Microneedle Sheet Storage via Detachable Substrate

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional microneedle applicators face challenges in storing microneedles without breaking them, limiting their usability and convenience for cosmetic treatments.

Innovation Solution

A kit comprising a microneedle sheet with a substrate layer and curved applicator surface, allowing easy attachment and detachment for storage, featuring a water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer microneedles that can be safely stored without damage.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If microneedles are formed onto a roller applicator, then the applicator can be used for cosmetic treatments, but storing the applicator without breaking the microneedles becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of use for cosmetic treatmentVSAvoidintegrity of microneedles during storage

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The microneedle sheet is divided into separate detachable segments that can be individually attached to the roller applicator. Each microneedle segment can be independently secured to the roller surface, allowing the applicator to be stored without the fragile microneedles attached, thus preventing breakage while maintaining ease of use when needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The microneedle sheet is designed with dynamic attachment and detachment capabilities. The microneedles can be easily attached to the roller applicator before use and removed after use, transforming the static configuration into a dynamic one that adapts between storage and usage states, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If microneedles are made water-soluble for dissolution in skin, then they can penetrate the stratum corneum effectively, but they become fragile and difficult to handle during storage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveeffectiveness of transdermal deliveryVSAvoidstability during storage

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The microneedles are pre-formed with water-soluble polymer material that maintains structural integrity during storage and handling. The water-soluble property is activated only when needed - upon contact with skin moisture during application - allowing the microneedles to penetrate the stratum corneum effectively while remaining stable during storage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The microneedles utilize water-soluble polymers that undergo parameter changes based on environmental conditions. During storage in dry conditions, the polymers maintain rigid structural form for stability. Upon contact with skin moisture, the polymers dissolve or soften, enabling effective penetration and transdermal delivery, thus resolving the contradiction between stability and productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Ease of operation

If the substrate layer is permanently attached to the applicator, then the device is simpler to use, but the microneedles cannot be easily replaced or stored safely

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of applicationVSAvoidreusability and storability of applicator

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The substrate layer is designed as a detachable component that can be separated from the roller applicator. This segmentation allows the substrate with microneedles to be attached when needed for application and removed for safe storage or replacement, providing both simplicity during use and versatility for storage and reusability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The substrate layer is designed to be disposable while the roller applicator is recoverable and reusable. After use, the substrate layer with microneedles can be detached and discarded, while the roller applicator is recovered and can be stored or reused with a new substrate layer, balancing ease of operation with adaptability and sustainability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #34Discarding and recovering

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

Enables convenient and pain-free cosmetic treatments by maintaining microneedle integrity, facilitating repeated use and storage, and providing effective transdermal delivery of cosmetic active ingredients.

Implementation Method 1

the microneedles can be inserted into the keratin substance and dissolved or disintegrated in the keratin substance by the moisture or water inside the keratin substance

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDissolution: Solvation

Data Source

PatentEP3897809B1Kit and cosmetic process using microneedle sheet

Publication Date: 2023.09.13 LOREAL SA

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AI summary

The present invention relates to a kit comprising: at least one microneedle sheet comprising a substrate layer and a plurality of microneedles on the substrate layer, the microneedles comprising at least one water-soluble or water-dispersible polymer; and at least one applicator comprising at least one application surface, wherein the substrate layer of the microneedle sheet is capable of being attached to the application surface of the applicator. The kit according to the present invention can allow a user to easily store an applicator for microneedles without breaking the microneedles.