylinder 300, the piston 400 is arranged to be smoothly displaceable along the longitudinal central axis X2 of the cylinder 300. The piston 400 includes a longitudinal central axis X3, an end (proximal) wall 410 facing the end wall 310 of the cylinder 300, and a circumferential wall 420 extending along the longitudinal central axis X3 from the end wall 410. In addition, the piston 400 may include a rack 430 extending along the longitudinal central axis X3. In some embodiments, the rack 430 is integrally formed on the outer surface of the circumferential wall 420 of the piston 400, particularly, in approximately half of the area on the distal end side of the circumferential wall 420. Although not shown in Figure 2 , in some embodiments, the piston 400 defines an intake space V that cooperates with the cylinder 300 in the cylinder 300 (as shown in Figures 7A - 7D ). In some embodiments, the intake space V is in fluid communication with the inlet 232 of the converging section 230 of the venturi tube 200 via the outlet hole 330 of the cylinder 300.

[0043] The piston 400 may further include an O-ring (seal) 440 made of, for example, an elastomeric material. The O-ring 440 is fitted in a circular recess 450 formed in the end wall 410 of the piston 400. The O-ring 440 is used to maintain airtightness between the piston 400 and the inner surface of the cylinder 300. In this embodiment, the cross-section of the piston 400 is a complete circle in the end wall section where its O-ring 440 is located. However, in some embodiments, in the circumferential wall section, the cross-section of the piston 400 is a partial circle, where a part of the circle is cut along a straight line parallel to its diameter. This is to fix a flat surface on the outer peripheral surface of the piston for arranging the rack 430 as described above. In other embodiments, other shapes may also be adopted as the cross-section of the circumferential wall section of the piston 400. Although not shown, in this embodiment, the system 10 further includes a mechanism or feature for preventing the piston 400 from rotating relative to the cylinder 300.

[0044] In Figure 2 the state shown, i.e., in the state where the end wall 310 of the cylinder 300 and the end wall 410 of the piston 400 are in contact with each other, the distal end portion of the piston 400 may protrude slightly from the distal end portion of the cylinder 300. In other words, the length of the piston 400 along the longitudinal central axis X3 may be slightly greater than the length of the circumferential wall 320 of the cylinder 300 along the longitudinal central axis X2. Therefore, in Figure 2 the state shown, a part of the rack 430 integrally formed on the outer peripheral surface of the piston 400 protrudes from the distal end portion of the cylinder 400. In this embodiment, the circumferential wall 320 of the cylinder 300 is formed with a linear notch 340 for exposing at least a part of the rack 430 of the piston 400. As explained in detail herein, in some embodiments, the sector gear 510 of the drive unit 500 meshes with the rack 430 through the notch 340 of the circumferential wall 320 of the cylinder 300.

[0045] The system 10 includes a drive unit 500 and an elastic member 600 that are mechanically associated with each other. The drive unit 500 may be configured to displace the piston 400 distally, i.e., in the direction in which the volume of the intake space V in the cylinder 300 increases. On the other hand, the elastic member 600 may be arranged to deform according to the displacement of the piston 400 and store elastic energy (mechanical potential energy) therein when the piston 400 is displaced distally (i.e., in the direction in which the volume of the intake space V increases). Therefore, the system 10 of this embodiment can be referred to as a "spring-loaded system". In this embodiment, the elastic member 600 is a helical spring that is at least partially (e.g., about half) accommodated within the hollow piston 400.

[0046] The drive unit 500 may also include an elastic energy release mechanism M. In this embodiment, the elastic energy release mechanism M is configured to release the elastic energy stored in the elastic member 600 at regular intervals, so as to cause the piston 400 to impact (or ram) proximally (i.e., in the direction of the reduction of the volume of the intake space V). More specifically, the drive unit 500 includes a sector gear 510 that has teeth only within a certain angular range, such as 90° to 300°; the sector gear 510 is arranged to mesh with the rack 430 of the piston 400 and linearly drive it in one direction (i.e., to the left in the figure). In this embodiment, the combination of the sector gear 510 and the rack 430 forms an elastic energy release mechanism M for releasing the stored elastic energy at regular intervals. That is, when the last tooth of the sector gear 510 disengages from the last tooth of the rack 430, the restraint of the piston 400 is released, and thus the elastic energy stored in the elastic member 600 is also immediately released. However, another type of elastic energy release mechanism can be adapted and configured to release the elastic energy stored in the elastic member 600 only when needed. In some embodiments, as described in detail in Figures 7A - 7D , the impact of the piston 400 generates vibrations (or shock waves) from the piston 400 to the Venturi tube (200).

