MICRONEEDLE PENETRATION DISTANCE AND FORCE CONTROL with an acoustic oscillator

Abstract

CONTROLLING MICRONEEDLE PENETRATION DISTANCE AND FORCE WITH AN ACOUSTIC OSCILLATOR A system includes a micro-piercing device communicating with a smartphone. The micro-piercing device includes an acoustic oscillator, a smart tag reader, and a chip set connected to the acoustic oscillator, wherein the chip set includes a smart tag containing information readable with the smart tag reader. The chip set includes a plurality of microneedles. A pressure sensor detects a force on the microneedles, and a controller 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 MICRONEEDLES with an acoustic oscillator SUMMARY

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

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

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

[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 power 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, an oscillation frequency of the microneedles is 10 Hz to 40 kHz.

[0009] In one embodiment, the chip assembly includes an attachment to the oscillator 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 counterpart layer is juxtaposed on a second surface of the layer of piezoelectric crystals.

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

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

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

[0015] In one embodiment, the smartphone includes a non-transitory computer-readable medium having computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, 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-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, 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-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, in response to execution by at least one processor, cause the smartphone to: provide a skin diagnosis.

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

[0019] In one embodiment, the non-transitory computer-readable medium further comprises computer-executable instructions stored thereon that, 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 provided to present a selection of concepts in simplified form which are described more fully 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, in which:

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

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

[0024] [Fig.3] [Fig.3] is a schematic illustration of a chip assembly containing microneedles;

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

[0026] [Fig.5A] [Fig.5A] is a flowchart of a process performed 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] [Fig.6] is a schematic illustration of a computing device. Detailed description

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

[0030] Micro-punching is offered to clients of spas and clinics, for example, by trained professionals. Micro-punching devices are offered for use at home by consumers outside of specialized spas or clinics. Regardless of the level of experience or training of the individual performing the micro-punching procedure, there is a need to be able to determine if the micro-punching procedure may be too aggressive, which can potentially lead to adverse effects. This disclosure describes the use of a force sensor control to prevent such effects and to ensure that the tip of the micro-needle is not damaged and does not pose safety concerns.

[0031] The force control according to the disclosure can enhance the effectiveness of actives and formulations (reduce wrinkles, reduce fine lines, provide 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] Referring to [Fig.l], the disclosure relates 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-puncture device 100 and a smartphone 102. The micro-puncture device 100 communicates with the smartphone 102 using low-power wireless communication, such as Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, etc. The system provides customers with a closed-loop micro-puncture 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 combined hardware and software application. In the system, a consumer interacts with, for example, a smartphone 102. However, other computing devices may be used in place of the smartphone 102, including, but not limited to, a tablet computing device or a laptop computing device. 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 caused 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 skin and lips, the micro-needles 504 are able to penetrate the keratinous surface.

[0035] The microneedles 504 experience a force “F” that resists penetration of the microneedles 504. The force F is measured by the pressure sensor 104 and communicated to a controller 110, which then adjusts the oscillator 108 to maintain the penetration force F within a predetermined range. The force F is correlated to a depth of penetration. When the force F exceeds an upper limit, indicative of deep penetration, the oscillator 108 lowers the power and / or frequency to remain within the predetermined force limits. When the force F falls below a lower limit, indicative of insufficient penetration, the oscillator 108 raises the power and / or frequency to remain within the predetermined force limits.

[0036] The micro-perforation device 100 is configured to accept a replaceable chip assembly 502 to which the micro-needles 504 are attached. The micro-perforation device may be used with a formulation. The chip assembly 502 may 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, roller ball, hand application, etc. The chip assembly 502 includes a smart tag, such as RFID, a microchip, an identification of light, pattern recognition, QR code, bar code, and the like, which provides the device 100 with information, such as oscillation frequency, formulation type, if any, chip set usage and origin, and other useful information regarding the chip set 502.

[0037] The device 100 ensures the safety of the penetration of the microneedles 504 with a pressure sensor 104 to maintain a force range of 0.01N to 5N for example. The pressure sensor 104 is a strain gauge. The pressure sensor 104 is placed on any 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 experience the force of the microneedles.

