Microarray Applicator Dual Actuator Plunger Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microarray applicators face challenges in ensuring reproducible insertion of microneedles into the skin, as user variability and skin type inconsistencies affect penetration depth, leading to unreliable medicament dispensing and complex handling procedures.
Innovation Solution
An applicator with a housing containing a linearly movable plunger, a pressing element with a spring mechanism, and an actuating device with dual actuators that require cumulative action for plunger displacement, ensuring a defined application force and preventing unintentional activation, thereby improving reproducibility and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual application of microarray is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of insertion depth and reproducibility deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical application with an automated mechanical system. The applicator uses a spring-loaded plunger mechanism that automatically propels the microarray into the skin at a controlled rate, eliminating user variability and ensuring consistent insertion depth and force across all applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical parameters of the application process by using a spring mechanism with specific force characteristics. The spring constant and pre-compression are designed to provide a controlled application force that ensures reliable microneedle insertion depth, transforming the variable manual process into a parameter-controlled automated process.
2Ease of operation
If simple actuation mechanism is used, then ease of operation is improved, but prevention of unintentional activation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating mechanism is segmented into two independent components: a first actuator that releases the plunger from its initial position, and a second actuator that triggers the spring mechanism. This segmentation ensures that neither actuator alone can activate the microarray application, preventing unintentional activation while maintaining ease of operation through clear, separate actions.
Solution Approach 2:
The first actuator performs a preliminary action by releasing the plunger from its initial blocked position. This preliminary action prepares the system for activation but does not complete the application process. The second actuator then performs the final triggering action, ensuring that both steps are required and reducing the risk of accidental activation.
3Device complexity
If single actuator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of controlled application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The actuating device is divided into two separate actuators with distinct functions: the first actuator controls the release of the plunger, and the second actuator controls the triggering of the spring mechanism. This segmentation provides reliable controlled application by requiring two independent user actions, preventing accidental activation while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
4Ease of operation
If plunger is held in initial position without restraint, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability of defined application force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The plunger is initially held in a blocked position by the first actuator, performing a preliminary restraint action. This preliminary positioning ensures that the spring mechanism is pre-loaded with the correct force before application. The restraint is then released in a controlled manner, ensuring reliable defined application force while maintaining ease of operation through clear sequential actions.
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
The solution enhances reproducibility of microarray insertion, ensures consistent application force, and prevents accidental activation, thereby improving handling and safety while ensuring effective medicament delivery.
Implementation Method 1
the applicator comprises a pressing element for displacing the plunger. In particular, the pressing element is an element which is subjected to pressure or tension. Particularly preferably, this is a pretensioning device, such as a spring, particularly preferably a coil spring
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for applying a microarray, including a housing, a plunger which is arranged in the housing in a linearly movable manner, a holding device for receiving a microarray device, a pressing element for moving the plunger in order to act on a microarray device received by the holding device, and an actuation device which holds the plunger in a first position and releases the plunger for movement. The plunger is released by the actuation device only when the at least two actuators are actuated. Further, an application system with such an applicator and a microarray device and to a method for displacing a plunger are included. The plunger is held in a first position against a pretension, and the plunger is released for movement by the pretension upon carrying out at least two separate actuations, where the at least two actuations must be carried out for the release process.