Microneedle Patch Applicator with Skin Stretching Mechanism
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current microneedle patches face inefficiencies due to uncontrolled application conditions and unsatisfactory performance in delivering drugs or samples through the skin, often causing discomfort and limited control over continuous drug delivery.
Innovation Solution
The development of applicators that stretch the skin to facilitate easier penetration of microneedles, maintaining the skin stretched to improve substance exchange and reduce discomfort, while using a microneedle patch with a stiffening body to maintain perforations open and control the insertion of microneedles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If microneedle patches are pressed onto the skin to pierce through passive diffusion, then drug delivery is enabled, but the skin's barrier properties prevent effective delivery of most drugs
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator stretches the skin before microneedle insertion to pre-condition the tissue, making it more compliant and easier to penetrate. This preliminary action reduces the force required for insertion and improves subsequent drug delivery effectiveness through the created microchannels.
2Productivity
If conventional hypodermic needles are used for drug delivery, then effective drug transport across skin is achieved, but pain and local skin damage occur
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of using a single large hypodermic needle that causes significant pain and damage, the system segments the delivery function into multiple microneedles (typically 10-100 microneedles per patch). Each microneedle is extremely fine (50-500 micrometers in diameter), distributing the mechanical trauma across many small points rather than one large wound, thereby reducing pain and improving patient comfort while maintaining effective drug delivery.
3Ease of operation
If microneedle patches are applied under uncontrolled conditions, then application is simple, but effectiveness is impacted by lack of control
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates sensors that detect when the microneedle patch has been successfully applied to the skin. These sensors provide feedback signals (such as changes in electrical impedance, acoustic signals, or force measurements) that confirm proper insertion depth and positioning. This feedback mechanism ensures reliable drug delivery by verifying that the microneedles have penetrated the skin barrier effectively, while still maintaining simple operation for the user.
4Ease of operation
If skin is not stretched during microneedle insertion, then application is straightforward, but penetration difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator incorporates a mechanism that dynamically stretches the skin during the insertion process. This may involve mechanical expansion of the application area, vibration or ultrasonic pre-treatment to soften the skin, or controlled expansion of the microneedle array itself. By making the skin more compliant and easier to penetrate through these dynamic actions, the system reduces the force required for insertion while maintaining straightforward operation.
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
Enhances the effectiveness of microneedle patch application by reducing discomfort, improving control over drug delivery, and maintaining open perforations for enhanced substance exchange, addressing the limitations of existing microneedle patch technologies.
Implementation Method 1
an applicator for applying a microneedle patch to a skin of a subject, the applicator comprising: a base configured to be positioned onto the skin, the base comprising contact parts movable over the skin and away from other contact parts to stretch the skin
Implementation Method 2
the actuator actuates a movement of the microneedle patch towards the skin to penetrate at least into, or through, the stratum corneum of the epidermis of the skin with the microneedle
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for applying a microneedle patch to a skin of a subject, comprising a base having a skin-side end and a holder for holding the microneedle patch. Two or more contact parts are movable over the skin and away from each other to stretch the skin. The applicator further comprising an interface for an actuator. The actuator actuates a movement of the microneedle patch relative to the skin-side end to penetrate at least into the stratum corneum of the epidermis of the skin with the microneedle. A microneedle patch comprising a skin-adhesive surface for attaching the patch to the skin of a subject. The patch has one or more projecting microneedles. A stiffening body stiffens the patch in at least a parallel direction parallel to the skin-adhesive surface in a region of the skin-adhesive surface which includes the microneedle.