Microneedle Applicator Trigger for Controlled Manual Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional microneedle insertion tools require user training, complex applicators, or stored energy systems, which can lead to improper application and increased costs, and user error must be minimized for self-administration.
Innovation Solution
A microneedle applicator device with a trigger mechanism that applies microneedles using manually applied force, ensuring controlled velocity, force, and angle without stored energy, featuring a release mechanism that triggers upon exceeding a threshold manual force.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If conventional microneedle insertion tools use stored energy systems (springs, batteries), then insertion force and velocity can be achieved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is pre-positioned against the skin with microneedles spaced away from the surface, and the user's manual pressure itself serves as the energy source to drive insertion, eliminating the need for pre-stored energy systems like springs or batteries
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses the user's own manual force as the energy source for insertion, making the system self-sufficient without requiring external power sources or complex energy storage mechanisms
2Manufacturing precision
If conventional microneedle insertion tools use complex applicators with pre-stored energy, then controlled insertion can be achieved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator appears to be a disposable component that is simple in construction, using basic elements like a support structure, microneedle array, and release mechanism that can be manufactured at low cost and discarded after single use
Solution Approach 2:
The device is divided into simple functional segments: a base portion for positioning, an applicator portion with microneedles, and a release mechanism, allowing for simplified manufacturing of each component
3Ease of operation
If microneedle patches are designed for self-administration, then user compliance improves, but risk of user error increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device provides tactile feedback through the release mechanism that activates at a predetermined threshold force, guiding the user to apply the correct amount of pressure without requiring training or knowledge of proper insertion force
Solution Approach 2:
The device transforms the user's variable manual pressure into a controlled insertion event by using a threshold-based release mechanism that converts arbitrary user force into a standardized insertion action with controlled velocity and force
4Speed
If conventional systems use pre-stored energy for microneedle insertion, then insertion velocity can be controlled, but risk of premature deployment increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the energy storage function from the device entirely, using only the user's manual force applied at the moment of insertion, which eliminates the risk of premature deployment associated with pre-stored energy systems
Solution Approach 2:
The microneedles are pre-positioned and ready for insertion, but the actual insertion action is deferred until the user applies sufficient manual force to trigger the release mechanism, ensuring the device is deployed only when intended
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
Facilitates reproducible and effective microneedle insertion with high velocity and controlled angle, enhancing user compliance and reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.
Implementation Method 1
the device has no stored energy and the trigger mechanism does not permit the array of microneedles to be displaced toward to the skin until a threshold manual force applied to the device
Implementation Method 2
The release mechanism may be configured to trigger by mechanical fracture of a portion of the support structure
Implementation Method 3
driving the microneedles along a guide path toward the skin or other biological tissue at a force and a velocity effective to insert the microneedles into the skin or other biological tissue
Data Source
AI summary
A device, or tool, for applying microneedles to skin or other biological tissue is provided, wherein the device includes an applicator which has an array of microneedles; and a trigger mechanism operably connected to the applicator. The device is configured to apply the array of microneedles to skin with a controlled velocity, force, and angle. The device has no stored energy, and the trigger mechanism does not permit the array of microneedles to be displaced toward to the skin until a threshold manual force applied to the device.