Spark generator for generating pressure, formulation injector including a spark generator, method for generating pressure by a spark, and method for injecting a formulation

Abstract

To provide a spark generator for generating pressure.SOLUTION: A spark generator includes a main device and a pressure chamber arranged adjacent to the main device. The main device is provided with a circuit for generating prescribed spark voltage and an electromagnet. The pressure chamber is provided with: an incompressible fluid contained therein; a fixed electrode arranged in the incompressible fluid; a movable electrode arranged in the incompressible fluid at a prescribed distance from the fixed electrode; and a permanent magnet arranged on the movable electrode. The circuit is configured to apply spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode. The electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to a permanent magnet so as to move the movable electrode to the fixed electrode so as to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode. The pressure chamber configures a part of a wall of the pressure chamber, is provided with a pressure transmission structure configured to transmit pressure of the incompressible fluid generated by the spark to the outside of the pressure chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

[Technical Field]

[0001] The present invention relates to a spark generator for generating pressure, a formula injector including a spark generator, a method for generating pressure by means of a spark, and a method for injecting a formula. [Background technology]

[0002] There is a demand in the medical and cosmetic fields for needle-free formulation injection technology to deliver formulations such as cosmetics and drugs into the skin. Delivering formulations into the skin without using a needle can maximize the efficacy of the formulation. Minimizing damage to the skin leads to improved safety and reduced pain. Furthermore, general consumers who are not medical professionals can easily deliver formulations into the skin.

[0003] Many needleless drug injectors utilize microjets to deliver drug formulations into the skin with minimal damage. For example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2015 / 0265770 and U.S. Patent No. US 8905966 disclose drug formulation injection devices that generate microjets by using laser energy.

[0004] An example of a conventional formulation injection device that uses laser energy is shown in Figure 5. The formulation injection device 100 shown in Figure 5 includes a pressure chamber 102 and a formulation chamber 104 disposed adjacent to the pressure chamber 102.

[0005] The pressure chamber 102 is filled with a fluid 106. The fluid 106 is an incompressible and chemically inert fluid, such as water. The pressure chamber 102 includes an elastic membrane 108 that forms part of the wall of the pressure chamber 102. The pressure chamber 102 also includes a window 110 for the passage of laser light.

[0006] The formulation chamber 104 is filled with a formulation 112 to be delivered to the skin. The formulation 112 is in contact with and separated from the fluid 106 by an elastic membrane 108. The formulation chamber 104 includes a nozzle 116 for injecting the formulation 112.

[0007] A laser beam 118 is injected into the pressure chamber 102 of the formulation injector 100 through the window 110. As the energy of the laser beam 118 is absorbed by the fluid 106, the fluid rapidly expands and, under certain conditions, cavitation occurs. The expansion and cavitation generate pressure in the fluid 106. The generated pressure moves the elastic membrane 108 toward the formulation chamber 104 and is transferred to the formulation 112 in the formulation chamber 104. Thus, the formulation 112 is injected through the nozzle 116 as a microjet.

[0008] The formulation injector 100 configured as described above utilizes laser light, requiring a laser generator and optical fibers for transmitting the laser. Therefore, miniaturization of the device is difficult. The device also consumes a large amount of power. Furthermore, not all of the laser energy may be absorbed by the fluid, and the device may not be energy efficient, potentially resulting in increased power consumption. Because a powerful laser, such as a YAG laser, is used to achieve the desired pressure, operating the device may not be easy or safe for consumers. [Prior art documents] [Patent documents]

[0009] [Patent Document 1] U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2015 / 0265770 [Patent Document 2] U.S. Patent No. US 8905966 Summary of the Invention [Problem to be solved by the invention]

[0010] Therefore, what is desired is a formulation injector that is small in size and consumes low power, as well as an easily consumer-operable device for generating usable pressure for such a formulation injector. [Means for solving the problem]

[0011] A first embodiment of the present invention provides a spark generator for generating pressure, the spark generator comprising: The main device, a pressure chamber disposed adjacent to the main device; Equipped with The main device is a circuit for generating a predetermined spark voltage; Electromagnet and Equipped with The pressure chamber is an incompressible fluid contained therein; a fixed electrode disposed in the incompressible fluid; a movable electrode disposed in the incompressible fluid and spaced a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode; A permanent magnet disposed on the movable electrode; Equipped with the circuit is configured to apply a spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; the electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; The pressure chamber includes a pressure transmission structure forming part of the pressure chamber wall and configured to transmit pressure in the incompressible fluid generated by the spark to an exterior of the pressure chamber.

