Microneedle Patch Applicator With Reusable Drug Cartridges
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microneedle drug delivery systems require user-initiated attachment to the skin, lacking convenience and necessitating professional administration.
Innovation Solution
A wearable device with a microneedle patch that automatically injects drugs using a microneedle applicator, allowing multiple uses and interchangeable cartridges.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a conventional syringe is used for drug injection, then the drug can be delivered effectively, but it requires a healthcare professional to administer and causes pain
Solution Approach 1:
The injection system is divided into separate functional modules: a wearable device for microneedle attachment, a cartridge for drug storage, and a delivery mechanism. This segmentation allows the complex injection function to be distributed across multiple simpler components that can be used independently or together.
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle patch is designed to be self-applied by the user to their own skin, eliminating the need for healthcare professional administration. The wearable device automatically positions and activates the microneedles, making the system serve itself rather than requiring external operational intervention.
2Ease of operation
If a microneedle patch is used for drug delivery, then the convenience of a patch is achieved, but the user still has to manually attach it to the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle patch transitions from a static adhesive patch to a dynamic system where the microneedles can be automatically activated and positioned. The wearable device provides mechanical actuation that dynamically engages the microneedles with the skin, combining the simplicity of a patch with automated delivery functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedles are pre-loaded into the wearable device in a ready-to-deploy configuration. The device performs preliminary positioning and preparation of the microneedles before actual skin contact, so that when activation occurs, the attachment and drug delivery happen simultaneously without requiring manual user actions during the critical delivery moment.
3Ease of manufacture
If a microneedle patch is designed for single use, then simplicity is maintained, but it cannot be reused multiple times
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the reusable wearable device component from the consumable microneedle cartridge component. This allows the expensive, complex wearable device to be reused multiple times while only the simpler, disposable cartridge is replaced, achieving both simplicity in the disposable element and reusability in the main device.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate different cartridge types and deliver different drugs. This multi-functionality allows the same wearable device to be reused for multiple treatment sessions with different medication cartridges, enhancing versatility while maintaining manufacturing simplicity for each individual cartridge.
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, user-friendly drug delivery through a wearable device that can be reused multiple times, eliminating the need for manual attachment and professional administration.
Implementation Method 1
when an external force is applied in a first direction, the microneedle body moves in the first direction so as to administer a drug in the microneedle to a user's skin
Data Source
AI summary
Proposed is a microneedle patch including a body in which at least one opening is formed, and a microneedle body which is disposed in the opening and has at least one microneedle formed therein, wherein when an external force is applied in a first direction, the microneedle body moves in the first direction so as to administer a drug in the microneedle to a user's skin.