MICRO-NECK DISTANCE AND PENETRATION FORCE CONTROL with an acoustic oscillator

Abstract

Control of Microneedle Distance and Penetration Force with an Acoustic Oscilliator: A system includes a micro-perforation device communicating with a smartphone. The micro-perforation device includes an acoustic oscillator, a smart tag reader, and a chip array connected to the acoustic oscillator. The chip array includes a smart tag containing information readable by the smart tag reader. The chip array includes a plurality of microneedles. A pressure sensor detects force on the microneedles, and a control device adjusts the acoustic oscillator to maintain the force within predetermined limits. Figure for abstract: none

Description

Title of the invention: CONTROL OF DISTANCE AND PENETRATION FORCE OF MICRO-NEEDGES with an acoustic oscillator SUMMARY

[0001] In one embodiment, a micro-perforation device includes an acoustic oscillator; a chip assembly comprising a plurality of microneedles, in which the chip assembly is connected to the acoustic oscillator; a pressure sensor that detects a force on the microneedles; and a control device that adjusts the acoustic oscillator to maintain the force within predetermined limits.

[0002] In one embodiment, the micro-perforation device further includes a chip sensor and a reader; and the chip assembly includes a smart tag containing information readable with the chip sensor and the reader.

[0003] In one embodiment, the smart label includes information including predetermined limits.

[0004] In one embodiment, the chip assembly includes a reservoir that contains a formulation.

[0005] In one embodiment, the pressure sensor is provided on the chip assembly

[0006] In one embodiment, the micro-perforation device further comprises wireless communication to transmit the force to a smartphone.

[0007] In one embodiment, the predetermined limits of the force are from 0.1 N to 5 N.

[0008] In one embodiment, the oscillation frequency of the micro-needles is from 10 Hz to 40 kHz.

[0009] In one embodiment, the chip assembly includes an oscillator attachment that allows the chip assembly to be replaced.

[0010] In one embodiment, the oscillator includes a piezoelectric transducer.

[0011] In one embodiment, the piezoelectric transducer includes a layer of support juxtaposed on a layer of piezoelectric crystals on a first surface, and a homologous layer is juxtaposed on a second surface of the layer of piezoelectric crystals.

[0012] In one embodiment, the oscillator includes a control device for controlling the voltage to the piezoelectric crystal layer.

[0013] In one embodiment, the predetermined limits of the force are based on a size of micro-needles.

[0014] In one embodiment, a system comprises: a micro-perforation device, including: an acoustic oscillator; a chip sensor and a reader; a chip set connected to the acoustic oscillator, wherein the chip set includes a smart tag containing information readable with the chip sensor and the reader, wherein the chip set includes a plurality of microneedles; a pressure sensor that detects a force on the microneedles; and a control device that adjusts the acoustic oscillator to maintain the force within predetermined limits; and a smartphone.

[0015] In one embodiment, the smartphone includes a non-transient computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon which, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: display a notification when the force exceeds a predetermined limit.

[0016] In one embodiment, the non-transient computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored on it which, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: send messages to coach a user when the force exceeds the predetermined limit.

[0017] In one embodiment, the non-transient computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored on it which, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: provide a skin diagnosis.

[0018] In one embodiment, the non-transient computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored on it which, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: provide a processing visualization.

[0019] In one embodiment, the non-transient computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored on it which, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: monitor the use or origin of the chip set.

[0020] This summary is intended to present a selection of concepts in a simplified form, which are described in greater detail below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features of the claimed subject matter, nor to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. Description of the drawings

[0021] The foregoing aspects and many related advantages of this invention will be more readily appreciated as they are better understood with reference to the detailed description which follows, when taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, on which:

[0022] [Fig.1] Fig.1 is a schematic illustration of a system including a micro-perforation device and a computer device;

[0023] [Fig.2] The [Fig.2] is a schematic illustration of an acoustic oscillator;

[0024] [Fig. 3] [Fig. 3] is a schematic illustration of a set of chips containing microneedles;

[0025] [Fig.4] Fig.4 is a flowchart of a method for controlling the force of the microneedle netting;

[0026] [Fig.5A] The [Fig.5A] is a flowchart of a process carried out by a system including a micro-perforation device and a smartphone;

[0027] [Fig. 5B] Fig. 5B is a schematic illustration of an application in a smartphone; and

[0028] [Fig.6] The [Fig.6] is a schematic illustration of a computer device. Detailed description

[0029] Micro-perforation involves the use of small needles to create tiny punctures in a keratinous surface, such as the skin and lips. Micro-perforation is used to treat a variety of skin conditions, such as acne, scars, wrinkles, etc. Micro-perforation can also be combined with the application of topical and cosmetic formulations to enhance the effects of the formulations by delivering them deeper into the skin or to provide longer-lasting cosmetic effects.