[0012] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be an elastic membrane.

[0013] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be a piston.

[0014] In the first embodiment of the present invention, the pressure chamber may further comprise a selective gas filter configured to release gas produced by decomposition of the incompressible fluid by the spark out of the compression chamber.

[0015] In a first embodiment of the present invention, the circuit may include a relay, and the relay may be configured to synchronize the application of current to the electromagnet and the application of a spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode.

[0016] A second embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation injector, the formulation injector comprising: a spark generator as described above; a formulation chamber configured to receive pressure transmitted by a pressure transmission structure; Equipped with The formulation chamber comprises: The preparations contained therein, a nozzle configured to inject the formulation; Equipped with The formulation is configured to be injected through the nozzle by pressure transmitted by a pressure transmitting structure.

[0017] In a second embodiment of the invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be in direct contact with the formulation.

[0018] A third embodiment of the present invention provides a method for generating pressure by a spark, the method comprising: applying a predetermined spark voltage between a fixed electrode disposed in a pressure chamber containing an incompressible fluid and a movable electrode disposed in the pressure chamber, spaced a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode, and having a permanent magnet disposed thereon; applying a current to an electromagnet disposed in a main device disposed adjacent to the pressure chamber, the electromagnet configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode by the permanent magnet to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; transmitting the pressure generated in the incompressible fluid by the spark out of the pressure chamber via a pressure transmission structure; Includes.

[0019] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be an elastic membrane, and pressure may be transmitted out of the pressure chamber by deformation of the elastic membrane.

[0020] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be a piston and pressure may be transmitted out of the pressure chamber by movement of the piston.

[0021] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the method may further include releasing gas produced by decomposition of the incompressible fluid by the spark outside the compression chamber through a selective gas filter disposed on the compression chamber.

[0022] In a third embodiment of the present invention, the step of applying a predetermined spark voltage between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode and the step of applying a current to the electromagnet to move the movable electrode towards the fixed electrode via the permanent magnet to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode may be performed synchronously.

[0023] A fourth embodiment of the present invention provides a method for injecting a formulation, the method comprising: transmitting pressure to a formulation chamber configured to receive pressure transmitted out of the pressure chamber in the manner described above via a pressure transmission structure; injecting the formulation disposed in the formulation chamber out of the formulation chamber through a nozzle disposed in the formulation chamber by the transmitted pressure; Includes.

[0024] In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be in contact with the formulation and pressure may be transmitted directly to the formulation. [Effects of the Invention]

[0025] The present invention embodies a formulation injector that is small in size and consumes low power, and an easily consumer-operable device for generating pressure for the formulation injector. [Brief explanation of the drawings]

[0026] [Figure 1] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a spark generator for generating pressure, according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 2] 1 is a schematic diagram of a formulation injector according to some embodiments of the present invention. [Figure 3] 1 is a graph showing the relationship between voltage and diameter of a cavity created by a spark. [Figure 4] This is an image of cavitation caused by a spark, taken with a high-speed camera. [Figure 5] FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional pharmaceutical formulation injector. DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

[0027] 1 shows a schematic diagram of a spark generator 1 for generating pressure according to some embodiments of the present invention. The spark generator 1 comprises a main device 2 and a pressure chamber 22 disposed adjacent to the main device 2.

[0028] The main device 2 includes a circuit 4 for generating a predetermined spark voltage and an electromagnet 6. The main device 2 may optionally include a capacitor 8 to which the spark voltage generated by the circuit 4 is applied for storing an electric charge, and a relay 10 for generating a spark by applying the spark voltage to electrodes described below. The main device 2 may also include a power supply circuit (not shown). The power supply circuit may be powered by a mains power source or may include a battery (not shown), for example, a lithium-ion rechargeable battery integrated into the spark generator 1.