[0047] In some embodiments, the drive unit 500 includes a power source 520 (e.g., a rechargeable battery such as a lithium-ion battery), and an electric motor 530. In some embodiments, the electric motor 500 is electrically connected to the power source 520 and rotationally drives the sector gear 510 indirectly (i.e., via a gear train for power transmission). The power source 520, the electric motor 530, and a switch 580 disposed therebetween constitute an energy component 500b of the drive unit 500 as described herein. In this embodiment, the sector gear 510 is rotated by the electric motor 530 via the gear set 500a only in one direction, i.e., Figure 2 the counterclockwise direction in. In another embodiment, the sector gear 510 may be directly driven by the electric motor 530. However, in this case, since a motor with a large torque and thus a large size is required, it is desirable to drive the sector gear 510 via a suitable reduction mechanism composed of a gear train as shown herein.

[0048] The drive unit 500 may also include a latch 570 that meshes with a spur gear 560. In some embodiments, the latch 570 is arranged to adjust the rotation direction of the spur gear 560 such that the spur gear 560 rotates only in one direction (i.e., Figure 2 the clockwise direction in). In another embodiment, the latch 570 engages with any other gear other than the spur gear 560. In some embodiments, the drive unit 500 does not include the latch 570.

[0049] In some embodiments, system 10 further includes an elongate spring guide rod 700, which is arranged to be surrounded by a helical spring 600. In this embodiment, the bottom end portion 710 of the guide rod 700 is supported by the frame of system 10 (not shown) (i.e., the sub-housing of device 1). In another embodiment, the spring guide rod 700 may be supported by the housing 20 of device 1 itself. The spring guide rod 700 is arranged such that when the piston 400 is displaced distally (i.e., in the direction of increasing volume of the intake space V), the spring guide rod 700 at least partially enters the piston 400.

[0050] Figure 3 is according to the present technology Figure 2 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of a Venturi tube of an example system in. In some embodiments, system 10 includes a tank 100 for containing a formulation (or liquid) L. In this embodiment, the tank 100 is detachably connected to the Venturi tube 200 in a liquid-tight manner by means of a threaded connection (as Figure 3 shown).

[0051] In some embodiments, the tank 100 has a flange 110 on its open side. The Venturi tube 200 may also have a flange 260, which corresponds to the flange 110 of the tank 100. In some embodiments, the tank 100 is placed above the Venturi tube 200, and its flange 110 contacts the flange 260 of the Venturi tube 200. This arrangement is particularly preferred because the action of gravity during the operation of system 10 helps to supply the formulation L into the Venturi tube 200. However, the orientation of the tank 100 relative to the Venturi tube 200 is not limited to this and can be changed appropriately as needed.

[0052] In some embodiments, the Venturi tube 200 includes a longitudinal central axis X1 and an internal passage 210 that extends continuously along the longitudinal central axis X1. In some embodiments, the internal passage 210 is fluidly connected to the tank 100 via an orifice 220 defined in the Venturi tube 200. As Figure 3 shown, the internal passage 210 may include a converging section 230, a diverging section 240, and a throat section 250 that are continuously connected along the longitudinal central axis X1. The throat section 250 may be located between the converging section 230 and the diverging section 240. In some embodiments, as described above, the tank 100 is fluidly connected to the throat section 250 of the Venturi tube 200 via the orifice 220. The inner diameter of the orifice 220 may be configured such that when the pressure in the Venturi tube 200 is equal to atmospheric pressure, the formulation L does not spontaneously drop in the Venturi tube 200 due to the viscosity of the formulation L.

