Bladder Arrangement for Microneedle Drug Delivery

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current drug delivery methods, such as oral ingestion and injections, face challenges in delivering pharmaceuticals that are too large or electrically charged to pass through the digestive tract or penetrate the dermis, requiring frequent monitoring and administration, which is inconvenient and impractical for conditions like diabetes.

Innovation Solution

A bladder arrangement for a microneedle-based, active transdermal drug delivery device that includes a flexible membrane, a rigid bladder member, and a valve arrangement with a check valve, allowing for a steady infusion of pharmaceuticals through an array of microneedles, utilizing an expandable hydrogel pressure source for controlled drug delivery.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If traditional injection methods are used to deliver pharmaceuticals, then the pharmaceutical can be delivered directly into the bloodstream, but the process requires frequent monitoring and manual administration which is inconvenient and impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconvenience of drug administrationVSAvoidcomplexity of monitoring and administration system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The microneedle device is designed to autonomously deliver pharmaceuticals through the skin without requiring manual injection techniques or frequent monitoring. The device self-regulates drug delivery through the microneedle array, eliminating the need for trained administration and reducing patient burden while maintaining effective pharmaceutical delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The pharmaceutical delivery system is segmented into multiple microneedles rather than a single large needle, allowing for distributed delivery across the skin surface. This segmentation enables autonomous operation without complex monitoring systems while maintaining effective drug delivery to the bloodstream.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If oral ingestion is used to deliver pharmaceuticals, then the method is safe and convenient, but the pharmaceutical molecule must be small and uncharged to pass through the digestive tract

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecompatibility with different pharmaceutical typesVSAvoidfeasibility of drug delivery method

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The microneedle acts as an intermediary delivery mechanism that bypasses the digestive tract's size and charge restrictions. By delivering pharmaceuticals directly through the skin into the bloodstream, the system enables both large and charged molecules to be delivered effectively, combining the versatility of treating various pharmaceutical types with the convenience of non-orally-administered delivery.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If frequent blood glucose checking is performed to monitor insulin levels, then blood glucose levels can be closely monitored, but the process is time-consuming and requires patient dedication

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of blood glucose monitoringVSAvoidtime required for monitoring and administration

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The microneedle device provides continuous or sustained pharmaceutical delivery through the skin, eliminating the need for discrete, frequent monitoring events. The autonomous delivery system maintains consistent drug levels in the bloodstream, reducing the time and effort required for patient monitoring while ensuring reliable therapeutic效果.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

Enables a simple, inexpensive, and autonomous delivery of pharmaceuticals, providing a steady infusion that reduces the need for frequent monitoring and administration, improving patient convenience and adherence to dosing regimens.

Implementation Method 1

utilizing an expandable hydrogel pressure source for controlled drug delivery

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHydrogel expansion: Hydrogel

Data Source

PatentUS8328757B2Bladder arrangement for microneedle-based drug delivery device

Publication Date: 2012.12.11 WISCONSIN ALUMNI RES FOUND

AI summary

A bladder arrangement is provided for a microneedle-based drug delivery device. The bladder arrangement includes a flexible membrane having an inner surface, an outer surface and an outer periphery. A bladder member, having a rigidity greater than the flexible membrane, includes an inner surface, an outer surface and an outer periphery. The inner surface of the flexible membrane and the inner surface of the bladder member define a chamber for receiving a drug therein. At least one microneedle is operatively connected to the bladder member. The at least one microneedle has an input and an output receivable within the individual. A valve operatively connects the input of the at least one microneedle and the chamber.