Microneedle applicator

Abstract

The present invention relates to a microneedle applicator that comprises a housing, a trigger assembled to an upper end or a side of the housing, a moving assembly assembled to the trigger inside the housing in a standby position. The applicator also includes a patch retaining means configured to detachably hold at least one microneedle patch, which comprises a liquid- permeable base and microneedles, and a liquid supply means assembled to the moving assembly. When the trigger is pressed into the housing, the moving assembly moves towards the user's skin, positioning the microneedle patch so that the microneedles are embedded into the skin in a ready-to-supply position. Subsequently, the liquid supply means is activated to deliver liquid to the liquid-permeable base. The applicator of this invention achieves sequential embedding of microneedles into the user's skin and applying liquid to the base of the microneedle patch with a single-step trigger.

Description

[0001] MICRONEEDLE APPLICATOR

[0002] TECHNICAL FIELD

[0003] The present invention relates to a microneedle applicator. Specifically, the invention relates to an applicator for dissolvable microneedles developed to provide liquid to the microneedle patch for rapid needle detachment. The applicator of this invention achieves sequential embedding of microneedles into a user’s skin and applying liquid to a base of the microneedle patch with a single-step trigger.

[0004] BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0005] Microneedles have been demonstrated to enhance the transdermal delivery of drugs or substances, particularly in situations where conventional transdermal administration is inadequate. Nevertheless, effectively administering microneedles to the user’s skin remains a challenge as the microneedles need to be uniformly inserted into the skin, with the appropriate force with minimal impact to the user. Inserting microneedles into the skin by merely pressing a microneedle array with fingers or hands is not straightforward due to the skin’s soft and elastic nature, which causes deformation upon pressure.

[0006] Thus, microneedle applicators have been developed to facilitate the more effective administration of microneedles to the skin. These applicators simplify the administration process, enhance reliability, and maintain hygiene. Since direct contact with the microneedle patch is unnecessary, the patch can be handled safely and in a sanitary manner. Microneedle applicators may be designed for multiple-use or single-use, employing various mechanisms of operation based on intended applications and the types of microneedle patches / arrays.

[0007] Below, we discuss examples of patent documents that explore the development of microneedle applicators for diverse purposes.

[0008] EP 2906284 B 1 discloses a force-controlled applicator for applying a microneedle device to skin. Their objective is to achieve a desired depth of penetration and limit the force applied to the microneedle device and skin, for example, by causing the microneedle device to retract after reaching a maximum application force. The applicator is configured to deliver a range of forces to achieve the desired depth of penetration, utilizing a connecting member positioned to couple the microneedle device to a housing. Consequently, even if the applicator continues to be pressed onto the skin, the microneedles will no longer be puncturing the skin and will be removed from the skin surface once the maximum application force is reached.

[0009] With the intention of effectively applying microneedles without causing fear to the user, inventors of US 9,498,611 B2 developed an applicator that minimally impacts the user’s skin. The applicator comprises a transmission member that transmits biasing force from a biasing member to the microneedles. The mass of the transmission member, which transmits the biasing force, is very light, resulting in reduced impact for the user during applicator operation. In addition, even with the lightened transmission member, effective administration of an active agent is achieved by adjusting the momentum of the transmission member. The transfer amount of the active agent from the microneedles to the skin may be proportional to the momentum of the transmission member.

[0010] In addition, US 9,492,647 B2 discloses a microneedle applicator designed to enable safe breaking off of microneedles, optionally laden with an active ingredient, in the skin. According to this disclosure, the applicator has a drive mechanism for driving a microneedle array initially in a first direction perpendicular to a planar substrate and then in a second direction parallel to the planar substrate. Finally, microneedles within the array are shorn. These features enable the applicator to safely pierce the skin using the microneedle array, achieving reproducible and targeted breaking off of the microneedles.

[0011] The applicator of US 9,492,647 B2 discussed above is designed to be used with microneedles that can be broken off mechanically by force. However, it is not particularly suitable for dissolvable microneedles.

[0012] Dissolvable microneedles typically dissolve upon contact with skin moisture after insertion, but this process takes a significant amount of time. Supplying liquid to the back surface of the base of a dissolvable microneedle array has been demonstrated to accelerate the dissolution of the microneedles. However, there remains a need for an applicator capable of supplying liquid after a microneedle patch is administered to the skin, thereby accelerating the dissolution of the microneedles. Such an applicator should seamlessly perform both the microneedle administration and liquid supply functions.