[0053] In some embodiments, the converging section 230 has an inlet 232 and an outlet 234 disposed on each of its two ends. The throat section 250 also has an inlet 252 and an outlet 254 provided on each of its two ends. Additionally, the diverging section 240 has an inlet 242 and an outlet 244 placed on each of its two ends. The outlet 234 of the converging section 230 and the inlet 252 of the throat section 250 are smoothly and continuously connected to each other. Similarly, the outlet 254 of the throat section 250 and the inlet 242 of the diverging section 240 are smoothly and continuously connected to each other. In some embodiments, the inner diameter D3 of the throat section 250 is constant. In some embodiments, the inner diameter (minimum inner diameter) D4 of the outlet 234 of the converging section 230 is the same as the inner diameter D3 of the throat section 250, and the inner diameter (minimum inner diameter) D5 of the inlet 242 of the diverging section 240 is also the same as the inner diameter D3 of the throat section 250. In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the converging section 230 monotonically (linearly) decreases towards the throat section 250, while the inner diameter of the diverging section 240 monotonically (linearly) increases away from the throat section 250. However, the inner diameters of the converging section 230 and the diverging section 240 can decrease and increase curvilinearly, respectively.

[0054] In some embodiments, the ratio of the maximum inner diameter D1 (i.e., the inner diameter of the inlet 232) of the converging section 230, the inner diameter D3 of the throat section 250, and the maximum inner diameter D2 (i.e., the inner diameter of the outlet 244) of the diverging section 240, i.e., D1:D3:D2, is 1:0.1 to 0.7:1 to 1.5, based on the maximum inner diameter D1 of the converging section 230. However, this ratio is merely an example, and various other ratios can be adopted as needed.

[0055] Figure 4 is formed according to the present technology Figure 2Stereogram of various gears of the driving force transmission mechanism of the driving unit 500 of the exemplary system. In some embodiments, the driving unit 500 includes a set of gears 500a. In some embodiments, a gear train including a reduction mechanism (i.e., the gear set 500a of the driving unit 500) is disclosed herein. The gear set 500a of the driving unit 500 may include a pinion 540 (bevel gear type, worm gear type, spur gear type, etc.) fixedly coupled to the output shaft 532 of the electric motor 530. In addition, the gear set 500a of the driving unit 500 may further include two gears 550, 560 that transmit the rotational movement of the pinion 540 to the sector gear 510 to rotationally drive it. In such an embodiment, these gears 550, 560 and the sector gear 510 are rotatably supported by the frame of the system 10 (not shown) (i.e., the sub-housing of the device 1). In such an embodiment, since the electric motor 530 is fixedly supported by the frame of the system 10 (not shown), the pinion 540 is also rotatably supported by the frame of the system 10 (not shown). In another embodiment, the gears 510, 550 and 560 may be rotatably supported by the housing 20 of the device 1 itself. In some embodiments, the gear 550 meshing with the pinion 540 is a bevel gear. In other embodiments, the gear 560 meshing with both the bevel gear 550 and the sector gear 510 is a spur gear.

[0056] In other embodiments, the spur gear 560 serves as an intermediate gear. In such an embodiment, both the sector gear 510 and the bevel gear 550 have a structure in which two types of transmission portions are stacked along the direction of the rotation axis. The sector gear 510 may include a first portion 512 that has teeth only within a specific angular range along its root circle. In addition, the sector gear 510 may include a second portion 514 integrally coupled to the first portion 512. In some embodiments, the second portion 514 (i.e., the spur gear portion) of the sector gear 510 includes teeth along the entire circumference of its root circle. In some embodiments, the pitch diameter of the second portion 514 is smaller than the diameter of the first portion 512.

[0057] In some embodiments, the bevel gear 550 also includes a first portion 552 and a second portion 554. The first portion 552 contains a row of teeth circumferentially arranged on a conical surface. The second portion 554 is integrally coupled to the first portion 552 and is composed of a spur gear having a diameter smaller than the minimum diameter of the first portion 552. In some embodiments, the pinion 540 fixedly attached to the output shaft 532 of the electric motor 530 meshes with the first portion 552 of the bevel gear 550, and the second portion 554 that rotates integrally with the bevel gear 550 meshes with the spur gear 560. In addition, in some embodiments, the spur gear 560 meshes with the second portion 514 of the sector gear 510.

[0058] Thus, in operation, the high-speed rotation of the pinion gear 540 causes the sector gear 510 to rotate at a predetermined lower speed, such as a few revolutions per second. Thus, due to the rotation of the sector gear 510, the piston 400 is displaced at regular intervals in the distal direction. In this embodiment, the number of teeth on the rack 430 of the piston 400 is approximately equal to the number of teeth on the first portion 512 of the sector gear 510, but the present technology is not limited to this.

