Microneedle Sheet Flat-Raised Transition for Safe Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microneedle sheets used for transdermal administration pose safety concerns during handling due to the risk of microneedles coming into contact with or being caught in other objects before application.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle sheet design where microneedles lie flat along the sheet body's surface until bent, allowing them to be raised only when applied to the skin, ensuring safety during handling and application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If microneedles are formed on a sheet and extended substantially along the main surface, then the microneedles can be inserted into skin effectively, but the microneedles may come into contact with or be caught in other objects during handling
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedle sheet transitions from a static flat configuration to a dynamic bent configuration. Before bending, microneedles lie flat along the sheet surface; after bending, they are raised and inserted into skin. This dynamic state change allows the microneedles to be safe during handling (flat state) and effective during application (raised state).
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedle sheet is prepared in advance with microneedles lying flat along the sheet surface, creating a safe handling state before use. The bending action is performed just before application to raise the microneedles, ensuring they remain retracted during storage and handling.
2Ease of manufacture
If microneedles are raised from the main surface before application, then they can be inserted into skin, but they may come into contact with or be caught in other objects
Solution Approach 1:
The microneedles exist in two dynamic states: flat along the sheet surface for safe handling and storage, and raised from the surface for effective skin insertion. The bending of the sheet body triggers the transition from the harmful raised state to the safe flat state during handling.
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedles are extracted from the raised state (protruding from surface) and returned to the flat state (lying along surface) through bending. This extraction of the protruding state eliminates the harmful contact risk while preserving the ability to insert into skin when needed.
Data Source
AI summary
A microneedle sheet according to one embodiment includes: a sheet body having a main surface; and at least one microneedle formed on the sheet body and lying along the main surface. Each of the at least one microneedle has a base positioned on a first side of the sheet body and a tip oriented toward a second side of the sheet body that is opposite to the first side. A first portion of the sheet body is bent from the first side, whereby the microneedle positioned in the first portion is raised from the main surface and the raised microneedle is applied to skin.