[0030] Microneedling is offered to clients of spas and clinics, for example, by trained professionals. Microneedling devices are offered for home use by consumers outside of specialized spas or clinics. Regardless of the individual's level of experience or training performing the microneedling procedure, there is a need to be able to determine if the procedure might be too aggressive, potentially leading to adverse effects. This disclosure describes the use of a force sensor control to prevent such effects and to ensure that the microneedle tip is not damaged and does not pose safety problems.

[0031] The force control according to the disclosure can enhance the effectiveness of the active ingredients and formulations (reducing wrinkles, reducing fine lines, providing firmness, smooth texture). The micro-perforation device has a frequency range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz, or 50 Hz to 40 kHz, or 60 Hz to 40 kHz. The micro-perforation device has a penetration force range of 0.1 N to 5 N.

[0032] With reference to [Fig. 1], the disclosure is related to a micro-perforation system which monitors the penetration force of the microneedles to ensure proper penetration and avoid adverse effects. The system includes a micro-perforation device (100) and a smartphone (102). The micro-perforation device (100) communicates with the smartphone (102) using low-power wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. The system offers clients a closed-loop micro-perforation experience, from guidance and diagnosis to support and treatment.

[0033] The system includes a micro-perforation device 100 with a pressure sensor system 104 and a smartphone 102 with a hardware-software application. In the system, a consumer interacts, for example, with a smartphone 102. However, other computing devices can be used instead of the smartphone 102, including, but not limited to, a tablet computer or a laptop computer. The smartphone 102 includes a display device 210 and is capable of running an application (“App”), as described in more detail below.

[0034] The micro-perforation device 100 includes micro-needles 504. The micro-needles 504 are connected to any type of oscillator 108. The micro-needles 504 are made to oscillate in a linear reciprocating motion by the oscillator 108. When the oscillating micro-needles 504 are pressed against a keratinous surface, such as the skin and lips, the micro-needles 504 are able to penetrate the keratinous surface.

[0035] The microneedles 504 are subjected to a force "F" that resists their penetration. The force F is measured by the pressure sensor 104 and communicated to a control device 110, which then adjusts the oscillator 108 to maintain the penetration force F within a predetermined range. The force F is correlated with a penetration depth. When the force F exceeds an upper limit, indicating deep penetration, the oscillator 108 decreases its power and / or frequency to remain within the predetermined force limits. When the force F falls below a lower limit, indicating insufficient penetration, the oscillator 108 increases its power and / or frequency to remain within the predetermined force limits.

[0036] The micro-perforation device 100 is designed to accept a replaceable chip assembly 502 to which the micro-needles 504 are attached. The micro-perforation device can be used with a formulation. The chip assembly 502 can include a formulation in a reservoir. The chip assembly 502 does not require a formulation when the formulation is applied via another applicator, such as a sprayer, rollerball, manual application, etc. The chip assembly 502 includes a smart tag, such as RFID, a microchip, identification of light, pattern recognition, QR code, barcode, and the like, which provides the device with information such as oscillation frequency, formulation type, if applicable, use and origin of the chip set, and other useful information about the chip set.

[0037] The device 100 ensures the safe penetration of the microneedles 504 with a pressure sensor 104 to maintain a force range from 0.01 N to 5 N, for example. The pressure sensor 104 is a strain gauge. The pressure sensor 104 is placed on any one of the reciprocating drive arms that experiences the back force of the microneedles 504. The pressure sensor 104 can be placed on the microneedles 504 or on the chip assembly 502, as long as the pressure sensor 104 can withstand the force of the microneedles.

[0038] The device 100 uses an acoustic oscillator to ensure the movement frequency is within a range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz. The oscillator includes a dedicated control device 110 that controls the power and frequency of the microneedles 504 so that the force F remains within acceptable limits. The control device 110 includes memory and a processor. The processor is capable of comparing the force detected by the pressure sensor 104 and adjusting the power and / or frequency to decrease the detected force or increasing the power and / or frequency to increase the detected force within predetermined force limits. The predetermined force range is stored in memory within the control device 110, and the force range can be changed according to the particular chip assembly, application, formulation, or other microneedle parameter.