[0059] Figure 5 is an example device 10 according to the present technology. In some embodiments, the device 10 includes a housing 20, a piston 400, a venturi tube 200, a damper 800, a silencer 900, and an end 270. It should be understood that the venturi tube 200 and the end 200 can be collectively referred to as the nozzle 910. In some embodiments, the nozzle 910 further includes a damper 800 and a silencer 900. Although Figure 5 the device 10 including the housing 20 is shown, it should be understood that the device may not include the housing 20.

[0060] In some embodiments, the device 10 includes a damper 800 configured to reduce the vibration generated by the piston 400, as Figures 7A - 7D shown. In some embodiments, the damper 800 is in the shape of a bellows 800, as Figure 5 shown. However, it should be understood that the damper can take various forms, including but not limited to elastic springs, sponges, air cushions, rubber pads, cylinder dampers, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the damper 800 is made of an elastomer. In some embodiments, the damper is made of rubber, nitrile rubber, fluororubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane, and combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the damper is located between the venturi tube 200 and the end 270 of the nozzle 910. In some embodiments, the damper can be located elsewhere on the device 10, including but not limited to the end 270, and between the venturi tube 200 and the housing 20. In some embodiments, the elastomer has a hardness of about 20 to 70 Shore A. In some embodiments, the elastomer has a hardness of about 30 to 60 Shore A. In operation, when the piston impacts forward, the damper absorbs the vibration generated by the piston, as further described in detail in Figures 7A - 7D .

[0061] Figure 6 is an enlarged nozzle 910 of an example device 10 according to the present technology. In some embodiments, the device 10 includes a housing 20, a piston 400, a nozzle 910 including a venturi tube 200 and an end 270, an elastomer 800, and a silencer 900. Figure 5 Figure 6The arrow in Figures 7A - 7D shows how the vibration (shock wave) moves through the entire device when the piston impacts forward in the direction in which the volume of the intake space in the cylinder increases, as shown in more detail in

[0062] Figures 7A - 7D An example device 10 in operation according to the present technology is shown. In some embodiments, the device includes a housing 20, a drive unit 500 that may include any number of gears (as shown in Figure 5 ), a piston 400, a nozzle 910 including a venturi tube and a damper 800, and an elongate guide rod 700. It should be understood that an elastic member (such as elastic member 600) may also be included in device 10, but is omitted here for clarity. Figure 4

[0063] In each of the figures in Figures 7A - 7D , it should be understood that a can (such as the can 100 in Figure 2 and Figure 3 ) may be attached to the venturi tube 200, as shown in Figure 2 and Figure 3 . In operation, the can is filled with a formulation. In some embodiments, the can is fluidly connected to the nozzle 910, which includes a venturi tube 200. In some embodiments, the can is connected to the nozzle 910 via an internal passage of the venturi tube 200 through an orifice defined in the venturi tube 200 (as shown in Figure 3 ).

[0064] Figure 7A In Figure 7A , as shown by the arrow in , the piston 400 in the cylinder is in the direction in which the volume of the intake space in the cylinder increases. In some embodiments, the intake space is defined between the piston 400 and the end wall of the cylinder, and an outlet hole formed in the end wall of the cylinder is fluidly connected to the inlet of the converging section of the venturi tube 200.

[0065] Figure 7B As shown in Figure 2 , when the piston is displaced in the direction in which the volume of the intake space increases, an elastic member (such as the elastic member 700 in ) deforms according to the displacement of the piston and stores elastic energy therein. In some embodiments, the elastic member is a spring.

[0066] Figure 7C ​​In [the device], by releasing the elastic energy stored in the elastic member, an impact is caused for the piston 400 along the direction in which the volume of the intake space decreases, thereby causing vibration from the piston to the Venturi tube. The arrow indicates the direction of vibration, and the explosion icon shows the impact of the piston 400. It should be understood that as the piston impacts forward, the formula supplied from the tank is atomized and ejected to the outside into the internal passage of the Venturi tube by means of the air pushed out through the outlet hole in the end wall of the cylinder due to the impact of the piston 400. The vibration is reduced by the damper 800 located between the end of the Venturi tube 200 and the nozzle 910.

[0067] In Figure 7D [the device], the piston 400 returns to its initial position and the process restarts. In some embodiments, the user can determine when the device 10 atomizes and dispenses the formula either through an actuator on the device or through an application communicatively coupled to the device 10. In some embodiments, the user can manually determine when the device 10 atomizes and dispenses the formula, for example, through a trigger or a scroll wheel on the device. In some embodiments, by actuating the actuator once, the device 10 will continue to execute the states shown through Figures 7A - 7D until the actuator is actuated a second time.

