Low Density Micro-needle Skin Sampling Patch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing micro-needle array skin sample devices, while less invasive than conventional biopsies, can still cause discomfort and pain due to high micro-needle density, necessitating a solution to reduce invasiveness while maintaining sample yield.

Innovation Solution

A minimally invasive skin sample collection apparatus with a low micro-needle density of 4 to 25 needles, preferably 9, that collects samples from the epidermis using micro-needles and the skin surface microbiome with an adhesive surface, and a small sample container with a buffer solution for preserving and mailing the samples.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If high micro-needle density is used, then sample yield is improved, but discomfort and pain increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample yieldVSAvoiddiscomfort and pain

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the key parameter of micro-needle density from conventional high density to low density (4-25 needles). This parameter change resolves the contradiction by demonstrating that adequate sample yield can be achieved with fewer needles, thereby reducing discomfort and pain while maintaining functional effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies partial action by using only 4-25 micro-needles instead of the conventional high density arrays. This partial approach is sufficient to achieve the sampling function while minimizing harmful effects, proving that excessive needle density is not necessary for effective sample collection.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

2Quantity of substance

If high micro-needle density is used, then sample yield is improved, but force required for penetration increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesample yieldVSAvoidforce required for penetration

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the density parameter of micro-needles to reduce the total force required for skin penetration. By using 4-25 needles instead of high density arrays, the cumulative force needed is reduced while maintaining adequate sample collection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If small sample container is used, then mailing convenience is improved, but sample preservation capacity is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemailing convenienceVSAvoidsample preservation capacity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the buffer volume parameter to optimize the balance between container size and preservation capacity. By using 100-500 μL of buffer solution, the patent achieves adequate sample preservation in a compact container that remains convenient for mailing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS20240000442A1Minimally invasive skin sample collection apparatus

Publication Date: 2024.01.04 DERMR HEALTH SOLUTIONS PTY LTD

AI summary

A skin sample collection apparatus comprises a sampling patch having an array of only between 4 and 25 epidermis piercing micro-needles on a face surface thereof, thereby able to yield adequate sample whilst significantly reducing invasiveness (causing pain and discomfort) and reducing the force required for the micro-needles to adequately penetrate the epidermis.