[0013] JP 6726512 B2 discloses an applicator for water-soluble microneedles, capable of sequentially performing three functions: taking out a microneedle patch, puncturing, and supplying water. The applicator of this JP patent includes a cylinder with a piston, a spring, a latch, a patch-holding portion, and a liquid container. The liquid container is attached to the outside or the inside of the cylinder. The liquid container and the tip of the cylinder are connected by a thin tube that conveys liquid through the inside of the piston, the outside of the piston, or the outside of the cylinder. Further, it has a valve and a knob for opening and closing the valve, thereby controlling the liquid supply from the container.

[0014] When in use, the microneedle of the above JP applicator remains pressed against the microneedle patch after it has been inserted into the skin. In this state, the knob is operated to open the valve, allowing liquid to pass through the thin tube onto the back surface of the microneedle array. The amount of the liquid released can be adjusted by adjusting the valve opening time. In another embodiment, the liquid container has a dropper shape. To fill the dropper- shaped liquid container, the liquid container is removed, filled with the principle of a dropper, and the liquid is prevented from flowing out with a pinch cock, and then it is attached back to the cylinder. When pouring the liquid, a user may open the pinch cock and press a rubber part of the dropper to release the liquid from the cylinder tip.

[0015] One disadvantage of the applicator described in JP 6726512 B2 is that its sequential functions require multiple steps of operation by the user. The applicator must remain pressed against the skin after microneedle insertion, while the user operates the knob, or open the pinch cock and press a rubber part of the dropper, in case of a dropper- shaped container, to open the valve to release liquid from the liquid container. This process is inconvenient and not practical, especially when the valve opening time is extended to release a relatively large amount of liquid. In addition, despite the microneedle patch having an adhesive tape to secure it to the skin, the patch may still shift during this multiple-step operation.

[0016] Therefore, there is still a need for a microneedle applicator specifically designed for dissolvable microneedles, capable of sequentially administering a microneedle patch to the user’s skin and providing liquid to the back of the base of the microneedle patch for rapid needle detachment, with a single-step trigger.

[0017] SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

[0018] The present invention relates to an applicator for a microneedle patch with dissolvable microneedles. The applicator according to the present invention can sequentially administer a microneedle patch and provide liquid to a base of the microneedle patch, with a single-step trigger. The applicator according to the present invention comprises: a housing with a hollow shape; a trigger assembled to an upper end or a side of the housing, with an inner part of the trigger inside the housing and an outer part extending outward from the housing; a moving assembly assembled to the trigger inside the housing in a standby position; a patch retaining means attached to the moving assembly or a lower end of the housing, configured to detachably hold at least one microneedle patch comprising a liquid-permeable base and a plurality of microneedles; and a liquid supply means assembled to the moving assembly. Pressing the trigger into the housing causes the moving assembly to move toward a user’s skin, positioning the microneedle patch such that the microneedles are embedded into the user’s skin in a ready-to- supply position, and sequentially activating the liquid supply means to deliver liquid to the liquid-permeable base.

[0019] In one embodiment, particularly suitable for single use, the liquid supply means comprises a plurality of protruding parts and a liquid reservoir. The housing comprises at least one stopper, while the trigger features a stopper rib. Pressing the trigger will cause the at least one stopper of the housing to be deformed or broken, embedding microneedles into the user’s skin, and will then sequentially cause the stopper rib of the trigger to be deformed or broken, puncturing the liquid reservoir.

[0020] In another embodiment, particularly suitable for multiple uses, the moving assembly comprises a hollow body for accommodating the liquid supply means, and wherein the liquid supply means comprises a feeder assembly and a syringe set. In order to control the amount of liquid released per use, the feeder assembly comprises a moving rod and a movement limiting mechanism, wherein the moving rod comprises a rod body and a plurality of notches. In each use, the moving rod is pushed toward the syringe set by a distance between two adjacent notches. The feeder assembly further comprises a return spring for returning the feeder assembly to the ready-to-supply position when the user releases the trigger, preparing it for the next use.

[0021] The objective of the present invention is to provide an applicator that facilitates the easy and proper application of a microneedle patch onto the user’s skin while simultaneously providing liquid necessary for rapid detachment of microneedles from the patch. Achieving this objective requires only a single press on the trigger. This will help eliminate the cumbersome of acquiring and applying the liquid necessary for the rapid microneedle detachment, and reducing the risk and its subsequent problems of the patch moving when the user performs multiple-step operation, as all sequential steps essential for the effective patch application and rapid detachment of microneedles can be completed in one press using the applicator of the present invention.

