Microneedle Access Assembly for Precise Intradermal Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current shallow medical agent delivery techniques, such as the Mantoux method, are challenging to perform correctly and can result in leaks or delivery to unintended depths, requiring skilled professionals and lacking reliability for precise intradermal administration.
Innovation Solution
A device comprising an access assembly with a body having non-orthogonal exterior surfaces, an adhesive pad, and a sharp bearing body with microneedles, which includes a passage with a stop to inhibit displacement and a coupler for fluid flow, allowing for precise and reliable delivery of agents to shallow destinations without manual skill.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual Mantoux technique is used for shallow delivery, then the device is simple, but the delivery precision and reliability are poor
Solution Approach 1:
The access assembly is designed to self-position and self-regulate the microneedle insertion depth through its geometric structure. The body's first and second exterior surfaces at non-orthogonal angles, combined with the passage geometry, automatically ensure the microneedles insert at the correct shallow depth without requiring skilled manual manipulation, thereby achieving reliable delivery without complex control mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The access assembly employs asymmetric geometric features including non-orthogonal exterior surfaces and a specifically shaped passage that guides the microneedles at a predetermined angle. This asymmetric design ensures consistent shallow insertion depth and proper needle orientation, eliminating the need for complex adjustment mechanisms while maintaining high delivery reliability.
2Measurement precision
If manual positioning is used, then the device structure is simple, but the positioning precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The access assembly pre-positions the microneedles at the correct insertion angle and depth through its geometric design before use. The passage shape and the relationship between the first and second exterior surfaces are engineered to automatically guide the microneedles to the precise shallow delivery destination, eliminating the need for complex positioning mechanisms or skilled manual adjustment.
3Ease of operation
If skilled professional operation is required, then the delivery can be precise, but the ease of operation is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The access assembly performs the complex positioning and depth control functions automatically through its geometric structure. The non-orthogonal exterior surfaces and passage configuration self-generate the correct microneedle insertion geometry, allowing any user to achieve consistent reliable delivery without requiring skilled professional training or manual dexterity.
4Reliability
If standard Mantoux technique is used, then the procedure is simple, but leakage and deep delivery errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The access assembly utilizes asymmetric geometric features including non-orthogonal exterior surfaces and a specifically configured passage to control microneedle insertion. This asymmetric design inherently prevents leakage and deep delivery errors by physically constraining the needle orientation and insertion depth, achieving high delivery accuracy without requiring complex active control systems.
Data Source
AI summary
An access assembly for administration of agent to a shallow delivery destination may comprise a body having a first exterior surface and a second exterior surface. The first exterior surface may be at a non-orthogonal angle to the second exterior surface. The body may have a passage extending therethrough to a corner formed between the first and second exterior surfaces. The assembly may further comprise an adhesive pad coupled to the second exterior surface. The assembly may further comprise a member having a flow path extending therethrough and a sharp bearing body including a number of microneedles coupled to an end of the member. The member may be disposed within the passage and in contact with at least one stop defined by the passage. The assembly may further comprise a coupler configured to couple with a cooperating coupler on a fluid flow conduit.