[0039] The permissible force range varies depending on the different chip assemblies. Different chip assemblies may have different microneedles requiring different penetration depths, or different chip assemblies may have different formulations requiring different penetration depths.

[0040] With reference to [Fig. 2], an acoustic oscillator 108 is illustrated. An acoustic oscillator can be called a Lorentz oscillator. In one embodiment, an acoustic oscillator 108 uses a piezoelectric material, such as a piezoelectric ceramic or a piezoelectric crystal. PZT (lead zirconate titanate) is a common piezoelectric crystal. However, other materials are well known.

[0041] An acoustic oscillator is constructed from a support layer 202 juxtaposed against a layer of piezoelectric crystals 204 (the transducer 204), and then a homologous layer 206 is juxtaposed on the opposite side of the piezoelectric crystal layer 204. The support layers, the piezoelectric transducers, and the homologous layers 206 are known. The piezoelectric crystal 204 has Electrode surfaces 208 and 210 are connected to a control device 110 which provides the voltage and frequency. The counterpart layer 206 can be connected directly to the chip assembly 502 or via a drive arm. The pressure sensor 104 can be interposed between the counterpart layer 206 and the chip assembly 502 as shown in [Fig. 3].

[0042] The piezoelectric crystal layer 204 is set into oscillation by applying a voltage across electrodes 208 and 210. When the piezoelectric crystal layer 204 is energized, it undergoes deformation in the axial plane. When the voltage is removed, the piezoelectric crystal layer 204 returns to its undeformed state. Therefore, applying voltage cyclically at a predetermined frequency causes the piezoelectric crystal layer 204 to oscillate, which in turn causes the entire chip assembly and the microneedles to oscillate.

[0043] Figure 3 illustrates a chip assembly 502 suitable for connection to the oscillator 108. The chip assembly 502 includes a fastener 516 that uses threads or a snap ring as a means of connecting the chip assembly 502 to the oscillator 108. The chip assembly 502 includes microneedles 504 provided on the front side of the chip 502. The pressure sensor 104 can be placed on the rear side of the chip 502. The chip assembly 502 may optionally include a formulation. The chip assembly 502 includes a reservoir 570 for holding one or more formulations that are applied simultaneously to the skin during the oscillation of the microneedles 504.

[0044] The chip assembly 502 includes a smart tag 506 or an electronic device, such as a microchip, light identification, pattern recognition, QR code, barcode, etc., configured to perform data storage and transmission / reception (such as NFC, RFID, or a contact device). The smart tag 506 contains information relating to the mode, microneedles, formulation, operating parameters, and other information useful to the operator of the device 100. The device 100 includes a chip sensor reader 508 for reading the information from the smart tag 506. The smart tag 506 can be placed on the chip assembly 502 at any convenient location that is read when the chip assembly 502 is attached to the device 100.

[0045] Depending on the smart tag 506. The chip sensor reader 508 is configured to read the smart tag 506. The chip sensor reader 508 is an RFID reader, a near field reader, or similar, which is positioned in the oscillator 100 so that when the chip assembly 502 is connected to it, the chip sensor reader reads the smart tag 506.

[0046] The information on the smart label 506 is used by the device 100 to control the mode and frequency, and this information is also communicated to the 102 smartphone or other computing device. Depending on the type of chip assembly, the oscillator changes the frequency and mode according to the different types of capsules detected.

[0047] Generally, formulations include dermatological formulations and cosmetic formulations or combinations of both. Among the formulations that can be applied to the skin by the micro-perforation device are: dyes, pigments, humectants or moisturizers, anti-aging substances, in particular "anti-wrinkle" substances, antioxidants, fat-restructuring substances, substances acting on microcirculation, biologically active substances, and formulations including, but not limited to, a) econazole; b) flavones such as flavone, apigenin, chrysin, flavanone, quercetin; and c) retinoic acid.

[0048] The chip assembly 502 is equipped with a device cap 512. The device cap 512 includes a cleaning mechanism 514. The cleaning mechanism 514 can use UV light, for example. With the device cap 512 on the chip assembly 502, UV light can be used to sterilize the chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504. The device box 100 can use ultrasonic waves to clean the chip assembly 502 and the microneedles.

