Microarray Applicator Ridges Plunger Segmentation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microneedle applicators with complex actuation systems are expensive to manufacture and maintain due to their complex components, limiting their reuse and accessibility.

Innovation Solution

A microarray applicator design featuring a housing with ridges and a plunger with notches that engage with the ridges, allowing for simple, cost-effective manufacturing and enabling the applicator to be used multiple times or as a single-use device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of stationary object

If complex actuation systems with springs or stored energy devices are used to cause microneedles to contact the skin, then the applicator can be designed for multiple uses, but the manufacturing cost and component complexity increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovereusabilityVSAvoidactuation system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Duration of action of stationary objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator is divided into separate components: a simple housing with ridges, a plunger with notches, and a removable microarray device. This segmentation allows each component to be simple and inexpensive while the assembly provides reusable functionality through the engagement mechanism between ridges and notches.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent describes an applicator design where the housing and plunger can be inexpensive and potentially disposable, while the microarray device is removable and replaceable. This approach allows the core actuation mechanism to be simple and low-cost, with only the microarray portion needing replacement after use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Reliability

If complex components are used in the applicator, then the applicator can achieve reliable microneedle deployment, but the cost of replacement or repair increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemicroneedle deployment reliabilityVSAvoidcomponent replacement cost

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The engagement mechanism between the ridges and notches is designed to automatically secure the microarray device to the plunger during insertion and maintain it throughout the deployment process, eliminating the need for complex fastening systems or manual adjustment mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of manufacture

If simple housing designs with ridges and notches are used, then manufacturing cost decreases, but the ability to control plunger movement and force distribution may be limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemanufacturing costVSAvoidplunger movement control

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The ridges and notches are strategically positioned at specific locations on the housing and plunger to provide localized engagement points. This allows the simple overall design to achieve precise control over plunger movement and force distribution during microneedle deployment through the geometric relationship between the notch depth, ridge position, and plunger geometry.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Data Source

PatentEP3727557B1Microarray applicator

Publication Date: 2025.05.21 KINDEVA DRUG DELIVERY LP

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AI summary

Microarray applicator (10000), a method of using the same and a kit. The microarray applicator comprising a housing (2000), a microarray holder (8100) and a plunger (7000). The plunger comprising a first ridge (7310) and a second ridge (7320), both engagable to a notch (2320). Microarray applicator does not uses springs or pre-biased mechanisms to reduce costs.