[0029] The electromagnet 6 may receive current supplied from the circuit 4 or from a power circuit (not shown). The supply of power to the electromagnet 6 may be controlled by a relay 10. The electromagnet 6 is arranged to apply a magnetic force to a pressure chamber 22 arranged adjacent to the main device 2.

[0030] At least one of the circuit 4, electromagnet 6, capacitor 8, relay 10, and a power circuit (not shown) may be controlled by a microcontroller unit (not shown), and at least one of these components may be integrated into the main circuit board 12.

[0031] The pressure chamber 22 includes a fixed electrode 24 therein and a movable electrode 26 spaced a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode 24. The movable electrode 26 may be movable toward the fixed electrode 24, for example, by a hinge mechanism or a link mechanism. However, considering manufacturing ease, a simple structure, and a restoring force for returning the movable electrode 26 to its original position after moving toward the fixed electrode 24, the movable electrode 26 may preferably include an elastic member, such as a metal cantilever or a cantilever made of a dielectric material such as rubber, which may have the shape of a flat or curved plate, and an electrode portion. The fixed electrode 24, like the movable electrode 26, may also preferably include an elastic member and an electrode portion. The cantilevers of the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 may have the shape of a flat or curved plate, for example. The electrode portions of the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 may preferably be rods or pillars. Preferably, the electrode portions of the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 include metal rods or pillars having spherical cross sections and arranged so that their protrusions face each other. In this case, when the movable electrode 26 moves towards the fixed electrode 24, an electric field is concentrated between the protrusions, and therefore a spark can occur at a low voltage.

[0032] The permanent magnet 28 is disposed on the movable electrode 26 on the side opposite to the side facing the fixed electrode 24, so that the permanent magnet 28 faces the electromagnet 6 disposed in the main device 2. The fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 are electrically connected to the circuit 4 so that a spark voltage from the circuit 4 is applied to them. The relay 10 may be inserted between the circuit 4 and the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26, and may control the application of the spark voltage between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26.

[0033] As explained above, the relay 10 may also control the application of current to the electromagnet 6. Thus, when the relay 10 is turned on, the application of current to the electromagnet 6 and the application of the spark voltage between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 may occur synchronously.

[0034] The permanent magnet 28 faces the electromagnet 6 and is configured to react to and repel the magnetic force generated by the electromagnet 6. Thus, when a magnetic force is applied by the electromagnet 6, the permanent magnet 28 is repelled from the electromagnet 6, causing the movable electrode 26 to move toward the fixed electrode 24. When a predetermined spark voltage is applied between the movable electrode 26 and the fixed electrode 24, and when the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 come into contact with each other, a spark is generated between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26. The spark voltage may be applied to the movable electrode 26, for example, and the fixed electrode 24 may be maintained at ground potential.

[0035] Specifically, the pressure transmission structure 32 is configured to be in contact with the formulation 44 contained in the formulation chamber 42, and thus the pressure transmission structure 32 is disposed to separate the incompressible fluid 30 from the formulation 44. When pressure is applied to the formulation 44 from the pressure transmission structure 32, the formulation 44 is injected out of the formulation chamber 42 through the nozzle 46 as a microjet.

[0036] With further reference to Figures 1 and 2, a method for generating pressure by a spark by using the spark generator 1 configured in this manner, and a method for injecting a formulation by using the pressure generated by the spark generator 1 will be described.

[0037] The method for generating pressure includes a step in which circuit 4 generates a spark voltage applied between fixed electrode 24 and movable electrode 26, for example, by using a voltage booster circuit. For example, the spark voltage is preferably several hundred volts or less. More preferably, the spark voltage may be 10 to 100 V. Even more preferably, the spark voltage may be 40 V or more, for example, 50 to 100 V, or 50 to 70 V. A lower spark voltage advantageously reduces power consumption, increases safety, and allows for a smaller device. The spark voltage may be applied to, for example, a capacitor 8, which stores a charge.

[0038] The next step is to operate the relay 10 to apply the spark voltage 10 of the capacitor 8 between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26, which are disposed in the pressure chamber 22 and immersed in the incompressible fluid 30. For example, the fixed electrode 24 may be maintained at ground potential, and the spark voltage may be applied to the movable electrode 26. The initial spacing between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 is selected so that no spark occurs when the spark voltage is applied.