[0022] BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0023] Fig. 1 is a perspective view of the microneedle applicator according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Fig. 2 is an exploded view of the microneedle applicator according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0025] Fig. 3 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the microneedle applicator according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0026] Fig. 4 is a perspective view of the moving assembly and the protruding part of the liquid supply means of the microneedle applicator according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0027] Fig. 5 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view demonstrating the operational steps of the microneedle applicator according to the first exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0028] Fig. 6 is an exploded view of the microneedle applicator according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0029] Fig. 7 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the microneedle applicator according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0030] Fig. 8 is a longitudinal cross-sectional view demonstrating the operational steps of the microneedle applicator according to the second exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

[0031] DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0032] Any aspects shown herein shall encompass the application to other aspects of the present invention as well, unless specified otherwise.

[0033] Technical terms and scientific terms used herein have the definitions as understood by a person of ordinary skill in the art, unless specified otherwise.

[0034] The terms “consist(s) of,” “have / has,” “comprise(s),” “contain(s),” and “include(s)” are open-end verbs. For example, any method which “consists of,” “comprises,” “contains” or “includes” one component or multiple components or one step or multiple steps is not limited to only one component or one step or multiple steps or multiple components as specified but shall encompass components or steps that are not specified. Any tools, devices, methods, materials, or calculation formulas mentioned herein, unless specified otherwise, mean the tools, devices, methods, materials, or calculation formulas generally used or practiced by a person skilled in the art.

[0035] The details of the invention will now be described in conjunction with the accompanying drawings for a better understanding.

[0036] Throughout the present application, the term “lower” (e.g., lower side, lower surface, lower end, lower portion) refers to the side, surface, end, or portion that is oriented towards the user’s skin when the applicator is in use. Conversely, the term “upper” (e.g., upper side, upper surface, upper end, upper portion) refers to the side, surface, end, or portion that is opposite to the lower side, surface, end, or portion.

[0037] Figs. 1-5 illustrate the microneedle applicator according to the first exemplary embodiment, which is designed for one-time use. Figs. 6-8 illustrate the second exemplary embodiment of the applicator, which is designed for multiple uses.

[0038] Referring, for example, to Figs. 1, 2 and 6, the microneedle applicator according to the present invention comprises: a housing (1) with a hollow shape, a trigger (2) assembled to an upper end or a side of the housing (1), with an inner part of the trigger (2) inside the housing (1) and an outer part extending outward from the housing (1), a moving assembly (3) assembled to the trigger (2) inside the housing (1) in a standby position, a patch retaining means (4) attached to the moving assembly (3) or a lower end of the housing (1), configured to detachably hold at least one microneedle patch (5) comprising a liquid -permeable base (5.1) and a plurality of microneedles (5.2), and a liquid supply means (6) assembled to the moving assembly (3).

[0039] According to the present invention, pressing the trigger (2) into the housing (1) causes the moving assembly (3) to move toward a user’s skin, positioning the microneedle patch (5) such that the microneedles (5.2) are embedded into the user’s skin in a ready-to-supply position, and sequentially activating the liquid supply means (6) to deliver liquid to the liquid-permeable base (5.1). In a preferred embodiment, the housing (1) has a vertical hollow shape. The patch retaining means (4) is attached to the moving assembly (3) on a side opposite to the trigger (2) or at the lower end of the housing (1). Additionally, the liquid supply means (6) is assembled to the moving assembly (3) and positioned adjacent to the inner part of the trigger (2). Further, the outer part (also referred to as the upper part in some instances) of the trigger (2) may be configured as a button.

[0040] In an exemplary embodiment, when the trigger (2) is assembled to the upper end of the housing (1), the moving assembly (3) moves in the same direction as the trigger (2). However, if the trigger (2) is not assembled to the upper end of the housing (1) (e.g., the trigger (2) is assembled to the side of the housing (1)), the moving assembly (3) may move either perpendicular or at an angle relative to the trigger (2).

