Microneedle Storage Container Deformation Puncture Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedle array storage and applicator technologies face challenges in maintaining stability during sterilization and long-term storage, and there is concern about adhesive volatility affecting drug integrity, while also requiring complex mechanisms for puncture protection and functionality.
Innovation Solution
A storage container design comprising a first member with a support portion and a second member that deforms to allow microneedle arrays to protrude, providing simple protection and puncture functionality without adhesives, ensuring the microneedle array is securely held and protected before use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If adhesive is used to attach microneedle array to applicator, then microneedle array is securely fixed, but adhesive stability during sterilization and long-term storage deteriorates and may cause drug deterioration
Solution Approach 1:
The invention removes the adhesive component entirely from the system. Instead of using adhesive to attach the microneedle array to the applicator, the design uses a self-contained storage container where the microneedle array is held in place by the container structure itself, eliminating the reliability issues associated with adhesive stability during sterilization and storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container acts as an intermediary structure between the microneedle array and the applicator. The container provides the attachment function through its physical structure (holding the microneedle array in its storage state) while allowing clean detachment during use, avoiding the need for adhesives that compromise drug integrity.
2Reliability
If complex mechanisms are used to protect microneedle array before puncture and achieve puncturing property, then protection and puncture functionality are ensured, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the protection function and the puncture function into a single integrated storage container structure. The container simultaneously protects the microneedle array during storage and provides the mechanical force for puncture when activated, eliminating the need for separate protective mechanisms and applicators with complex components.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage container is designed to perform multiple functions automatically: it protects the microneedle array during storage, maintains its structural integrity, and when activated by user action, automatically provides the puncture force needed. The container serves itself by integrating the puncture mechanism within the storage structure, requiring no additional complex components.
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 solution effectively protects the microneedle array before puncture and enables puncture functionality using a simple member, avoiding adhesive-related issues and maintaining drug integrity, while simplifying the mechanism for reliable skin penetration.
Implementation Method 1
the second member and the first member are deformed by applying a force in a direction of the first member to the second member
Data Source
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Figure 5
AI summary
Provided are a storage container, a microneedle unit, a storage container group, and a method of producing a microneedle unit that enable protection of a microneedle array before puncture and realization of a puncturing property of the microneedle array using a simple member. The storage container, which stores a microneedle array including a sheet having a first surface and a second surface that oppose each other and a plurality of needles arranged on the first surface of the sheet, includes a first member having an edge portion that defines a second opening and a second member having a depression, in which the microneedle array is stored by superimposing the second member on the first member, and the second member and the first member are deformed by applying a force to the second member in a state in which the second member is superimposed on the first member, and the needles of the microneedle array are allowed to protrude from the first member to puncture a skin.