[0049] The microneedle chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504 are designed to establish repeated contact with the surface of keratinous substances, such as skin and lips. The chip assembly 502 can be configured to dispense the formulation simultaneously during oscillations. However, formulations can be dispensed by other means.

[0050] The type, number, size of the microneedles 504 can affect the limits of the permissible force.

[0051] The microneedles 504 are present on the front surface of the chip assembly 502. The microneedles are spaced apart. The microneedles may occupy from 20% to 90% of the surface area on the front side of the chip assembly 502. The microneedles may be present on 50% or more, preferably 70% or more, and more preferably 90% or more of the front surface of the chip assembly 502.

[0052] A microneedle 504 can be of any size and shape suitable for perforating at least the stratum corneum of a skin surface. The size of the microneedles can be used to determine the appropriate force limits. It may be preferable for the microneedles to be designed to pierce and penetrate the stratum corneum. The microneedles may be capable of creating openings or passages in the stratum corneum.

[0053] If necessary, the height of the microneedles 504 can be adjusted to allow penetration of the epidermis and / or dermis of the skin, preferably of the epidermis, and more preferably of any of the layers of the epidermis.

[0054] The shape of the microneedles 504 is not limited. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the microneedles 504 can take any reasonable shape, including, but not limited to, pyramids, cones, rods, and / or pillars. As such, the microneedles 504 may have the same diameter at the tip as at the base or may have a tapered diameter in the direction from the base to the tip.

[0055] For example, the shape of the microneedle 504 may be a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid, or a pentagonal pyramid. Alternatively, the microneedle 504 may also be cylindrical, preferably with a point that can be formed by cutting the cylinder diagonally. The cross-section of the microneedle 504 may take any geometric shape, including circular, triangular, square, rectangular, polyhedral, regular or irregular, and the like. In one embodiment, a group of microneedles may take the form of hollow microcapillaries. However, for the present disclosure, solid (non-hollow) microneedles 504 may be preferable.

[0056] The height or length of the micro-needle 504 is from 10 to 500 microns, preferably from 30 to 300 microns, and more preferably from 50 to 150 microns.

[0057] The microneedle 504 is in the form of a cone. The height or length of the cone of the microneedle 504 can be from 10 to 500 microns, preferably from 30 to 300 microns, and more preferably from 50 to 150 microns.

[0058] The base of the cone of the microneedle 504 may have a diameter or width of 10 to 500 microns, preferably 10 to 300 microns, and more preferably 10 to 100 microns. If the base of the cone of the microneedle 504 is oval or elliptical, the length of the major axis or the width of the oval may be 10 to 500 microns, preferably 10 to 300 microns, and more preferably 10 to 100 microns.

[0059] The micro-needle 504 is capable of penetrating a keratinous substance, such as skin and lips, to a depth of 200 microns or less, preferably 180 microns or less, and more preferably 160 microns or less.

[0060] A narrow pitch (distance between any two microneedles) of the 504 microneedles may not provide the microneedles with sufficient surface area, so that the microneedles may not penetrate the skin. On the other hand, a pitch that is too wide may also lead to a problem whereby an individual microneedle may not obtain enough pressure for penetration. Thus, the pitch of the 504 microneedles is 400 to 700 microns, and more preferably 400 to 500 microns.

[0061] The microneedle chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504 are made of separate materials or of separate and different materials. The microneedle chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504 are made of the same monolithic material. The chip assembly 502 may be composed of a composite of a plurality of smaller chips, each of the smaller chips containing one or more microneedles. The number of smaller chips comprising the chip assembly 502 is variable to allow for changing the surface area or the contour shape of the chip assembly 502 to suit certain applications.

[0062] The outer contour of the front and rear surfaces of the 502 microneedle assembly is square, disc-shaped, rectangular, multi-sided, or similar. The dimensions of the outer contour of the 502 microneedle assembly may vary depending on the number of smaller microneedles assembled together. The shape of the 502 microneedle assembly is suitable for application under the eyes or around the lips, depending on the intended application of the microneedle sheet. For example, the shape may be crescent-shaped. The 502 microneedle assembly is disc-shaped.

[0063] There are no limitations as to how the 502 microneedle chip assembly for use can be prepared. The 502 microneedle chip assembly can be produced using conventional technologies such as molding, 3D printing, metal processing, and the like.

[0064] Figure 4 is a flowchart of a process carried out by the system of Figure 1. The process is carried out during the micro-perforation process, block 602.