[0039] Next, a current is applied to the electromagnet 6 to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field is configured to exert a repulsive force on the permanent magnet 28 disposed on the movable electrode 26 in a direction away from the electromagnet 6. When the permanent magnet 28 is pushed by the magnetic field applied by the electromagnet 6, the movable electrode 26 moves toward the fixed electrode 24. When the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 come into contact with each other, the charge stored in the capacitor 8 generates a spark between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26. The charge released by the spark may be, for example, 40 to 250 mAh, more preferably 100 mAh. The energy released by the spark may be, for example, 1.0 to 25 J.

[0040] After the spark has ended, a step is performed to stop the supply of current to the electromagnet 6, and the release of the magnetic force is terminated. Thus, the movable electrode 26 is returned to its original position by the elastic force of the movable electrode 26. The circuit 4 may apply the spark voltage to the capacitor 8, and the charge may be stored for the next spark.

[0041] The relay 10 may apply a spark voltage between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 and synchronously or simultaneously supply current to the electromagnet 6. In this case, a single relay 10 can apply the spark voltage and supply current to the electromagnet 6, so the structure and control of the device can be simplified.

[0042] The energy released by the spark is transferred to the incompressible fluid 30 surrounding the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26. The incompressible fluid 30 is locally heated and pressurized, causing its volume to expand, or cavitation to occur. Unlike conventional laser-based technologies, the spark energy is spatially limited between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26, allowing for a desired pressure to be generated with less energy. The expanded voltage or generated cavitation generates pressure in the incompressible fluid 30. The generated pressure is transmitted to the pressure-transmitting structure 32. The pressure-transmitting structure 32 may be an elastic membrane, such as rubber or silicone, or a piston. The pressure-transmitting structure 32 deforms and moves out of the pressure chamber 22. Therefore, if there is an object outside the pressure chamber 22 in contact with the pressure-transmitting structure 32, the pressure is transmitted to the object.

[0043] A portion of the incompressible fluid 30 may be decomposed by the spark, generating gas. For example, when the incompressible fluid 30 is water, the water may be decomposed into oxygen and hydrogen. Gas is compressible, and its volume is reduced by pressure. Therefore, a portion of the pressure generated in the incompressible fluid 30 by the spark is used to compress the gas without being transmitted to the pressure transmission structure 32. Therefore, if the gas generated by the decomposition of the incompressible fluid 30 remains in the pressure chamber 22, it will result in pressure loss. Therefore, after the spark is generated, a step may be performed to release the gas from the pressure chamber 22 through an optional gas outlet 36 disposed on the pressure chamber 22. A selective gas filter 34 may be disposed at the gas outlet 36. The gas generated by the decomposition of the incompressible fluid 30 passes through the selective gas filter 34 and is released from the pressure chamber 22, while the incompressible fluid 30 cannot pass through the selective gas filter 34 and remains in the pressure chamber 22.

[0044] 2 includes a formulation chamber 42 disposed adjacent to the pressure chamber 22. A formulation 44 is contained in the formulation chamber 42 and is in contact with the pressure transmission structure 32. Thus, the pressure generated by the spark in the pressure chamber 22 is directly transmitted to the formulation 44 via the pressure transmission structure 32. Thus, the formulation 44 passes through the nozzle 46 to form a microjet and is released.

[0045] The depth of the injected formulation 44 in the skin of a subject, e.g., a human, is determined by the pressure generated by the spark. Therefore, the depth can be set by adjusting the spark voltage. For example, the spark voltage can be adjusted from 10 to 100 V or more. When the formulation is injected deep into the skin, the spark voltage may be set to be higher than 100 V.

[0046] Figure 3 shows the measured cavitation diameters when various voltages were applied between the electrodes. The electrodes were immersed in water and had a diameter of 2 mm. The spacing between the electrodes was 0.2 mm. Figure 4 shows images of cavitation captured by a high-speed camera when 65 V was applied. These results indicate that applying a spark voltage of 50 to 70 V can generate a uniform amount of cavitation. The amount of cavitation generated by the spark is suitable for cosmetic injections produced by microjets.

