Microneedle Patch Applicator With Cam-Guided Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medicament patches, particularly biodegradable needle-like patches, face challenges in reliable application with sufficient force and depth consistency, requiring improved systems for minimal training and high repeatability.
Innovation Solution
An applicator device with a cylindrical outer body, piston, compressible member, and actuator mechanism ensures consistent application of patches by providing a predetermined force and depth of skin penetration, using a cam path and compressible member to deploy the patch reliably.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual application method is used, then ease of operation is improved, but reliability and repeatability of patch application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator device is designed to be self-regulating through its mechanical structure. The cam path and spring mechanism automatically provide the correct application force and depth without requiring the user to judge or control the force manually, eliminating variability while maintaining simplicity of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The device transforms the variable human application force into a consistent mechanical parameter through the cam path geometry and spring compression. The cam profile converts linear actuator motion into controlled radial piston movement, ensuring uniform force and depth parameters across all applications.
2Manufacturing precision
If increased force is applied to ensure sufficient skin penetration, then manufacturing precision of needle depth is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses dynamic elements (spring compression, cam path motion) to achieve precise needle depth control. The spring provides progressive force increase while the cam path geometry precisely controls the radial movement of the piston, ensuring consistent penetration depth without complex electronic controls.
Solution Approach 2:
The piston acts as an intermediary between the actuator and the patch, translating linear actuator motion into controlled radial force through the cam path mechanism. This intermediary system decouples the simplicity of linear actuation from the complexity of precise radial force application, maintaining device simplicity while achieving precision.
3Adaptability or versatility
If biodegradable needle-like devices are used, then therapeutic benefit is improved, but application reliability with sufficient force deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator device pre-loads the spring mechanism before application, storing energy that is released during patch deployment. This preliminary action ensures that sufficient force is available to penetrate the skin and deploy the biodegradable needles, overcoming the limitation of manual application methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The device replaces the unreliable manual mechanical application with an automated mechanical system using springs and cam paths. This substitution eliminates human variability in force application while maintaining the mechanical simplicity needed for reliable deployment of biodegradable needle patches.
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
The applicator device facilitates reliable and repeatable application of medicament patches, ensuring microneedles are positioned at the desired depth, enhancing the delivery of active agents like drugs and vaccines with improved efficacy.
Implementation Method 1
a compressible member positioned within the outer body and configured to apply downward pressure to the piston; and an actuator positioned below the piston and being slidably engaged with the hollow interior such that upward pressure on the actuator pushes the piston upward and compresses the compressible member
Data Source
AI summary
Patch applicator devices are provided. The devices can include a reusable or single-use system for applying a push-through or breakaway patch to a patient's skin. The devices can improve application and effectiveness of microneedle based patches.