[0065] In block 604, the device 100 includes a pressure sensor 104 that measures the force against the microneedles 504. The pressure sensor is placed, for example, at the front end of the corresponding layer. The pressure sensor 104 can be a strain gauge, for example, whose resistance varies with the applied force. The pressure sensor 104 converts the force, pressure, tension, weight, etc., into a change in electrical resistance that can then be measured by the control device 110. The control device 110 has a memory that stores predetermined force limits for the given chip set 502.

[0066] The 502 chip assemblies are interchangeable, and different 502 chip assemblies are configured for different skin conditions or applications. Therefore, each different 502 chip assembly may have different upper and lower limits for the permissible force. However, in general, the force limits are from 0.1 N to 5 N, and the oscillation frequency is from 10 Hz to 40 kHz, or from 40 Hz to 40 kHz, or from 50 Hz to 40 kHz, or from 60 Hz to 40 kHz.

[0067] At block 606, if the measured force is greater than or less than the predetermined limit, the control device 110 automatically adjusts tically, for example, the power or the frequency or both the power and the frequency to bring the measured force into the predetermined upper and lower limits in block 608.

[0068] In block 610, the control device 110 optionally transmits force measurements to a smartphone 102. The smartphone 102 obtains data from the pressure sensor via a wireless solution, such as Bluetooth Low Energy or Wi-Fi. The smartphone 102 includes a software application that provides feedback on the force and can also provide useful information to assist the user when the force is above or below the threshold.

[0069] Figure 5A is a flowchart of a process carried out by the system of Figure 1. In addition to a pressure sensor 104, the device 100 includes a chip-based sensor reader 508. The device 100 operates with a set of replaceable chips 502 from Figure 3.

[0070] At block 702, a user connects a chip set 502 to the device 100. The chip set 502 includes a label 506 at a location that can be automatically detected by the chip sensor reader 508 of the device 100.

[0071] The chip set 502 contains instructions for force limits and frequency, which are communicated to the control device 110 on the device 100. The control device 110 recognizes the chip set 502 and automatically adjusts the operating conditions. The control device 110 also communicates with the smartphone 102. The smartphone 102 contains an application 712 ([Fig. 5B]) which provides a number of functions.

[0072] With reference to [Fig. 5B], the application 712 performs a skin diagnosis 722. A skin diagnosis can be performed by taking a self-portrait or a series of photographs from different angles using the smartphone's camera 102. The application 712 performs an analysis of the user's skin to detect skin features such as brown spots, wrinkle firmness, pores, fine lines, dullness, etc. Methods such as those described in US Applicant's Application 2023 / 0169566 can be used. The skin diagnosis may include a skin tone or skin profile diagnosis. This diagnosis determines one or more appropriate colors for the user based on an imaging operation performed on the user's face.

[0073] Application 712 performs a processing visualization 724. The processing visualization may refer to the visualization of the penetration and recovery process. The processing visualization may refer to augmented reality software that allows for the modification of digital images of faces. For example, MODIFACE® is downloadable software for smartphones 102 that provides users with tips and information regarding the application of cosmetic products. Cosmetics. The software allows consumers to virtually try on cosmetics. Treatment visualization can refer to the identification of treatment areas and contours, such as facial features. Reference may be made to the applicant's published application US 2022 / 0370822, expressly incorporated herein in its entirety for all purposes. In short, such processes can develop a polygonal mesh including a treatment data tensor for surface and volumetric treatments. The treatment drawing represents an example of visualizing a cosmetic treatment design, including multiple polygons, where each polygon represents a unit of the digital representation, similar to a pixel in a digital image. The system implementing the described processes can project the design onto a surface map of a user's face.

[0074] The application 712 performs a pressure detection 726 and an accompaniment 730. The pressure detection is described here in association with the [Fig.4]. "Support" can refer to guiding the consumer to receive the correct treatment method with the corresponding capsule. Support can refer to instructions and training on how to use the device. Support can refer to soliciting information from the operator to provide a personalized support session. Support can include machine learning through repeated use of the device over time. Support can refer to developing a dedicated product routine, guidance on gestures, for example, how the user moves or applies the device to the skin. Support can refer to an interactive interface that provides the user with gesture suggestions and the application area on the face.

[0075] Application 712 performs encryption and monitoring 728 of the chip set, for example, tracking the usage time of the chip set. The application logs usage times and routines. The chip set 502 includes a smart tag, which stores information about the chip set 502, the microneedles, the formulation, if applicable, and other useful information such as the expiration date, the manufacturing date, the batch number, and the like.

