Force-Controlled Microneedle Applicator with Retractable Spring Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedle applicators face challenges in consistently achieving desired depth of penetration and limiting maximum application force to prevent skin damage during microneedle insertion, which affects the efficacy of drug delivery through the skin.
Innovation Solution
The development of an applicator with a microneedle device that can move between a treatment position, where the microneedles penetrate the skin, and a recessed position, where they retract upon reaching a threshold application force, allowing for controlled depth and force application without excessive pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If microneedles are pressed against the skin to achieve desired depth of penetration, then drug delivery efficacy is improved, but the risk of skin damage and excessive force application increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator uses a spring mechanism with predetermined force characteristics to automatically control the application force parameter. When the applicator is pressed against the skin, the spring compresses and provides a controlled counterforce that limits the maximum force applied to the skin, preventing damage while ensuring sufficient penetration depth for effective drug delivery.
2Ease of operation
If microneedles are manually applied to skin, then operation simplicity is improved, but consistency of insertion depth and force control deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to be self-regulating through its spring mechanism. When the user presses the applicator against the skin, the spring automatically compresses to provide a predetermined counterforce, eliminating the need for the user to manually control or estimate the application force. This self-service mechanism ensures consistent insertion depth and force control across multiple applications while maintaining ease of operation.
3Reliability
If maximum force is limited to prevent skin damage, then patient safety is improved, but penetration depth consistency may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The spring mechanism is engineered with specific force-displacement characteristics that create an optimal balance between safety and effectiveness. The spring provides sufficient counterforce to limit maximum application force and prevent skin damage, while simultaneously ensuring that the force is consistent enough to achieve reliable penetration depth. The spring constant and pre-compression are designed to deliver a force range that is both safe for the patient and effective for drug delivery.
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
This solution enables precise and safe penetration of microneedles into the skin, enhancing drug delivery by ensuring consistent depth and limiting maximum force, thereby improving the effectiveness of transdermal treatments.
Implementation Method 1
a connecting member positioned to couple the microneedle device to the housing and configured to allow the microneedle device to move relative to the housing between: a first position in which at least a portion of the microneedle device extends beyond the first surface of the housing, and a second position in which the microneedle device is recessed within the housing
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator (100) for applying a microneedle device to a skin surface. The applicator can include a microneedle device (106), a housing (102), and a connecting member (110). The connecting member can be configured to allow the microneedle device to move between: (i) a first position in which at least a portion of the microneedle device extends beyond the housing; and (ii) a second position in which the microneedle device is recessed within the housing when a threshold application force is applied to the microneedle device in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the microneedle device.