[0041] The applicator with the above configuration offers significant user convenience due to its single-button operation. Pressing the trigger (2) activates the internal mechanism, which presses the microneedle patch (5) against the user's skin and dispenses liquid (e.g. water) from the liquid supply means (6) onto the microneedle base. This liquid facilitates the detachment of the microneedles (5.2) from the liquid-permeable base (5.1) and the removal of the liquid- permeable base (5.1) from the microneedles (5.2). The detachment of the microneedles (5.2) from the liquid permeable base (5.1) can take place with the supply of the liquid because the structure that connect the microneedles (5.2) to the liquid-permeable base (5.1) is made of a material that is soluble in the supply liquid. Additionally, the integration of the liquid supply within the applicator eliminates the need for external liquids, further enhancing user convenience.

[0042] In an embodiment, the housing (1) comprises a locking edge (1.1) extending horizontally from the upper end of the housing (1) toward an interior of the housing (1) and at least one stopper (1.2) provided on an inner surface of the housing (1) near the locking edge (1.1). The stopper (1.2) is configured to receive an abutment from the trigger (2) (as shown in Fig. 3 depicting the first embodiment), or from both the trigger (2) and the moving assembly (3) (as shown in Fig. 7 depicting the second embodiment). In this configuration, pressing the trigger (2) into the housing (1) causes the trigger (2) or both the trigger (2) and the moving assembly (3) to push against the stopper (1.2), resulting in a deformation or breaking of the stopper (1.2), thereby allowing the moving assembly (3) to move toward the user’s skin and embed the microneedles (5.2) into the user’s skin in the ready-to-supply position, and sequentially activating the liquid supply means (6) to deliver liquid to the liquid-permeable base (5.1).

[0043] The stopper (1.2) serves to force the trigger (2) in the first embodiment, or both the trigger

[0044] (2) and the moving assembly (3) in the second embodiment, into the ready-to-supply position before pressing the trigger (2).

[0045] Preferably, the stopper (1 .2) is a breakable or deformable bar extending horizontally from the inner surface of the housing (1 ) . For example, the stopper (1 .2) may have a straight shape; however, it can also take other forms, such as a cylinder.

[0046] As shown in Fig. 3, the trigger (2) comprises a body (2.1) with an inverted U-shape in a longitudinal cross-section; a support rib (2.2) extending horizontally from an inner surface near a lower end of the body (2 . 1 ) ; a stopper rib (2.3) extending horizontally from the inner surface near the support rib (2.2) , forming a groove for accommodating the moving assembly (3); and at least one extending portion (2.4) extending horizontally from an outer surface near the lower end of the body (2.1) to attach to the stopper (1.2). Preferably, the stopper rib (2.3) is a breakable or deformable bar.

[0047] Referring to Fig. 5 which illustrates the operation steps of the applicator of the present invention according to the first embodiment for single use, when the trigger (2) is pressed, the extending portion (2.4) causes the stopper (1 .2) to break or deform and move toward the user’s skin. Subsequently, the stopper rib (2.3) is broken or deformed by the moving assembly

[0048] (3). In this configuration, the stopper rib (2.3) may have a straight shape or other shapes, such as a cylinder.

[0049] In an embodiment shown in Fig. 3, the moving assembly (3) comprises: a body (3.1) with an upper surface (3.1.1) accommodating the liquid supply means (6) and a lower surface (3.1.2) accommodating the patch retaining means

[0050] (4), at least one extending portion (3.2) extending outward horizontally from a side of the body (3.1) for attaching to the groove, positioning the extending portion (3.2) adjacent to the stopper rib (2.3), and a plurality of holes (3.3) vertically provided in the body (3.1) from the upper surface (3.1.1) to the lower surface (3.1.2) to facilitate liquid flow. In this configuration, when the trigger (2) is pressed, the extending portion (3.2) will cause the stopper rib (2.3) to break and move toward the body (2.1) of the trigger (2), as shown in Fig.5.

[0051] The holes (3.3) may include any opening that allows liquid to flow from the upper surface

[0052] (3.1.1) to the lower surface (3.1.2).

[0053] As shown in Fig. 3, the liquid supply means (6) comprises a plurality of protruding parts

[0054] (6.1) located on the upper surface (3.1.1) of the body (3.1) of the moving assembly (3), and a liquid reservoir (6.2) positioned between the protruding part (6.1) and the body (2.1) of the trigger (2). The liquid reservoir (6.2) is configured to be punctured by the protruding part (6.1) when the trigger (2) is pressed and the stopper rib (2.3) breaks or deforms. In other words, the protruding parts (6.1) serve to puncture the liquid reservoir (6.2). Furthermore, as the body (3.1) of the moving assembly (3) moves toward the body (2.1) of the trigger (2), the liquid reservoir

[0055] (6.2) may also be squeezed, resulting in improved liquid drainage.