[0047] While specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, it will be readily apparent to those skilled in the art that various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. [Explanation of symbols]

[0048] 1 spark generator 2. Main Device 4 circuits 6. Electromagnets 8 Capacitors 10 Relay 12 Main circuit board 22 Pressure Chamber 24 Fixed electrode 26 Movable electrode 28 Permanent Magnets 30 Incompressible Fluids 32 Pressure transmission structure 34 Selective Gas Filter 41 Preparation injector 42 Formulation chamber 44 Preparations 46 nozzles 100 Conventional formulation injector 102 Pressure Chamber 104 Formulation chamber 106 Fluid 108 Elastic Membrane 110 Window 112 Preparations 116 nozzles 118 Laser

Claims

1. 1. A spark generator for generating pressure, comprising: The main device, a pressure chamber disposed adjacent to the main device; Equipped with The main device is a circuit for generating a predetermined spark voltage; Electromagnet and Equipped with The pressure chamber an incompressible fluid contained therein; a fixed electrode disposed within the incompressible fluid; a movable electrode disposed in the incompressible fluid and spaced a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode; a permanent magnet disposed on the movable electrode; Equipped with the circuit is configured to apply the spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; the electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; 10. A spark generator, wherein the pressure chamber comprises a pressure transmission structure forming a part of a wall of the pressure chamber and configured to transmit pressure of the incompressible fluid generated by the spark out of the pressure chamber.

2. The spark generator of claim 1 , wherein the pressure transmitting structure is an elastic membrane.

3. The spark generator of claim 1 , wherein the pressure transmitting structure is a piston.

4. 10. The spark generator of claim 1, wherein the pressure chamber further comprises a selective gas filter configured to release gases produced by decomposition of the incompressible fluid by the spark out of the pressure chamber.

5. the circuit includes a relay; 2. The spark generator of claim 1, wherein the relay is configured to synchronize the application of current to the electromagnet and the application of the spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode.

6. A formulation injector, comprising: A spark generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5; a formulation chamber configured to receive pressure transmitted by the pressure transmission structure; Equipped with the formulation chamber comprising: The preparations contained therein, a nozzle configured to inject the formulation; Equipped with A formulation injector configured so that the formulation is injected from the nozzle by the pressure transmitted by the pressure transmission structure.

7. 7. The formulation injector of claim 6, wherein the pressure transmitting structure is in direct contact with the formulation.

8. 1. A method for generating pressure by a spark, comprising: applying a predetermined spark voltage between a fixed electrode disposed in a pressure chamber containing an incompressible fluid and a movable electrode disposed in the pressure chamber, spaced a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode, and having a permanent magnet disposed thereon; applying a current to an electromagnet disposed in a main device disposed adjacent to the pressure chamber, the electromagnet configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode via the permanent magnet to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode; transmitting the pressure generated in the incompressible fluid by the spark out of the pressure chamber via a pressure transmission structure; A method comprising:

9. The method of claim 8 , wherein the pressure transmitting structure is an elastic membrane, and the pressure is transmitted out of the pressure chamber by deformation of the elastic membrane.

10. The method of claim 8 , wherein the pressure transmitting structure is a piston and the pressure is transmitted out of the pressure chamber by movement of the piston.

11. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising releasing gas produced by decomposition of the incompressible fluid by the spark out of the pressure chamber through a selective gas filter disposed on the pressure chamber.

12. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the steps of applying the predetermined spark voltage between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode and applying the current to the electromagnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode via the permanent magnet to generate the spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode are performed synchronously.

13. 1. A method for injecting a formulation, comprising: transmitting pressure via the pressure transmitting structure to a formulation chamber configured to receive the pressure transmitted out of the pressure chamber by the method of any one of claims 8 to 12, wherein the method of any one of claims 8 to 12 is controlled by a microcontroller unit; injecting the formulation disposed in the formulation chamber out of the formulation chamber through a nozzle disposed in the formulation chamber by the transmitted pressure; A method comprising:

14. the pressure transmitting structure is in contact with the formulation; 14. The method of claim 13, wherein the pressure is transmitted directly to the formulation.

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