A device for high-throughput fabrication of microneedles

Abstract

This utility model discloses a high-throughput microneedle preparation device, specifically relating to the field of biomedical engineering technology. The high-throughput microneedle preparation device includes: a cabinet, a conveyor belt, and multiple molds. The cabinet has a running channel, through which the conveyor belt passes. The multiple molds are placed on the conveyor belt and moved by the conveyor belt. One side of each mold is flat, and the other side is a spiked surface. Multiple microneedle-shaped grooves are formed on one side of the flat surface. The conveyor belt is equipped with a feeding component for injecting raw materials into the microneedle-shaped grooves in the molds. An installation cavity is provided at the top of the cabinet, inside which a drying device and a pressurizing device are installed. The drying device can be a miniature dryer, and the pressurizing device can be an air compressor pump. The high-throughput microneedle preparation device provided by this utility model achieves automation and continuous microneedle production, greatly improving production efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of biomedical engineering technology, and in particular to a device for high-throughput preparation of microneedles. Background Technology

[0002] Microneedling, as a novel biomedical treatment method, has been widely applied in drug delivery, skin regeneration, and repair. Microneedles, typically composed of tiny needles ranging from tens to hundreds of micrometers in diameter, can penetrate the stratum corneum to deliver medications directly to deeper layers of the skin, achieving minimally invasive, precise, and highly effective treatment. Microneedles can be made of various materials, such as metals, silicon, and glass. Soluble microneedles made from ECM (electrochemical polymerized membrane) are particularly suitable for treating related diseases due to their excellent biocompatibility and safety.

[0003] However, existing microneedle manufacturing methods and equipment have certain limitations. For example, traditional microneedle manufacturing processes, such as stretching, centrifugation, and 3D printing, are usually time-consuming and difficult to mass-produce, thus failing to meet the needs of commercial applications.

[0004] Therefore, it is necessary to provide a device for high-throughput microneedle fabrication to solve the above-mentioned technical problems. Utility Model Content

[0005] In response to the above situation and to overcome the shortcomings of existing technology, this utility model provides a high-throughput microneedle preparation device that realizes the automation and continuous production of microneedles, greatly improving production efficiency.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, the technical solution adopted by this utility model is as follows:

[0007] A high-throughput microneedle fabrication device includes: a cabinet, a conveyor belt, and multiple molds. The cabinet has a running channel, and the conveyor belt runs through the running channel. The multiple molds are placed on the conveyor belt and moved by the conveyor belt. One side of each mold is flat, and the other side is a spiked surface. Multiple microneedle-shaped grooves are formed on one side of the flat surface. The conveyor belt is equipped with a feeding component for injecting raw materials into the microneedle-shaped grooves in the molds. The upper part of the cabinet has an installation cavity, and a drying device and a pressurizing device are installed inside the installation cavity. The drying device can be a micro dryer, and the pressurizing device can be an air compressor pump.

[0008] Preferably, the feeding assembly includes a bracket fixed to the belt conveyor frame, a hopper is provided below the bracket, at least two telescopic rods fixed to the bracket are installed on the hopper, the telescopic rods can be electric push rods, the hopper can move up and down under the drive of the telescopic rods, multiple feeding nozzles are installed at the bottom of the hopper, the number and size of the feeding nozzles are adapted to the number and size of the mold grooves on the mold, a feeding pipe is installed at the top of the hopper, and a solenoid valve is installed on the feeding pipe.

[0009] Preferably, front-mounted laser sensors are fixedly installed on both sides of the hopper, and marking points are fixedly installed on both sides of the mold.

[0010] Preferably, two fixing rods are fixedly installed on the top of the mounting cavity, and the same mounting plate is fixed to the bottom end of the two fixing rods. A U-shaped groove is formed between the mounting plate and the cabinet. A sealing plate is provided inside the mounting cavity, and the sealing plate passes through the U-shaped groove. A lower pressure plate and an upper cover plate are fixedly installed at the bottom and top of the sealing plate, respectively. A first sealing gasket is installed at the bottom of the lower pressure plate, and a second sealing gasket is installed at the bottom of the upper cover plate. A connector is fixedly installed on the lower pressure plate, and a cylinder is fixedly installed at the center of the connector. The cylinder is fixed to the mounting plate.

[0011] Preferably, a rear-mounted laser sensor is fixedly installed on both sides of the top of the operating channel.

