Attachment Band with Indicator Aperture for Microneedle Drug Delivery
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Transdermal drug delivery using microneedle assemblies faces challenges such as variable placement and force application, air bubbles in the medicine, and inconsistent medicine delivery due to pressure variations, affecting the efficacy and consistency of medication administration.
Innovation Solution
A fluid delivery apparatus with an attachment band and a mechanical controller assembly that secures the device to the user's skin, ensuring consistent pressure and proper microneedle penetration, while a plenum cap assembly removes air bubbles and ensures equal medicine distribution through each microneedle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the device is attached to the skin with variable placement and force, then the attachment is flexible and adaptable, but the microneedle penetration consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The attachment band includes a force sensor that monitors the attachment force in real-time and provides feedback to a controller, which adjusts the force to maintain it within a predetermined range. This closed-loop control system changes the force parameter dynamically to ensure consistent microneedle penetration while allowing flexible attachment to different body locations.
2Productivity
If pressure is applied to deliver medicine through microneedles, then drug delivery is achieved, but air bubbles in the medicine affect delivery consistency
Solution Approach 1:
The device includes a degassing mechanism that removes air bubbles from the medicine reservoir before drug delivery begins. This preliminary action ensures that the medicine is free of air bubbles that would otherwise disrupt flow and cause inconsistent delivery through the microneedles during pressurization.
Solution Approach 2:
A pressure sensor monitors the pressure within the medicine reservoir and provides feedback to a controller that regulates the pressurization process. This feedback control ensures consistent pressure application for reliable drug delivery while preventing over-pressurization that could cause leakage or tissue damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If pressure varies in the medicine reservoir, then flexible delivery adjustment is possible, but the quantity of medicine delivered through each microneedle becomes inconsistent
Solution Approach 1:
The system includes pressure sensors and flow sensors that monitor pressure and medicine flow in real-time, providing feedback to a controller that adjusts pressure to maintain uniform distribution across all microneedles. This closed-loop control allows flexible pressure adjustment while ensuring consistent delivery quantity through each microneedle.
Solution Approach 2:
The attachment band applies dynamic pressure adjustment through muscular contraction or mechanical compression, which is monitored by force sensors and regulated by a controller to maintain pressure within an optimal range. This dynamic adjustment ensures uniform medicine distribution while allowing flexible control of delivery rate.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 2
AI summary
An attachment band for a fluid delivery apparatus includes an annular body having a wall defining a hollow inner space, an adjacent pair of attachment apertures extending through the wall, and an indicator aperture extending through the wall opposite the pair of attachment apertures. The indicator aperture includes an indicator portion that is configured to present an indication to a user of the fluid delivery apparatus of a tightness of the attachment band. A first strap extends radially outward from the annular body of the attachment band and is substantially aligned with the attachment apertures. A second strap extends radially outward from the annular body and is substantially aligned with the indicator aperture.