Microneedle Array Placement Feedback for Wearable Biosensors
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing wearable biosensors face challenges in reliably and repeatably inserting submillimeter microneedles into the skin for accurate biomolecular monitoring, lacking real-time feedback on proper placement and continuous monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A wearable biosensor device with a force touch sensor and feedback indicator provides real-time guidance and confirmation of microneedle placement, using a microneedle array with bioelectronic measurement to ensure proper insertion and continuous monitoring, and includes a bioelectronic measurement component for verification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If microneedles are inserted manually without feedback mechanism, then device complexity is reduced, but placement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism using a force sensor that detects when adequate force is applied to insert microneedles into the skin. The system provides real-time feedback through indicators (LEDs, vibrations, or audio signals) to guide the user on proper placement and insertion depth, ensuring consistent and accurate microneedle deployment without requiring manual estimation of insertion force.
2Measurement precision
If no real-time feedback is provided during microneedle insertion, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a force sensor that provides real-time feedback during microneedle insertion by detecting when the needle tips have successfully penetrated the skin and accessed biofluid. The feedback indicator confirms proper insertion to the user, ensuring accurate biofluid access verification while maintaining simple operation through intuitive signals.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If microneedle insertion force is not monitored, then device complexity is reduced, but skin damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The force sensor monitors the insertion force applied to microneedles in real-time and provides feedback to the user through indicators. This feedback mechanism guides the user to apply adequate but not excessive force, preventing skin damage while ensuring proper microneedle insertion. The system alerts the user when the optimal force range is achieved, minimizing harmful effects on the skin.
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
Ensures accurate and continuous access to biofluids like ISF for biomolecular monitoring by providing real-time feedback on microneedle placement, minimizing skin damage and improving long-term stability.
Implementation Method 1
a force touch sensor configured to measure force applied during placement or anytime during the life of the device of the microneedle array into skin of a user
Implementation Method 2
a bioelectronic measurement component which compares electrical signals for the microneedles to notify the wearer that the microneedles have reached a biofluid in the body
Implementation Method 3
at least one of the microneedles is configured as a working electrode to detect an electrical signal from a reaction with a target analyte exposed to the microneedle array in a biofluid of a body of a wearer
Data Source
AI summary
A biowearable sensor device is disclosed with improved features in the microneedle array and the electronics unit which, without limitation, reduce damage to the microneedles from excessive force which can occurring during placement, and verify proper placement of the microneedle tips in a biofluid in the skin layers of the wearer, both during placement and the entire life of the device.