[0012] Preferably, multiple support members are fixedly installed on both sides of the belt conveyor, and the multiple support members are used to support the mold.

[0013] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following beneficial effects:

[0014] (1) This utility model achieves automation and continuity of microneedle production by adopting a production line-style operation method, which greatly improves production efficiency.

[0015] (2) This utility model ensures the consistency of the size, shape and quality of each microneedle through precise mold design and automated control system, thereby improving the overall quality of the product. At the same time, the automated production process reduces interference from human factors and lowers the error rate in the production process. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 A cross-sectional schematic diagram of the device for high-throughput microneedle fabrication provided by this utility model;

[0017] Figure 2 for Figure 1 A partial structural diagram;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional view of the sealing plate.

[0019] Figure 4 This is a cross-sectional view of the feeding assembly.

[0020] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the mold structure;

[0021] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mold structure;

[0022] Figure 7 This is a structural schematic diagram of the support component;

[0023] Figure 8 A schematic diagram of the high-throughput microneedle fabrication device provided by this utility model.

[0024] The corresponding names of the reference numerals in the attached drawings are as follows: 1. Cabinet; 2. Belt conveyor; 3. Running channel; 4. Mounting cavity; 5. Mounting plate; 6. Fixing rod; 7. U-shaped groove; 8. Drying equipment; 9. Pressurizing equipment; 10. Sealing plate; 11. Connecting piece; 12. Cylinder; 13. Mold; 14. Lower pressure plate; 15. Upper cover plate; 16. First sealing ring; 17. Second sealing gasket; 18. Rear laser sensor; 19. Marking point; 20. Bracket; 21. Hopper; 22. Telescopic rod; 23. Discharge nozzle; 24. Solenoid valve; 25. Front laser sensor; 26. Support component. Detailed Implementation

[0025] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments. The embodiments of the present invention include, but are not limited to, the following embodiments.

[0026] Example 1

[0027] like Figure 1-8As shown, the high-throughput microneedle preparation equipment provided by this utility model includes: a cabinet 1, a belt conveyor 2, and multiple molds 13. The cabinet 1 has a running channel 3, through which the belt conveyor 2 passes. The multiple molds 13 are placed on the belt conveyor 2 and moved by the belt conveyor 2. One side of each mold 13 is flat, and the other side is a spiked surface. Multiple microneedle-shaped grooves are formed on the flat side. The belt conveyor 2 is equipped with a feeding assembly for injecting raw materials into the microneedle-shaped grooves in the molds 13. The upper part of the cabinet 1 has an installation cavity 4, inside which a drying device 8 and a pressurizing device are installed. Equipment 9 and drying equipment 8 can be micro dryers, and pressurizing equipment can be air compressor pumps. After the mold 13 is filled with material, it enters the designated position inside the running channel 3 under the drive of belt conveyor 2. Then, belt conveyor 2 stops, and pressurizing equipment 9 runs to compact the raw material in the mold groove. Then, drying equipment 8 dries the raw material in the mold groove, thereby realizing the pressurized drying of the raw material in the micro needle mold groove, so that the micro needles are solidified and formed. After the micro needles are solidified and formed, belt conveyor 2 continues to move. With the cooperation of the feeding component, belt conveyor 2, drying equipment 8 and pressurizing equipment 9, this device enables the production of micro needles to achieve assembly line operation, improving efficiency and output.

[0028] Example 2

[0029] like Figure 4 As shown, the feeding assembly includes a bracket 20 fixed to the frame of the belt conveyor 2. A hopper 21 is disposed below the bracket 20. At least two telescopic rods 22 fixed to the bracket 20 are installed on the hopper 21. The telescopic rods 22 can be electric push rods. The hopper 21 can move up and down under the drive of the telescopic rods 22. Multiple discharge nozzles 23 are installed at the bottom of the hopper 21. The number and size of the discharge nozzles 23 are adapted to the number and size of the mold slots on the mold 13. When it is necessary to inject material into the mold slots, the discharge nozzles 23 insert into the mold. The material is injected into the mold cavity to a suitable depth. A feeding pipe is installed on the top of the material hopper 21, and a solenoid valve 24 is installed on the feeding pipe. In the initial state, the material hopper 21 is full of material. When it is necessary to inject material into the mold cavity, the solenoid valve 24 is in the open state. At this time, the feeding pipe does not supply material to the material hopper 21, but instead supplies air, causing the material in the material hopper 21 to flow down into the mold cavity. After the material has flowed down for a certain period of time, the solenoid valve 24 is closed, and the material stops flowing down, thus completing the injection process, which is similar to that of a syringe. This embodiment can complete the injection of material into multiple mold cavities on the mold 13 at one time, which is convenient and efficient.

