Microneedle Patch Applicator Housing with Deformable Raised Part

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Solution Overview

Problem

Microneedle patches face challenges in ensuring vertical penetration into skin due to needle damage or breakage from resistance, particularly with biodegradable needles, and require a secure application method to prevent bending or tilting issues.

Innovation Solution

A microneedle patch applicator housing with a raised part featuring concavely bent parts and a recess design that allows for uniform vertical deformation when pressed, ensuring the needles penetrate perpendicularly into the skin without bending or breaking, and includes a finger hold with a deformation indicator for applying the required force.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If microneedle patch is applied to skin, then drug administration is achieved, but needles may be damaged or broken due to resistance upon penetration

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveneedle integrityVSAvoidpenetration resistance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSForce

Solution Approach 1:

The applicator housing is pre-formed with a raised part that has a predetermined deformable shape matching the microneedle patch configuration. This preliminary structural preparation ensures that when force is applied, the housing deforms in a controlled manner that maintains needle vertical orientation and prevents bending or breakage during skin penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator housing utilizes elastic deformation of the raised part to dynamically adjust the application parameters. When pressing force is applied, the raised part elastically deforms to conform to the skin surface, automatically adapting the needle array orientation and spacing to maintain optimal penetration conditions while preventing needle damage

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If needles are made of biodegradable resin, then safety is improved, but needles become more prone to damage or breakage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveindwelling riskVSAvoidneedle durability

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The elastic raised part of the applicator housing acts as a cushioning mechanism that distributes and moderates the penetration force. This preliminary cushioning prevents sudden impact forces that could cause biodegradable needles to snap or bend, while still providing sufficient force for successful skin penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Solution Approach 2:

The applicator housing employs a flexible elastic material for the raised part that can deform and adapt during application. This flexibility allows the housing to conform to skin contours and maintain gentle, continuous contact with the needle array, preventing mechanical stress concentrations that could damage fragile biodegradable needles

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Adaptability or versatility

If needles are tilted with respect to skin, then application flexibility is improved, but insertability and needle security deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveapplication flexibilityVSAvoidneedle insertion accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The raised part is pre-formed with a predetermined deformable shape that corresponds to the needle array configuration. This preliminary structural design ensures that when the applicator is pressed against the skin, the raised part deforms in a controlled manner that maintains the needles' vertical orientation relative to the skin surface, preventing tilting and ensuring accurate insertion

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The elastic material allows the raised part to dynamically change its shape during application, adapting to different skin contours and pressures. This parameter change capability maintains the perpendicular relationship between needles and skin surface across various application conditions, ensuring consistent insertion accuracy while providing flexibility for different skin types and locations

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables secure, uniform vertical application of the microneedle patch, preventing needle damage during penetration and ensuring effective drug administration by maintaining perpendicular insertion, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of the patch's application.

Implementation Method 1

the raised part is made of an elastic material and has a predetermined deformable shape

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic deformation: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS11701507B2Microneedle patch applicator and housing for same

Publication Date: 2023.07.18 MEDRX CO LTD

AI summary

A microneedle patch applicator housing, being formed from a single sheet or film having a top surface and an undersurface, the housing including a flat peripheral base part and a raised part surround by the peripheral base part and bulging vertically, with respect to the peripheral base part, from the undersurface toward the top surface, an undersurface portion of the raised part forming a surface supporting a microneedle patch, the raised part including a plurality of concavely bent parts, and the concavely bent parts each having a concave bottom toward a direction away from a center portion of the raised part.