[0056] In an exemplary embodiment, the protruding part (6.1) may take the form of a sharp tooth. As an illustration, this protruding part (6.1) could be molded into the same components as the moving assembly (3).

[0057] As an example, the liquid reservoir (6.2) may be formed as a capsule made from aluminum foil.

[0058] Figs. 6-8 illustrate the second embodiment of the applicator of this invention, which is suitable for multiple uses. In this embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the stopper (1.2) extends horizontally from the inner surface of the housing (1) and comprises a horizontal surface (1.2.1) and an inclined surface (1.2.2) located below the horizontal surface (1.2.1), sloping towards the inner surface of the housing (1).

[0059] For the second embodiment, as shown in Fig. 7, the trigger (2) comprises: a body (2.1) with an inverted U-shape in a longitudinal cross-section, a downward-inclined projection (2.5) extending from a lower end of the body (2.1) to attach to a part of the horizontal surface (1.2.1) of the stopper (1.2) in the standby position, a bar (2.6) extending downward from a middle region of the body (2.1), and a main spring (2.7) assembled to the bar (2.6), being in a compressed state in the standby position and expanding when the trigger (2) is pressed to push the moving assembly (3) toward the user’s skin. In the operation steps of the second embodiment, illustrated in Fig. 8, the main spring (2.7) pushes the moving assembly (3) toward the user’s skin to embed the microneedles (5.2) of the microneedle patch (5) into the user’s skin when the trigger (2) is pressed. Subsequently, the bar (2.6) pushes the liquid supply means (6) to deliver liquid to the liquid-permeable base (5.1) of the microneedle patch (5).

[0060] In a preferred embodiment, the downward-inclined projection (2.5) comprises a horizontal surface (2.5.1) attached to the locking edge (1.1) of the housing (1), a vertical surface (2.5.2) attached to the inner surface of the housing (1), and a downward-inclined surface (2.5.3) accommodating the moving assembly (3).

[0061] As shown in Fig. 7, the moving assembly (3) according to the second embodiment comprises: a body (3.1) with a hollow shape for accommodating the liquid supply means (6), at least one hook (3.4) provided at an upper end of the body (3.1), hooking onto the horizontal surface (1.2.1) of the stopper (1 .2) and abutting the downward- inclined surface (2.5.3) of the trigger (2) in the standby position, a first middle-hole partition (3.5) provided near the upper end of the body (3.1), abutting the main spring (2.7) in the standby position, a liquid injection channel (3.6) provided at a lower end of the body (3.1), and a second middle-hole partition (3.7 ) provided below the first middle-hole partition (3.5), serving as a passage for and support to the liquid supply means (6).

[0062] In the aforementioned configuration, both the downward-inclined projection (2.5) and the hook (3.4) are arranged on the horizontal surface (1.2.1) of the stopper (1.2) so that the downward-inclined surface (2.5.3) abuts the hook (3.4). Alternatively, only the hook (3.4) may be arranged on the horizontal surface (1.2.1) of the stopper (1.2), with the downward-inclined projection (2.5) arranged on the hook (3.4).

[0063] In Fig. 8, when the trigger (2) is pressed, the hook (3.4) disengages from the stopper (1.2) and the first middle -hole partition (3.5) is pushed by the main spring (2.7) to move the moving assembly (3) to the user’s skin.

[0064] According to Fig. 7, the liquid supply means (6) comprises a feeder assembly (6.3) provided adjacent to the bar (2.6) of the trigger (2), and a syringe set (6.4) provided below and abutting the feeder assembly (6.3) for supplying liquid into the liquid injection channel (3.6) of the moving assembly (3) upon pressing the trigger (2).

[0065] Preferably, the feeder assembly (6.3) comprises: a head portion (6.3.1) inserted through the main spring (2.7) and arranged adjacent to the bar (2.6) of the trigger (2), a pusher (6.3.2) assembled to the head portion (6.3.1), a moving rod (6.3.3) assembled to the pusher (6.3.2) such that the pusher (6.3.2) pushes the moving rod (6.3.3) towards the syringe set (6.4) in a one-way manner, a movement limiting mechanism (6.3.4) provided to restrict a movement direction of the moving rod (6.3.3), and a return spring (6.3.5) assembled to the pusher (6.3.2) to return the feeder assembly (6.3) to the ready-to- supply position when the user releases the trigger (2).

