Microneedle Array Radial Design for Skin Deformation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microneedle devices require additional mechanisms or members to deform the skin for puncture, leading to increased device size.

Innovation Solution

A microneedle array design where first and second microneedles are arranged in different directions, allowing them to move along their tip directions and deform the skin independently, eliminating the need for additional deformation mechanisms, thus reducing device size.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If additional mechanisms or members are used to deform the skin before puncture, then the skin deformation function is improved, but the device size increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin deformation functionVSAvoiddevice size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the skin deformation function and the puncture function into a single integrated microneedle array structure. The radially arranged microneedles on the convex surface work together to deform the skin through their collective insertion motion, eliminating the need for separate deformation mechanisms while maintaining effective skin penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The microneedle array serves multiple functions simultaneously: the convex surface geometry provides skin deformation capability while the same structure performs the puncture function. This multi-functionality allows a single compact component to replace what would traditionally require separate mechanisms for skin preparation and penetration

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If microneedles are arranged in different directions, then the skin deformation capability is improved, but the structural complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin deformation capabilityVSAvoidstructural complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs asymmetric radial arrangement of microneedles on the convex surface, with each microneedle positioned at different angular orientations. This asymmetric configuration enables the structure to deform skin in multiple directions simultaneously during insertion, improving deformation capability while the radial symmetry provides manufacturing simplicity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #4Asymmetry

Solution Approach 2:

The convex (curved) surface geometry of the microneedle array naturally facilitates multi-directional skin deformation. The curved surface allows the microneedles to engage the skin at varying angles during insertion, enhancing deformation capability while the overall spherical/convex form maintains structural simplicity and ease of manufacture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Data Source

PatentEP2957315B1Microneedle array

Publication Date: 2019.11.13 HISAMITSU PHARM CO INC

Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3

AI summary

A microneedle array in accordance with one embodiment comprises at least a first microneedle and a second microneedle that are inclined with respect to a support face. A tip of the first microneedle points in a first direction, and a tip of the second microneedle points in a second direction different from the first direction. The first microneedle in contact with skin is stuck into the skin while being moved along a surface of the skin in the first direction. The second microneedle in contact with the skin is stuck into the skin while being moved along the surface of the skin in the second direction.