[0068] Figure 8 [The figure] is an example kit 2000 according to the present technology. In some embodiments, the device 10 is part of a larger kit 2000.

[0069] In some embodiments, the nozzle 910A is the first nozzle. In some embodiments, the kit 2000 includes multiple nozzles 910A, 910B, 910C. In some embodiments, each nozzle 910 includes a Venturi tube, an end, a damper, and a silencer. In some embodiments, some nozzles 910 may include a damper and a silencer, while other nozzles do not include a damper and a silencer. In some embodiments, the nozzles 910A, 910B, 910C are significantly different in size from each other. In such embodiments, each of the multiple nozzles 910A, 910B, 910C is configured to dispense a different formula. In some embodiments, each of the multiple nozzles 910A, 910B, 910C is a replacement for each other. In these embodiments, each nozzle 910 has the same size. In some embodiments, the outlets of each of the multiple nozzles 910A, 910B, 910C are different in size to better dispense different formulas of different consistencies or viscosities.

[0070] In some embodiments, each of the multiple nozzles 910A, 910B, 910C is disposable, but in other embodiments, each of the multiple nozzles 910A, 910B, 910C is reusable.

[0071] Embodiment

[0072] A device having both a damper 800 and a silencer 900 (as Figure 5 shown) is tested to determine whether vibration (or shock wave) is suppressed and to what extent.

[0073] Figure 9 A dynamometer for measuring the vibration of a device according to the present technology is shown.

[0074] To test this, a test device including a bracket 1010, a carriage 1020, and a substrate 1045 was prepared. The test device also includes a dynamometer plate 1025, a first dynamometer stopper 1030, and a second stopper 1040. The dynamometer 1035 was placed under the dynamometer plate and on top of the substrate 1045. As described herein, the device 1000 was placed on the Figure 9 test device as shown. During the continuous piston motion without the damper 1000 and the silencer 1015 ( Figure 10A ), and with the damper 1000 and the silencer 1015 ( Figure 10B ), the impact energy (or vibration) of the device 1000 was measured by the test device.

[0075] Figure 10A is a graph showing the vibration of the device without a damper according to the present technology. On the horizontal axis is the number of readings of the dynamometer / sensor. 100 represents 100 readings, with approximately 15 pulses read per second. On the vertical axis is the force in grams force (gf). Each spike represents a piston that impacts forward, as Figures 7A - 7D shown. The vertical dashed line labeled "57" indicates that 57 gf is the position relative to each piston thrust.

[0076] As Figure 10A shown, in the absence of a damper, the average force is 57 gf. In addition, even when the piston is not actively impacting forward, the device 1000 applies a force to the dynamometer.

[0077] Figure 10B is a graph showing the reduced vibration of the device with a damper according to the present technology. On the horizontal axis is the number of readings of the dynamometer / sensor. 100 represents 100 readings, with approximately 15 pulses read per second. On the vertical axis is the force in grams force (gf). Each spike represents a piston that impacts forward, as Figures 7A - 7D shown. The vertical dashed line labeled "57" indicates the position of 15 gf relative to each piston thrust.

[0078] As Figure 10BAs shown, when the damper is attached to the device, the force (or vibration) of the device is greatly reduced. The average force of the device with the damper is only 15 gf. Additionally, when the piston does not have a forward impact, the overall vibration or force of the device is also reduced.

[0079] Figure 11 is an example method for atomizing and jetting a formulation for transdermal delivery according to the present technology.

[0080] In block 1100, the canister is filled with the formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation is a liquid. In some embodiments, the formulation is a cosmetic formulation. In some embodiments, the formulation is a liquid emulsion.

[0081] In block 1110, the piston is displaced within the cylinder in a direction in which the volume of the intake space in the cylinder increases.

[0082] In block 1120, the elastic member deforms in response to the displacement of the piston. In some embodiments, the elastic member stores elastic energy when it deforms. In some embodiments, the elastic member is a spring. In such embodiments, the spring is compressed in response to the piston being displaced.

[0083] In block 1130, the elastic energy stored in the elastic member is released. In some embodiments, in response to this elastic energy, the piston impacts in a direction in which the volume of the intake space decreases. When the piston impacts forward, in some embodiments, vibrations (or shock waves) are caused from the piston to the venturi tube.