[0066] The return spring (6.3.5) may be positioned between the head portion (6.3.1) and the first middle-hole partition (3.5) of the moving assembly (3).

[0067] From above, the head portion (6.3.1) will be pushed by a rod when the trigger (2) is pressed to activate the liquid supply means (6), and the pusher (6.3.2) will push the moving rod (6.3.3) to the syringe set (6.4) to supply the liquid.

[0068] The pusher (6.3.2) comprises a rod (6.3.2.1) having an upper end fixed to the head portion

[0069] (6.3.1) and a lower end inserted through the first middle-hole partition (3.5) of the moving assembly (3); an inverted U-shaped body (6.3.2.2) provided at the lower end of the rod (6.3.2.1) to serve as a passage for the moving rod (6.3.3); and a pushing hook (6.3.2.3) extending horizontally inward from both ends of the inverted U-shaped body (6.3.2.2) to facilitate one-way movement of the moving rod (6.3.3) toward the syringe set (6.4).

[0070] In an exemplary embodiment, the pushing hook (6.3.2.3) is configured with an upper surface that vertically tapers inwards towards an interior of the inverted U-shaped body (6.3.2.2) and a lower surface that is flat.

[0071] According to an exemplary embodiment, the moving rod (6.3.3) comprises a rod body

[0072] (6.3.3.1), and a plurality of notches (6.3.3.2) provided on a lower portion of the rod body (6.3.3.1) beneath the first middle -hole partition (3.5) of the moving assembly (3). Further, the notch

[0073] (6.3.3.2) is configured with a plurality of flat surfaces and a plurality of taper surfaces that vertically taper inward beneath the flat surface. The above-described configuration of the applicator enhances the stability of the moving rod (6.3.3) by utilizing the support of the second middle-hole partition (3.7), which interfaces with the notches (6.3.3.2). In Fig. 7, the movement limiting mechanism (6.3.4) is depicted as a hook located below the second middle-hole partition (3.7) and features an upper surface tapering inward.

[0074] The operation mechanism of the head portion (6.3.1), pusher (6.3.2), moving rod (6.3.3), movement limiting mechanism (6.3.4), and return spring (6.3.5) collectively facilitate unidirectional movement of the moving rod (6.3.3) while enabling backward motion of the pusher (6.3.2).

[0075] When the trigger (2) is released, the return spring (6.3.5) pushes back both the head portion (6.3.1) and the pusher (6.3.2) as the pushing hook (6.3.2.3) moves along the taper surfaces of the notch (6.3.3.2) of the moving rod (6.3.3) while the movement limiting mechanism (6.3.4) engages the flat surfaces of the notch (6.3.3.2) of the moving rod (6.3.3) to limit the backward movement of the moving rod (6.3.3). Consequently, the trigger (2) and the moving assembly (3) can be pulled back to the standby position using, for example, a pull member (not shown in figure).

[0076] According to an embodiment, the syringe set (6.4) comprises a barrel (6.4.1) provided in the body (3.1) of the moving assembly (3) above the liquid injection channel (3.6) of the moving assembly (3), configured to contain liquid, and a plunger (6.4.2) provided inside the barrel (6.4.1) for pushing liquid toward the liquid injection channel (3.6).

[0077] As clearly seen in Figs. 3 and 7, the patch retaining means (4) may comprise a patch cover (4.1) configured to enclose the microneedle patch (5). The patch retaining means (4) may further comprise a patch holder (4.2) configured to hold the microneedle patch (5) in a manner that the microneedle patch (5) is positioned between the patch cover (4.1) and the patch holder (4.2).

[0078] The patch cover (4.1) secures the microneedle patch (5) in place, preventing accidental detachment. Additionally, the patch holder (4.2) enhances the secure fit of the microneedle patch (5) within the moving assembly (3) or the housing (1).

[0079] The microneedle applicator of the present invention as previously described which comprises various components may be modified in any other way different from the specific embodiment presented. Any modifications and changes evident to a person of ordinary skilled in the art should be considered to be within the spirit, scope, and concept of the present invention.

