Microneedle Array Assembly for Stable Subcutaneous Solution Delivery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microneedles face challenges in efficiently delivering functional solutions to the skin, particularly when targeting subcutaneous fat layers, and require multiple insertions due to lack of tissue support and inconsistent delivery methods.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle assembly with a solution reservoir, dispensing units, needle supports, and oblique and hollow flow channels, along with a guide for stable insertion, allowing controlled delivery to both skin and subcutaneous fat layers.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single microneedle is used for skin procedures, then the needle can be oriented perpendicular to the skin for effective delivery, but multiple repeated procedures are required to treat large skin areas, increasing procedure time
Solution Approach 1:
The single microneedle is replaced by an array of multiple microneedles (e.g., 9, 16, or 25 needles arranged in grid patterns). This segmentation allows simultaneous treatment of multiple skin locations in one procedure, dramatically increasing productivity while maintaining precise perpendicular orientation through the guide structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from a single-point (0D/1D) microneedle to a two-dimensional array configuration. This dimensional expansion enables coverage of large skin areas through systematic arrangement of multiple needles, solving the contradiction between precise single-needle orientation and overall procedure efficiency.
2Quantity of substance
If hollow microneedles are used to deliver functional solutions, then drug delivery capability is improved, but the needle length must be increased to perforate subcutaneous fat, and no tissue support is provided for smooth perforation
Solution Approach 1:
A guide structure acts as an intermediary component between the hollow microneedle and the skin tissue. This guide provides the necessary support and direction for smooth perforation through subcutaneous fat, enabling effective drug delivery without requiring excessive needle length. The guide ensures proper orientation and reduces resistance during insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The delivery system is segmented into distinct functional components: the hollow microneedle for drug delivery, the guide structure for support and orientation, and the dispensing mechanism. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently, with the needle focused on drug delivery and the guide focused on providing tissue support.
3Productivity
If microneedles are arranged in a matrix array to reduce repeated procedures, then procedure time is reduced, but the array lacks needle support for pressing surrounding tissue, requiring longer needles to reach target depths
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for pressing surrounding tissue during insertion, maintains perpendicular orientation of multiple needles in the array, and facilitates smooth perforation through subcutaneous fat. This multi-functionality enables the use of shorter needles while maintaining high procedure speed through the array configuration.
4Measurement precision
If the needle main body has a very small outer diameter (40-300 μm) for precise skin procedures, then delivery precision is improved, but the needle is too thin to effectively perforate and treat subcutaneous fat without additional support
Solution Approach 1:
The guide structure serves as a mediator that compensates for the limited penetration strength of thin microneedles. By providing external support and pressing force on surrounding tissue, the guide enables thin needles (40-300 μm diameter) to effectively reach target depths in subcutaneous fat while maintaining their precision delivery capabilities.
Data Source
AI summary
The microneedle assembly of the present invention includes: a main body (110) opened at one side thereof and including a solution reservoir (111) formed in the opened side thereof; a dispensing unit (120) disposed at the other side of the main body (110) in such a manner as to fluidically communicate with the solution reservoir (111); a needle supports (130) positioned at a front portion of each of the dispensing units (120), and protrudingly formed at the other end of the main body (110); a microneedles (140) engaged with the front end of the needle support (130); and a first solution release flow channel (150) formed to penetrate through a portion extending outwardly from a front end of the dispensing unit (120) to the front end of the needle support (130).