[0038] The device 100 uses an acoustic oscillator to provide the movement frequency in a range of 10 Hz to 40 kHz. The oscillator includes a dedicated controller 110 that controls the power and frequency of the microneedles 504 so that the force F is within acceptable limits. The controller 110 includes a 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 lower the detected force or raising the power and / or frequency to increase the detected force within the predetermined force limits. The predetermined force range is stored in a memory in the controller 110, and the force range can be changed depending on the particular chip set or application or formulation, or other parameter of the microneedles.

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

[0040] Referring to [Fig. 2], an acoustic oscillator 108 is illustrated. An acoustic oscillator may be referred to as 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 piezoelectric crystal layer 204 (the transducer 204), and then a counterpart layer 206 is juxtaposed to the opposite side of the piezoelectric crystal layer 204. The support layers, the piezoelectric transducers and the counterpart layers 206 are known. The piezoelectric crystal 204 has electrode surfaces 208 and 210 connected to a controller 110 that provides voltage and frequency. The counterpart layer 206 may be connected directly to the chip assembly 502 or via a drive arm. The pressure sensor 104 may be interposed between the counterpart layer 206 and the chip assembly 502 as shown in [Fig. 3].

[0042] The piezoelectric crystal layer 204 is caused to oscillate by applying a voltage across the electrodes 208 and 210. When the piezoelectric crystal layer 204 is energized, the piezoelectric crystal layer 204 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 and at a predetermined frequency causes the piezoelectric crystal layer 204 to oscillate, thereby causing the chip assembly and the microneedles to oscillate.

[0043] [Fig. 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 nesting 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 may be placed on the back 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 simultaneously applied to the skin during 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, bar code, etc., configured to perform storage and transmission / reception of data (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 which is read upon attachment of the chip assembly 502 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 the like, which is positioned in the oscillator 100 so that when the chip assembly 502 is connected thereto, 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 the information is also communicated to the smartphone 102 or other computing device. Depending on the type of chip set, the oscillator changes the frequency and mode according to the different capsule type detected.

[0047] Generally, the 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 may use UV light, for example. With the device cap 512 on the chip assembly 502, UV light may be used to sterilize the chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504. The device box 100 may 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 repeatedly make contact with the surface of the keratinous substance, such as the skin and lips. The chip assembly 502 may be configured to dispense the formulation at the same time during the oscillations. However, the formulations may be dispensed by other means.

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

[0051] The microneedles 504 are present on the front surface of the chip assembly 502. The microneedles are spaced apart from each other. The microneedles may occupy from 20% to 90% of the surface area of ​​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 may be of any size and shape suitable for puncturing at least the stratum corneum of a skin surface. The size of the microneedles may be used to determine 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 micro-needles 504 can be adjusted so as to allow penetration of the epidermis and / or the 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 may 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 microneedle 504 may be a triangular pyramid, a square pyramid, or a pentagonal pyramid. Alternatively, microneedle 504 may also be in the shape of a cylinder, preferably with a tip that may be formed by cutting the cylinder diagonally. The cross-section of 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 microneedle 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 may 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 micro-needle 504 may have a diameter or a 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 micro-needle 504 is oval or elliptical in shape, 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 microneedle 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 microneedles 504 may not provide the microneedles with sufficient surface area so that the microneedles may not penetrate the skin. On the other hand, too wide a pitch may also cause a problem that an individual microneedle may not obtain enough pressure for penetration. Thus, the pitch of the microneedles 504 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 distinct materials or distinct and different materials. The microneedle chip assembly 502 and the microneedles 504 are made of a single monolithic material. The chip assembly 502 may be made 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 the surface area or contour shape of the chip assembly 502 to be changed to suit certain applications.

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

[0063] There is no limitation on how to prepare the microneedle chip assembly 502 for use. The microneedle chip assembly 502 can be made using conventional technology such as molding, 3D printing, metal processing, and the like.

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

[0065] At 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 leading end of the counterpart layer. The pressure sensor 104 may 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 controller 110. The controller 110 includes a memory that stores predetermined force limits for the given chip set 502.

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

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

[0068] At block 610, the controller 110 optionally communicates the 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 WiFi. The smartphone 102 includes a software application that provides notifications regarding the force and may further provide useful information to assist the user when the force is above or below the threshold.