Claims

CLAIMS1. A microneedle applicator comprising: a housing (1) with a hollow shape, a trigger (2) assembled to an upper end or a side of the housing (1), with an inner part of the trigger (2) inside the housing (1) and an outer part extending outward from the housing (1), a moving assembly (3) assembled to the trigger (2) inside the housing (1 ) in a standby position, a patch retaining means (4) attached to the moving assembly (3) or a lower end of the housing (1 ) , configured to detachably hold at least one microneedle patch (5) comprising a liquid -permeable base (5.1) and a plurality of microneedles (5.2), and a liquid supply means (6) assembled to the moving assembly (3), wherein pressing the trigger (2) into the housing (1) causes the moving assembly (3) to move toward a user’s skin, positioning the microneedle patch (5) such that the microneedles (5.2) are embedded into the user’s skin in a ready -to-supply position, and sequentially activating the liquid supply means (6) to deliver liquid to the liquid- permeable base (5.1).

2. The microneedle applicator according to claim 1, wherein the housing (1) comprises: a locking edge (1.1) extending horizontally from the upper end of the housing ( 1 ) toward an interior of the housing (1), and at least one stopper (1.2) provided on an inner surface of the housing (1) near the locking edge (1.1), wherein the stopper (1.2) is configured to receive an abutment from the trigger (2), or from both the trigger (2) and the moving assembly (3), and pressing the trigger (2) into the housing (1) causes the trigger (2) or both the trigger (2) and the moving assembly (3) to push against the stopper (1.2), resulting in a deformation or breaking of the stopper (1.2), thereby allowing the moving assembly (3) to move toward the user’s skin and embed the microneedles (5.2) into the user’s skin in the ready-to-supply position, and sequentially activating the liquid supply means (6) to deliver liquid to the liquid-permeable base (5.1).

3. The microneedle applicator according to claim 2, wherein the stopper ( 1.2) is a breakable or deformable bar extending horizontally from the inner surface of the housing (1).

4. The microneedle applicator according to claim 2, wherein the trigger (2) comprises: a body (2.1) with an inverted U-shape in a longitudinal cross-section, a support rib (2.2) extending horizontally from an inner surface near a lower end of the body (2.1), a stopper rib (2.3) extending horizontally from the inner surface near the support rib (2.2), forming a groove for accommodating the moving assembly (3), and at least one extending portion (2.4) extending horizontally from an outer surface near the lower end of the body (2.1) to attach to the stopper (1.2).

5. The microneedle applicator according to claim 4, wherein the stopper rib (2.3) is a breakable or deformable bar.

6. The microneedle applicator according to claim 4, wherein the moving assembly (3) comprises: a body (3.1) with an upper surface (3.1.1) accommodating the liquid supply means (6) and a lower surface (3.1.2) accommodating the patch retaining means (4), at least one extending portion (3.2) extending outward horizontally from a side of the body (3.1) for attaching to the groove, positioning the extending portion (3.2) adjacent to the stopper rib (2.3), and a plurality of holes (3.3) vertically provided in the body (3.1) from the upper surface (3.1.1) to the lower surface (3.1.2) to facilitate liquid flow.

7. The microneedle applicator according to claim 6, wherein the liquid supply means (6) comprises: a plurality of protruding parts (6.1) located on the upper surface (3.1.1) of the body (3.1) of the moving assembly (3), and a liquid reservoir (6.2) positioned between the protruding part (6.1) and the body (2.1) of the trigger (2), wherein the liquid reservoir (6.2) is configured to be punctured by the protruding part (6.1) when the trigger (2) is pressed and the stopper rib (2.3) breaks or deforms.

8. The microneedle applicator according to claim 7, wherein the liquid reservoir (6.2) is formed as a capsule made from aluminum foil.

9. The microneedle applicator according to claim 2, wherein the stopper (1 .2) extends horizontally from the inner surface of the housing (1) and comprises a horizontal surface (1.2.1) and an inclined surface (1.2.2) located below the horizontal surface (1.2.1), sloping towards the inner surface of the housing (1).

10. The microneedle applicator according to claim 9, wherein the trigger (2) comprises: a body (2.1) with an inverted U-shape in a longitudinal cross-section, a downward-inclined projection (2.5) extending from a lower end of the body (2.1) to attach to a part of the horizontal surface (1.2.1) of the stopper (1.2) in the standby position, a bar (2.6) extending downward from a middle region of the body (2.1), and a main spring (2.7) assembled to the bar (2.6), being in a compressed state in the standby position and expanding when the trigger (2) is pressed to push the moving assembly (3) toward the user’s skin.

11. The microneedle applicator according to claim 10, wherein the downward-inclined projection (2.5) comprises: a horizontal surface (2.5.1) attached to the locking edge (1.1) of the housing (1), a vertical surface (2.5.2) attached to the inner surface of the housing (1), and a downward-inclined surface (2.5.3) accommodating the moving assembly (3).

