Microneedle Actuator Penetration for Low-Discomfort Fluid Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for sampling interstitial fluid, such as those using capillary or pumping actions, often result in discomfort and irritation, are complex and costly, making them unsuitable for general use, while other systems are too expensive and complex for practical applications.
Innovation Solution
An actuator system with microstructures that breach the stratum corneum using electromagnetic, vibratory, or piezoelectric actuators to pierce and penetrate the skin, allowing for sampling of interstitial fluid with minimal discomfort and cost-effective manufacturing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If capillary or pumping actions are used to extract interstitial fluid, then fluid sampling is achieved, but the structures become relatively large and complex, requiring power sources and causing discomfort and irritation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fluid extraction function from complex pumping mechanisms and implements it through simple passive capillary channels formed directly in the microneedle structure. The capillary channels are integrated into the microneedle body during fabrication, eliminating the need for separate pumping components and power sources, thereby reducing both manufacturing complexity and patient discomfort
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle array is designed as a disposable single-use device that is discarded after one application. This eliminates the need for complex, reusable pumping mechanisms and power sources, significantly reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while minimizing patient discomfort from repeated sterilization and device reconfiguration
2Reliability
If microneedle arrays with capillary or pumping actions are used, then fluid sampling is achieved, but the arrays become complex and require power sources, making them difficult and expensive to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the fluid extraction function with the microneedle structure itself by integrating capillary channels directly into the needle body. This consolidation eliminates separate pumping mechanisms and power sources, reducing device complexity while maintaining reliable fluid sampling through passive capillary action driven by surface tension gradients
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle array performs fluid extraction autonomously through passive capillary action without requiring external power sources or control systems. The capillary channels automatically draw interstitial fluid from the skin based on pressure and concentration gradients, ensuring reliable sampling while minimizing device complexity
3Measurement precision
If existing microneedle systems are used for interstitial fluid sampling, then measurements can be performed, but the systems are costly and complex, making them unsuitable for general use
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle array is designed as a disposable single-use device that can be manufactured at low cost using simple fabrication processes. The array is discarded after one application, eliminating the need for expensive, complex reusable systems with multiple components, thereby making precise biological marker detection accessible for general use
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters from active pumping mechanisms requiring power and control systems to passive capillary-driven flow. This parameter change enables precise fluid sampling and biological marker detection using simple, low-cost manufacturing processes suitable for widespread deployment
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 system effectively samples interstitial fluid with reduced discomfort and complexity, providing a cost-effective solution for measuring biological markers, overcoming the limitations of existing technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an actuator configured to apply a force to the substrate to cause the microstructures to at least one of pierce and penetrate the stratum corneum
Implementation Method 2
electromagnetic, vibratory, or piezoelectric actuators to pierce and penetrate the skin
Implementation Method 3
electromagnetic, vibratory, or piezoelectric actuators to pierce and penetrate the skin
Implementation Method 4
electromagnetic, vibratory, or piezoelectric actuators to pierce and penetrate the skin
Data Source
AI summary
A system for performing measurements on a biological subject includes at least one substrate including a plurality of microstructures configured to breach a stratum corneum of the subject and an actuator configured to apply a force to the substrate to cause the microstructures to at least one of pierce and penetrate the stratum corneum.