[0076] Fig. 6 is a functional diagram that illustrates aspects of an example computing device, such as the smartphone 102. The example computing device 102 describes various elements common to many different types of computing devices.

[0077] In its most basic configuration, the smartphone 102 includes at least one processor 802 and a system memory 804 connected by a communication bus 806. Depending on the exact configuration and device type, system memory 804 can be volatile or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (ROM), random-access memory (RAM), EEPROM, flash memory, or similar memory technology. Those with a general understanding of technology and others will recognize that system memory 804 typically stores data and / or program modules that are immediately accessible to and / or being processed by the processor 802. In this respect, the processor 802 can serve as the computing center of the smartphone 102 by handling instruction execution.

[0078] As illustrated in more detail in [Fig. 6], the smartphone 102 may include a network interface 810 comprising one or more components for communicating with other devices on a network. The network interface 810 may also include a wireless network interface configured to communicate via one or more wireless communication protocols, such as WiFi, 2G, 3G, LTE, WiMAX, Bluetooth, Bluetooth Low Energy, and / or similar protocols. As a person skilled in the art will understand, the network interface 810 illustrated in [Fig. 6] may represent one or more of the wireless or physical communication interfaces described and illustrated above with respect to particular components of the smartphone 102.

[0079] In the example embodiment shown in [Fig. 6], the smartphone 102 also includes a storage medium 808. However, it is possible to access the services using a computing device that does not include means for data persistence on a local storage medium. The storage medium 808 may be volatile or non-volatile, removable or non-removable, implemented using any technology capable of storing information such as, but not limited to, a hard disk drive, an SSD, a CD-ROM, a DVD or any other disk storage medium, magnetic cassettes, magnetic tape, magnetic disk storage medium and / or the like.

[0080] As used herein, the term "computer-readable media" includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any process or technology capable of storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. In this respect, the system memory 804 and storage medium 808 shown in [Fig. 6] are only examples of computer-readable media.

[0081] Suitable implementations of computing devices that include a processor 802, system memory 804, a communication bus 806, a storage medium 808, and a network interface 810 are known and commercially available. For ease of illustration and because it is not important for understanding the claimed subject matter, [Fig. 6] does not show some of the components typical of many computing devices. In this regard, the 102 smartphone may include input devices such as a camera, numeric keypad, mouse, microphone, touch input device, touchscreen, and the like. Similarly, the 102 smartphone may also include output devices such as a display, speakers, etc. Since these devices are well-known in the field, they are not illustrated or described in further detail here.

[0082] Although illustrative embodiments have been shown and described, it will be appreciated that various changes can be made to them without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention.

[0083] The embodiments of the invention in which exclusive ownership or privilege is claimed are defined in the claims.

Claims

Claims

1. A micro-perforation device (100), comprising: an acoustic oscillator (108); a chip assembly (502) comprising a plurality of micro-needles (504), wherein the chip assembly (502) is connected to the acoustic oscillator (108); a pressure sensor (104) which detects a force on the micro-needles (504); and a controller (110) which adjusts the acoustic oscillator (108) to maintain the force (F) within predetermined limits.

2. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 1, further comprising: a chip sensor and a reader (508); and the chip assembly (502) includes a smart tag (506) containing information readable by the chip sensor and the reader (508).

3. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 2, wherein the smart tag (506) includes information including the predetermined boundaries.

4. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 2, wherein the chip assembly (502) includes a reservoir that contains a formulation.

5. A micro-perforation device (100) according to claim 1, comprising wireless communication for transmitting the force (F) to a smartphone (102).

6. A micro-perforation device (100) according to claim 1, wherein the predetermined limits of the force (F) are from 0.1 N to 5 N.

7. The micro-perforation device (100) according to claim 1, wherein an oscillation frequency of the micro-needles (504) is 10 Hz to 40 kHz.

8. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 1, wherein the chip assembly (502) includes an attachment to the oscillator (108) that allows the chip assembly (502) to be replaced.

9. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 1, wherein the oscillator (108) includes a piezoelectric transducer; wherein the piezoelectric transducer includes a support layer (202) juxtaposed on a layer of piezoelectric crystals (204) on a first surface, and a homologous layer (206) is juxtaposed on a second surface of the piezoelectric crystal layer (204).

10. The micro-perforation device (100) of claim 1, wherein the predetermined limits of force (F) are based on a size of micro-needles (504).

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