12. The microneedle applicator according to claim 11, wherein the moving assembly (3) comprises: a body (3.1) with a hollow shape for accommodating the liquid supply means (6), at least one hook (3.4) provided at an upper end of the body (3.1), hooking onto the horizontal surface (1.2.1) of the stopper (1 .2) and abutting the downward- inclined surface (2.5.3) of the trigger (2) in the standby position, a first middle-hole partition (3.5) provided near the upper end of the body (3.1), abutting the main spring (2.7) in the standby position, a liquid injection channel (3.6) provided at a lower end of the body (3.1), anda second middle-hole partition (3.7 ) provided below the first middle-hole partition (3.5), serving as a passage for and support to the liquid supply means (6).

13. The microneedle applicator according to claim 12, wherein the liquid supply means (6) comprises: a feeder assembly (6.3) provided adjacent to the bar (2.6) of the trigger (2), and a syringe set (6.4) provided below and abutting the feeder assembly (6.3) for supplying liquid into the liquid injection channel (3.6) of the moving assembly (3) upon pressing the trigger (2).

14. The microneedle applicator according to claim 13, wherein the feeder assembly (6.3) comprises: a head portion (6.3.1) inserted through the main spring (2.7) and arranged adjacent to the bar (2.6) of the trigger (2), a pusher (6.3.2) assembled to the head portion (6.3.1), a moving rod (6.3.3) assembled to the pusher (6.3.2) such that the pusher (6.3.2) pushes the moving rod (6.3.3) towards the syringe set (6.4) in a one-way manner, a movement limiting mechanism (6.3.4) provided to restrict a movement direction of the moving rod (6.3.3), and a return spring (6.3.5) assembled to the pusher (6.3.2) to return the feeder assembly (6.3) to the ready-to- supply position when the user releases the trigger(2).

15. The microneedle applicator according to claim 14, wherein the return spring (6.3.5) is positioned between the head portion (6.3.1) and the first middle-hole partition (3.5) of the moving assembly (3).

16. The microneedle applicator according to claim 14, wherein the pusher (6.3.2) comprises: a rod (6.3.2.1) having an upper end fixed to the head portion (6.3.1) and a lower end inserted through the first middle-hole partition (3.5) of the moving assembly(3), an inverted U-shaped body (6.3.2.2) provided at the lower end of the rod (6.3.2.1) to serve as a passage for the moving rod (6.3.3), anda pushing hook (6.3.2.3) extending horizontally inward from both ends of the inverted U-shaped body (6.3.2.2) to facilitate one-way movement of the moving rod (6.3.3) toward the syringe set (6.4).

17. The microneedle applicator according to claim 16, wherein the pushing hook (6.3.2.3) is configured with an upper surface that vertically tapers inwards towards an interior of the inverted U-shaped body (6.3.2.2) and a lower surface that is flat.

18. The microneedle applicator according to claim 14, wherein the moving rod (6.3.3) comprises a rod body (6.3.3.1), and a plurality of notches (6.3.3.2) provided on a lower portion of the rod body (6.3.3.1) beneath the first middle -hole partition (3.5) of the moving assembly (3).

19. The microneedle applicator according to claim 18, wherein the notch (6.3.3.2) is configured with a plurality of flat surfaces and a plurality of taper surfaces that vertically taper inward beneath the flat surface.

20. The microneedle applicator according to claim 14, wherein the movement limiting mechanism (6.3.4) is a hook located below the second middle -hole partition (3.7 ) and features an upper surface tapering inward.

21. The microneedle applicator according to claim 13, wherein the syringe set (6.4) comprises: a barrel (6.4.1) provided in the body (3.1) of the moving assembly (3) above the liquid injection channel (3.6) of the moving assembly (3), configured to contain liquid, and a plunger (6.4.2) provided inside the barrel (6.4.1) for pushing liquid toward the liquid injection channel (3.6).

22. The microneedle applicator according to claim 1, wherein the patch retaining means (4) comprises a patch cover (4.1) configured to enclose the microneedle patch (5).

23. The applicator according to claim 22, wherein the patch retaining means (4) further comprises a patch holder (4.2) configured to hold the microneedle patch (5) in a mannerthat the microneedle patch (5) is positioned between the patch cover (4.1) and the patch holder (4.2).

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