Microneedle Patch With Impermeable Base And Absorbent Core
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedle patches face issues with rapid fluid transport and delamination due to the use of paper-based materials, which are prone to damage and fluid permeability, leading to slow analysis and drug administration.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle patch design featuring a liquid-impermeable base material with through-holes filled with absorbent material, connecting needle-shaped portions to the functional member through a short flow channel, preventing fluid seepage into the base material and enhancing adhesion with a pressure-sensitive adhesive layer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a paper base material is used, then the device can be manufactured simply, but the base material easily delaminates from the pressure sensitive adhesive sheet and is easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the fundamental parameter of the base material from paper (porous, absorbent) to a non-absorbent material such as plastic film or metal foil. This parameter change eliminates the material's ability to absorb adhesive, thereby preventing delamination while maintaining manufacturing simplicity through techniques like heat sealing or adhesive application on non-absorbent surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite structure where a non-absorbent base material is combined with a pressure sensitive adhesive sheet. This composite design leverages the strength and adhesion properties of the adhesive sheet while using the non-absorbent base material to provide structural support and prevent delamination, thus resolving the contradiction between ease of manufacture and adhesion stability.
2Ease of manufacture
If a paper base material is used, then the device can be manufactured simply, but the base material is easily damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter from paper to a stronger non-absorbent material such as plastic film or metal foil. These materials inherently possess higher tensile strength and durability, eliminating the damage issues associated with paper while maintaining ease of manufacture through modern fabrication techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of a non-absorbent base material in combination with other layers creates a composite structure that enhances overall strength and damage resistance while maintaining manufacturing simplicity. The composite design allows each layer to contribute its optimal properties to the overall device performance.
3Productivity
If the base material is permeable to liquid, then the liquid can be absorbed and transported, but the liquid seeps into the base material causing delamination between the pressure sensitive adhesive sheet and the base material
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the permeability parameter of the base material from permeable (paper) to non-permeable (plastic film or metal foil). This prevents liquid from penetrating into the base material and causing delamination, while liquid transport is maintained through controlled pathways such as capillary channels or surface tension-driven flow on the material surface.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary layer or mechanism between the liquid and the base material. This intermediary prevents direct contact between the liquid and the adhesive interface, thereby preventing delamination while still allowing liquid transport through controlled pathways, thus resolving the contradiction between transport speed and adhesion stability.
4Device complexity
If both the microneedles and the sensor member are provided on one surface of the base material, then the configuration is simple, but the transport distance for the body fluid is long making it difficult to use for rapid analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a two-dimensional planar configuration (all components on one surface) to a three-dimensional stacked configuration (components on opposite surfaces connected through the base material). This dimensional change creates a direct vertical transport pathway for body fluid, significantly reducing transport distance and enabling rapid analysis while maintaining configuration simplicity through vertical integration.
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
This design enables rapid fluid transport for efficient analysis and drug delivery while preventing delamination and material damage, ensuring reliable and quick results.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid-absorbable absorbent material that fills the through-hole
Implementation Method 2
a liquid-impermeable base material that has a through-hole
Data Source
AI summary
A microneedle structure of the present invention comprises: a liquid-impermeable base material that has a through-hole; a liquid-absorbable absorbent material that fills the through-hole; a needle-shaped portion that is provided on one surface side of the base material and has a flow channel formed therein; and a functional member that is provided on the other surface side of the base material. The needle-shaped portion and the absorbent material are connected to each other, and the absorbent material and the functional member are connected to each other.