[0030] Furthermore, front-mounted laser sensors 25 are fixedly installed on both sides of the hopper 21, and marker points 19 are fixedly installed on both sides of the mold 13. When the mold 13 moves under the drive of the belt conveyor 2, the belt conveyor 2 will stop immediately after the two front-mounted laser sensors 25 detect the two marker points 19 on the mold 13 at the same time. At the same time, the two telescopic rods 22 move downwards by a specific distance. Then, the solenoid valve 24 opens, air enters the hopper 21, and the raw material in the hopper 21 flows into the mold groove through the discharge nozzle 23. After a specific time, the solenoid valve 24 closes again, and the two telescopic rods 22 retract, moving the hopper 21 to its initial position. The belt conveyor 2 then runs again. The function of the front-mounted laser sensors 25 and the marker points 19 is to achieve precise positioning and automatic triggering of the mold, ensuring that the material feeding action is performed at the correct position and time.

[0031] Example 3

[0032] like Figure 2-3 As shown, two fixing rods 6 are fixedly installed on the top of the mounting cavity 4, and the same mounting plate 5 is fixed to the bottom end of the two fixing rods 6. A U-shaped groove 7 is formed between the mounting plate 5 and the cabinet 1. A sealing plate 10 is provided inside the mounting cavity 4, and the sealing plate 10 passes through the U-shaped groove 7. A lower pressure plate 14 and an upper cover plate 15 are fixedly installed at the bottom and top of the sealing plate 10, respectively. A first sealing gasket 16 is installed at the bottom of the lower pressure plate 14, and a second sealing gasket 17 is installed at the bottom of the upper cover plate 15. A connector 11 is fixedly installed, and a cylinder 12 is fixedly installed at the center of the connector 11. The cylinder 12 is fixed to the mounting plate 5. During use, when the mold 13 moves to a designated position in the running channel 3, the belt conveyor 2 stops running, the cylinder 12 starts, and pushes the connecting rod 11 downward. The downward movement of the connecting rod 11 causes the sealing plate 10 to move downward until the first sealing ring 16 is in close contact with the mold 13. The cylinder 12 then stops running. At this time, the second sealing ring 17 is in close contact with the mounting plate 5. In this state (e.g. Figure 1 As shown, the mold 13, the sealing plate 10, and the mounting plate 5 form a sealed space, which facilitates the pressurization of the pressurization device 9.

[0033] Furthermore, rear laser sensors 18 are fixedly installed on both sides of the top of the running channel 3. When the two rear laser sensors 18 simultaneously detect the two marking points 19 on the mold 13, the belt conveyor 2 stops running, the cylinder 12 runs, and the mold 13, the sealing plate 10, and the mounting plate 5 form a sealed space. Then the pressurizing device 9 starts to pressurize the raw material in the mold groove. After pressurizing for a certain period of time, the drying device 8 dries the sealed space, driving the drying to end. The cylinder 12 then resets, and the belt conveyor 2 continues to run.

[0034] Example 4

[0035] like Figure 7 As shown, multiple support members 26 are fixedly installed on both sides of the belt surface of the belt conveyor 2, and the multiple support members 26 are used to support the mold 13.

[0036] Working Principle: This device also includes a controller, which is a PLC. The belt conveyor 2, telescopic rods 22, solenoid valves 24, front laser sensors 25, rear laser sensors 18, cylinders 12, drying equipment 8, and pressurizing equipment 9 are all electrically connected to the controller. In use, the mold is placed on the support 25 on the belt conveyor 2, and the belt conveyor 2 is started. When both front laser sensors 25 simultaneously detect the marker point 19, they transmit a signal to the controller. The controller processes the signal and sends a signal to shut down the belt conveyor 2, causing it to stop. Simultaneously, it sends a signal to start the two telescopic rods 22. The telescopic rod 22 is extended, causing the hopper 21 to move downward to the designated position. Then, the controller sends a signal to start the solenoid valve 24, allowing air to enter the hopper 21. This allows the raw material in the hopper 21 to enter the mold cavity through the discharge nozzle 23. After a specific time, the controller sends a closing signal to the solenoid valve 24, causing the solenoid valve 24 to close. At the same time, it sends a retraction signal to the two telescopic rods 22, causing the two telescopic rods 22 to retract and bring the hopper 21 to the initial position. Then, the controller sends a signal to start the belt conveyor 2 again, causing the belt conveyor 2 to run again. At this time, the belt conveyor 2 drives the mold 13, which is filled with raw material, to move.

