Microneedling Device Impedance Depth Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microneedling devices lack precise control over needle depth, which can lead to inconsistent treatment outcomes and increased risk of injury.
Innovation Solution
A microneedling device that utilizes measured differences in impedance between the microneedle and a counter-electrode on the skin to control the depth of needle insertion, allowing for precise programming and adjustment of needle depth through stepper motors or linear drives, enabling precise control over the insertion depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual operation or simple mechanical control is used for needle insertion, then the device complexity is low and ease of manufacture is high, but the manufacturing precision and depth control are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical operation with an automated system that uses electrical impedance sensing to detect tissue contact and control motor-driven needle insertion. The impedance-based detection system substitutes for manual visual or tactile judgment, enabling precise depth control through electronic feedback rather than simple mechanical mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback control system where electrical impedance between the needle and counter-electrode is continuously monitored during insertion. When impedance changes indicate tissue contact or desired depth is reached, the system automatically adjusts or stops insertion, providing closed-loop depth control that resolves the contradiction between precision and complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If fixed needle depth mechanisms are used, then the device complexity is low, but the adaptability to different treatment requirements is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic control system where needle insertion depth is not fixed but automatically adjusted based on real-time impedance measurements. The motor-driven mechanism allows the needle to insert to varying depths depending on tissue characteristics and treatment requirements, providing adaptability through electronic control rather than multiple fixed-depth mechanical configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the control parameter from fixed mechanical depth settings to variable electronic control based on impedance feedback. This allows the same device to adapt to different treatment scenarios by dynamically adjusting insertion depth through electrical control parameters rather than requiring multiple mechanical configurations.
3Manufacturing precision
If impedance-based automated control is implemented, then the manufacturing precision and depth control are improved, but the device complexity and ease of operation increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-regulating system where the device automatically detects tissue contact and controls insertion depth based on impedance feedback without requiring constant operator intervention. The system serves itself by using the electrical properties of the tissue to control the insertion process, reducing the operational burden on the user while maintaining high precision.
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 device provides precise control over needle depth, reducing the risk of injury and ensuring consistent treatment outcomes by automatically adjusting the insertion depth based on pre-programmed steps and impedance changes, allowing for more effective collagen production and skin treatment.
Implementation Method 1
The present invention makes use of the measured differences in impedance between the microneedle and a counter-electrode on the skin, which is used to characterize the skin surface.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a microneedling device and a method for the microneedling of human or animal tissue. The method comprises the following steps; (a) providing a microneedling device having an electrically conductive microneedle and an electrically conducting nosepiece assembly spaced apart from the electrically conductive microneedle and acting as a counter electrode; (b) placing the electrically conductive microneedle and nosepiece assembly into contact with the tissue to be microneedled; (c) measuring the electrical impedance between the microneedle tip and the nosepiece or the current through the microneedle motor; (d) commencing insertion of the microneedle and moving the microneedle toward the tissue surface; (e) starting a step counter when the impedance reduces or the microneedle motor current increases; (f) incrementing the step counter with every step of the vertical drive motor until the step count reaches the prespecified value thereby controlling the depth of the hole microneedled.