Laser-Assisted Transdermal Delivery Nozzle with Valve Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current treatments for diseases and cosmetic modifications often result in negative side effects such as tissue damage, systemic weakening, and high learning curves due to invasive methods like surgery or injections, which are costly and inefficient.

Innovation Solution

A laser-assisted delivery method using an ultraviolet laser to create openings in the skin for targeted delivery of therapeutic and cosmetic agents, employing a nozzle system with controlled valves for precise application and debris removal, and non-invasive imaging for depth verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If invasive methods like surgery or injections are used to deliver therapeutic agents, then delivery effectiveness is improved, but tissue damage and negative side effects increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedelivery effectivenessVSAvoidtissue damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces mechanical injection systems with a laser-based delivery system. The laser creates microscopic channels in the skin through photothermal ablation, allowing agents to be delivered transdermally without needles or surgical incisions. This substitution eliminates mechanical trauma to tissues while maintaining effective delivery pathways.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a laser-generated plasma channel as an intermediary pathway for agent delivery. Instead of directly injecting through tissue, the laser creates a temporary plasma channel that serves as a conduit, allowing agents to reach deeper tissues without direct mechanical penetration. This intermediary approach minimizes collateral tissue damage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If traditional cosmetic modification methods are used, then cosmetic effects are achieved, but learning curves and practical difficulties increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecosmetic effectVSAvoidpractical difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the channel creation function and agent delivery function into a single integrated laser system. The laser both creates the delivery pathways and can deliver agents through those pathways in one step, eliminating the need for separate surgical procedures and reducing operational complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent uses controllable laser parameters (wavelength, pulse duration, fluence) to precisely control the depth and characteristics of channel creation. By adjusting these parameters, the system can adapt to different cosmetic applications without requiring operator expertise in multiple surgical techniques, thereby reducing the learning curve.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Reliability

If high molecular weight therapeutics are delivered through traditional methods, then therapeutic efficacy is improved, but delivery complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetherapeutic efficacyVSAvoiddelivery complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces complex mechanical injection systems with laser-based transdermal delivery. The laser creates microscopic channels that allow even high molecular weight agents to passively diffuse into tissues without requiring high-pressure injection equipment or specialized delivery devices, thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Reliability

If sterile environments like operating rooms are used for treatment, then treatment safety is improved, but treatment cost and time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetreatment safetyVSAvoidhospitalization time

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The laser system creates self-contained, localized treatment zones through precise focal delivery. Each laser pulse creates an isolated microscopic channel that is inherently sterile due to the high-temperature plasma formation, eliminating the need for extended sterile field maintenance and reducing dependency on operating room environments.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 approach enables less invasive, painless delivery of agents of various sizes, including high molecular weight therapeutics, reducing side effects and improving treatment efficacy with minimal collateral damage.

Implementation Method 1

preparing a site with an ultraviolet laser beam, at a wavelength appropriate for tissue ablation, such that an opening is produced in a surface of the site's tissue

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLaser ablation: Laser Ablation

Implementation Method 2

A laser-assisted transdermal delivery method employs a laser to create a plasma on the skin

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPlasma formation: Plasma

Data Source

PatentUS12042222B2Laser-assisted transdermal delivery of nanoparticulates and hydrogels

Publication Date: 2024.07.23 INTERNATIONAL BUSINESS MACHINE CORPORATION

AI summary

A method for laser assisted delivery of therapeutic agents includes selectively controlling a valve connected to a first channel disposed within a first sidewall of a nozzle, applying, through the first channel, a first substance to penetrate dermis to a predetermined depth, and administering, through a second channel unconnected with the valve and disposed within a second sidewall of the nozzle, a second substance to remove debris.