Microneedle Applicator Housing Stabilization via Release Means
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedle applicators face issues with inconsistent microneedle insertion due to user-dependent force application, leading to potential improper application or reduced reproducibility, even with elastic members and release mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle applicator with a tubular housing containing an elastic member and a piston plate, where the release mechanism moves the piston plate axially to transmit force towards the opening, stabilizing the housing and reducing piston plate movement speed, ensuring proper microneedle application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an elastic member with biasing force is used to eject the microneedle device, then the ejection speed becomes stable and independent of user force, but the reactive force on the housing causes the housing position to shift and the piston plate movement speed to decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The release means acts as an intermediary component between the piston plate and the housing. When the release means moves toward the housing, it transmits force to the housing, counteracting the reactive force from the elastic member's biasing force. This mediator function stabilizes the housing position while allowing the piston plate to move at the required speed, resolving the contradiction between ejection speed stability and piston plate movement speed.
2Reliability
If the release means moves toward the housing to transmit force, then the housing position is stabilized and piston plate speed is maintained, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The release means serves multiple functions: it releases the engagement of the piston plate, transmits force to the housing to counteract reactive force, and stabilizes the housing position. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the device achieves housing stabilization without proportionally increasing complexity, as the same mechanism performs multiple critical roles.
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 consistent and proper application of microneedles to the skin by stabilizing the housing and reducing piston plate movement speed, enhancing the reproducibility of microneedle insertion.
Implementation Method 1
the piston plate receives the biasing force released as the elastic member restores the original shape
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator according to one embodiment includes a housing having a tubular shape with one closed end, and configured to house an elastic member and a piston plate for transmitting biasing force of the elastic member to the microneedles, and release means configured to release the piston plate engaged in a manner resisting against the biasing force of the elastic member in the housing, to cause the piston plate to move toward an opening of the housing along an axial direction of the housing. The release means is configured, when the release means releases the engagement of the piston plate by moving toward the housing in the axial direction, to transmit force in a direction toward the opening to the housing.