[0037] When the two rear laser sensors 18 simultaneously detect the two marker points 19 on the mold 13, the rear laser sensors 18 transmit signals to the controller. The controller sends a signal to start the cylinder 12, causing the cylinder 12 to move. The cylinder 12 drives the connecting rod 11 to move downward and the sealing plate 10 to move downward. After the cylinder 12 has worked for a certain period of time, that is, after the first sealing ring 16 is in close contact with the mold 13 and the second sealing ring 17 is in close contact with the mounting plate 5, the controller sends a signal to stop the cylinder 12. At this time, the controller will also send a signal to start the pressurizing device 9. After the pressurizing device 9 has run for a certain period of time, the controller sends a signal to shut down the pressurizing device and at the same time sends a signal to start the drying device 8, causing the drying device 8 to run. After the drying device 8 has run for a certain period of time, the controller sends a signal to start the cylinder 12, causing the cylinder 12 to retract and return to its initial position. After the cylinder 12 has retracted to its initial position, the controller sends a signal to start the belt conveyor 2, causing the belt conveyor 2 to run again.

Claims

1. An apparatus for high-throughput fabrication of microneedles, characterized in that, include: The equipment includes a cabinet (1), a belt conveyor (2), and multiple molds (13). The cabinet (1) has a running channel (3), and the belt conveyor (2) runs through the running channel (3). Multiple molds (13) are placed on the belt conveyor (2). One side of each mold (13) is flat, and the other side is spiked. Multiple micro-needle-shaped grooves are opened on one side of the flat side. The belt conveyor (2) is equipped with a feeding component, which is used to inject raw materials into the micro-needle-shaped grooves in the molds (13). The upper part of the cabinet (1) is equipped with an installation cavity (4), and the installation cavity (4) is equipped with a drying device (8) and a pressurizing device (9).

2. The apparatus for high-throughput fabrication of microneedles of claim 1, wherein, The feeding assembly includes a bracket (20) fixed on the frame of the belt conveyor (2). A hopper (21) is provided below the bracket (20). At least two telescopic rods (22) fixed to the bracket (20) are installed on the hopper (21). Multiple feeding nozzles (23) are installed at the bottom of the hopper (21). The number and size of the feeding nozzles (23) are adapted to the number and size of the mold slots on the mold (13). A feeding pipe is installed on the top of the hopper (21). A solenoid valve (24) is installed on the feeding pipe.

3. The apparatus for high-throughput fabrication of microneedles of claim 2, wherein, Both sides of the hopper (21) are fixedly equipped with front laser sensors (25), and both sides of the mold (13) are fixedly equipped with marking points (19).

4. The apparatus for high-throughput fabrication of microneedles of claim 1, wherein, Two fixing rods (6) are fixedly installed on the top of the mounting cavity (4). The bottom ends of the two fixing rods (6) are fixed with the same mounting plate (5). A groove (7) is formed between the mounting plate (5) and the cabinet (1). A sealing plate (10) is provided in the mounting cavity (4). The sealing plate (10) passes through the groove (7). A lower pressure plate (14) and an upper cover plate (15) are fixedly installed at the bottom and top of the sealing plate (10), respectively. A first sealing gasket is installed at the bottom of the lower pressure plate (14). A second sealing gasket (17) is installed at the bottom of the upper cover plate (15). A connector (11) is fixedly installed on the lower pressure plate (14). A cylinder (12) is fixedly installed at the center of the connector (11). The cylinder (12) is fixed to the mounting plate (5).

5. The device for high-throughput microneedle fabrication according to claim 1, characterized in that, Rear laser sensors (18) are fixedly installed on both sides of the top of the operating channel (3).

6. The apparatus for high-throughput microneedle fabrication according to claim 1, characterized in that, Multiple support members (26) are fixedly installed on both sides of the belt surface of the belt conveyor (2).

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