[0069] [Fig. 5A] is a flowchart of a process performed by the system of [Fig. 1]. In addition to a pressure sensor 104, the device 100 includes a chip sensor reader 508. The device 100 operates with a replaceable chip set 502 of [Fig. 3].

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

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

[0072] Referring to [Fig.5B], the application 712 performs a skin diagnosis 722. A skin diagnosis may be performed by taking a selfie or a series of photos from different angles using the camera capability of the smartphone 102. The application 712 performs an analysis of the user's skin to detect skin features, such as dark spots, wrinkle firmness, pores, fine lines, dullness, etc. Methods may be used such as those described in the applicant's application US 2023 / 0169566. The skin diagnosis may include a skin tone or 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] The application 712 performs a treatment visualization 724. The treatment visualization may refer to the visualization of the penetration and recovery process. The treatment visualization may refer to augmented reality software that allows modification of digital images of faces. For example, MODIFACE® is downloadable software for the smartphone 102 that provides users with tips and information regarding the application of cos products The software allows consumers to virtually try on cosmetics. Treatment visualization may refer to the identification of treatment areas and contours, such as facial features. Reference may be made to Applicant's published application US 2022 / 0370822, expressly incorporated herein by reference in its entirety for all purposes. Briefly, such methods may develop a polygonal mesh including a tensor of treatment data for both surface and volumetric treatments. The treatment drawing represents an example of visualization of a cosmetic treatment drawing, including multiple polygons, where each polygon represents a unit of the digital representation, similar to a pixel in a digital image. Where the system implementing the described processes may project the drawing onto a surface map of a user's face.

[0074] The application 712 performs pressure detection 726 and support 730. The pressure detection is described here in association with [Fig.4]. "Guiding" can refer to guiding the consumer to receive the correct treatment method with the corresponding capsule. Coaching may refer to instructions and training in the use of the device 100. Coaching may refer to soliciting information from the operator to provide a personalized coaching session. Coaching may include machine learning through repeated use of the device over time. Coaching may refer to developing a dedicated product routine, coaching on gestures, for example, how the user moves or applies the device to the skin. Coaching may refer to an interactive interface that provides the user with gesture suggestions and the application area on the face.

[0075] The application 712 performs encryption and monitoring 728 of the chip set, e.g., 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 regarding the chip set 502, the microneedles, the formulation, if applicable, and other useful information such as the expiration date, the manufacturing date, the lot number, and the like.

[0076] [Fig. 6] is a block diagram that illustrates aspects of an exemplary computing device, such as smartphone 102. Exemplary computing device 102 depicts 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 one system memory 804 connected by a communication bus 806. Depending on the exact configuration and device type, system memory 804 may be volatile or non-volatile memory, such as read-only memory (“ROM”), random access memory (“RAM”), EEPROM, flash memory, or similar memory technology. Those of ordinary skill in the art and others will recognize that system memory 804 typically stores data and / or program modules that are immediately accessible to and / or being operated by processor 802. In this regard, processor 802 may serve as the computing center of smartphone 102 by supporting 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 the like. As will be appreciated by those skilled in the art, the network interface 810 illustrated in [Fig. 6] may represent one or more of the wireless interfaces or physical communication interfaces described and illustrated above with respect to particular components of the smartphone 102.

[0079] In the exemplary 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 persisting data 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, a magnetic disk storage medium and / or the like.

[0080] As used herein, the term "computer-readable medium" includes volatile and non-volatile, removable and non-removable media implemented in any method or technology capable of storing information, such as computer-readable instructions, data structures, program modules, or other data. In this regard, 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, a 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 to the understanding of the claimed subject matter, [Fig. 6] does not show some of the components typical of many computing devices. In this regard, the smartphone 102 may include input devices, such as a camera, a keypad, a mouse, a microphone, a touch input device, a touchscreen, and the like. Similarly, the smartphone 102 may also include output devices such as a display, speakers, etc. Since these devices are well known in the art, they are not illustrated or described in further detail herein.

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

[0083] Embodiments of the invention in which an exclusive property 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) that detects a force on the micro-needles (504); and a controller (110) that 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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