[0084] In block 1140, the formulation is atomized and jetted from the canister through the outlet hole into the internal passage of the venturi tube. In some embodiments, the atomized formulation is jetted onto the skin or hair of the user.

[0085] In block 1150, the vibration from the piston to the venturi tube (or nozzle) is suppressed by a damper as described herein. When the venturi tube moves in response to the piston impacting forward, the damper absorbs at least a portion of the vibration. In some embodiments, this improves the user experience by minimizing discomfort when the nozzle contacts the skin, face, or hair of the user. In some embodiments, the vibration is reduced to a force of about 0 - 20 gf.

[0086] Optionally, in block 1160, the vibration is further reduced by a silencer as described herein. In some embodiments, the silencer further improves the user experience by minimizing user discomfort.

[0087] The order of some or all of the blocks in the method should not be considered limiting. Instead, those of ordinary skill in the art benefiting from the present disclosure will understand that some blocks can be performed in various orders not shown or even in parallel.

[0088] The detailed description set forth above in connection with the accompanying drawings is intended as a description of various embodiments of the present disclosure and is not intended to represent the only embodiments. Like reference numerals in the drawings refer to like elements. Each embodiment described in the present disclosure is provided by way of example or illustration only and should not be construed as being preferred or advantageous over other embodiments. The illustrative examples provided herein are not intended to be exhaustive or to limit the present disclosure to the precise forms disclosed. Similarly, any steps described herein may be interchanged with other steps or combinations of steps in order to achieve the same or substantially similar results. Generally, the embodiments disclosed herein are non-limiting, and the inventors contemplate that other embodiments within the scope of the present disclosure may include structures and functions from more than one particular embodiment shown in the drawings and described in the specification.

[0089] In the foregoing description, specific details have been set forth in order to provide a thorough understanding of example embodiments of the present disclosure. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the embodiments disclosed herein may be practiced without embodying all specific details. In some instances, well-known process steps have not been described in detail so as not to unnecessarily obscure various aspects of the present disclosure. Additionally, it should be understood that the embodiments of the present disclosure may employ any combination of the features described herein.

[0090] This application may include references to directions such as "vertical", "horizontal", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "top", "bottom", etc. These references and other similar references in this application are intended to assist in describing and understanding particular embodiments (such as when an embodiment is positioned for use), and are not intended to limit the present disclosure to these directions or positions.

[0091] This application may also refer to quantities and numbers. Unless specifically stated otherwise, these quantities and numbers should not be considered limiting, but rather examples of possible quantities or numbers associated with this application. Also in this regard, this application may use the term "plurality" to refer to a quantity or number. In this regard, the term "plurality" means any number greater than one, such as two, three, four, five, etc. The terms "about", "substantially", etc. mean plus or minus 5% of the stated value. The term "based on" means "at least partially based on".

[0092] The principles, representative embodiments, and modes of operation of the present disclosure have been described in the foregoing description. However, aspects of the present disclosure that are intended to be protected should not be construed as being limited to the particular embodiments disclosed. Additionally, the embodiments described herein should be considered illustrative rather than restrictive. It should be understood that variations and changes may be made by others and equivalents employed without departing from the spirit of the present disclosure. Accordingly, it is expressly intended that all such variations, changes, and equivalents fall within the spirit and scope of the claimed present disclosure.

Claims

1. A system for atomizing and ejecting a formulation for transdermal delivery, the system comprising: a can configured to contain the formulation; a nozzle fluidly connected to the can, the nozzle including an end and a Venturi tube, the Venturi tube including a longitudinal central axis and an internal passage extending along the longitudinal central axis, wherein the internal passage is fluidly connected to the can via an orifice defined in the Venturi tube, and wherein the internal passage includes a converging section, a diverging section, and a throat section located between the converging section and the diverging section; a cylinder including a longitudinal central axis, an end wall orthogonal to the longitudinal central axis, a circumferential wall extending from the end wall along the longitudinal central axis, and an outlet holder formed on the end wall, wherein the outlet hole is fluidly connected to an inlet of the converging section of the Venturi tube; a piston disposed in the cylinder and configured to be displaceable in the cylinder along the longitudinal central axis of the cylinder, wherein the piston defines an intake space in the cylinder; a drive unit configured to displace the piston in a direction in which the volume of the intake space in the cylinder increases; an elastic member configured to deform according to the displacement of the piston when the piston is displaced in a direction in which the volume of the intake space increases and store elastic energy in the elastic member, wherein the drive unit includes an elastic energy release mechanism that releases the elastic energy stored in the elastic member, thereby causing an impact of the piston in a direction in which the volume of the intake space decreases and causing vibration from the piston to the Venturi tube; and a damper located on the nozzle and between the Venturi tube and the end, wherein the damper is configured to reduce the vibration.

2. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the damper is selected from the group consisting of an elastic spring, a sponge, an air cushion, a rubber pad, a bellows, a cylinder damper, and combinations thereof.

3. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the damper includes an elastomer selected from the group consisting of rubber, nitrile rubber, fluororubber, silicone, thermoplastic elastomer (TPE), polyurethane, and combinations thereof.

4. The system according to claim 3, wherein, the elastomer has a hardness of about 20 to 70 Shore A.

5. The system according to claim 3, wherein, the elastomer has a hardness of about 30 to 60 Shore A.

6. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the system further includes a muffler disposed between the damper and the end and configured to further reduce the vibration.

7. The system according to claim 6, wherein, the vibration is reduced to a force of about 0 to 20 gf.

8. The system according to claim 1, wherein, The piston includes: a longitudinal central axis; an end wall facing the end wall of the cylinder; and a circumferential wall extending from the end wall along the longitudinal central axis, wherein a rack extending along the longitudinal central axis is formed on an outer surface of the circumferential wall of the piston, wherein the drive unit includes a sector gear having teeth only within a certain angular range, the sector gear meshing with the rack of the piston and linearly driving the rack, and wherein the combination of the sector gear and the rack forms the elastic energy release mechanism.

9. The system according to claim 8, wherein, the drive unit further includes: a power source; and an electric motor electrically connected to the power source and configured to rotationally drive the sector gear directly or indirectly.

10. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the elastic member is a helical spring at least partially received within the piston.

11. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the tank is fluidly connected to the throat section of the venturi tube.

12. The system according to claim 1, wherein, the formulation is a formulation for aesthetic purposes.

13. An apparatus for transdermal delivery of an atomized formulation, the apparatus comprising: the system according to claim 1; and a housing at least partially receiving the system.

14. A kit for transdermal delivery of an atomized formulation, the kit comprising: the apparatus according to claim 11; and a plurality of nozzles, wherein the nozzle is a first nozzle of the plurality of nozzles, and wherein the plurality of nozzles are configured to be coupled to the apparatus.

15. The kit according to claim 14, wherein, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles includes an outlet orifice having a size different from other nozzles of the plurality of nozzles.

16. The kit according to claim 14, wherein, each nozzle of the plurality of nozzles is configured to dispense a different formulation.

17. The kit according to claim 14, wherein, the plurality of nozzles are disposable.

18. A method of atomizing and injecting a formulation for transdermal delivery, the method comprising: filling a tank with the formulation, wherein the nozzle includes a tip and a venturi tube, the tank being fluidly connected to the nozzle via an orifice defined in the venturi tube through an internal passage of the venturi tube, wherein the internal passage includes a converging section, a diverging section, and a throat section located between the converging section and the diverging section; displacing a piston in the cylinder in a direction of increasing volume of an intake space in the cylinder, wherein the intake space is defined between the piston and an end wall of the cylinder, and wherein an outlet orifice formed in the end wall of the cylinder is fluidly connected to an inlet of the converging section of the venturi tube; deforming, when the piston is displaced in the direction of increasing volume of the intake space, an elastic member arranged to deform in accordance with the displacement of the piston and store elastic energy in the elastic member; Release the elastic energy stored in the elastic member, thereby causing an impact of the piston in the direction of volume reduction of the intake space, and further causing vibration from the piston to the venturi tube; Atomize the formulation supplied from the tank into the internal passage of the venturi tube and eject it to the outside by means of the air pushed out from the cylinder through the outlet hole of the end wall of the cylinder via the impact of the piston; and Reduce the vibration by a damper located between the venturi tube and the end of the nozzle.

19. The method according to claim 18, wherein, the method further comprises: further reducing the vibration by a silencer provided between the damper and the end of the nozzle.

20. The method according to claim 19, wherein, the vibration is reduced to a force of about 0 - 20 gf.

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