Movable Support Microneedle Device for Tissue Equilibrium

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing microneedle insertion devices face challenges in minimizing tissue stress and papule formation during intradermal injection, as they often apply significant pressure that can hinder the injection process and prevent the tissue from returning to its equilibrium state.

Innovation Solution

A device with a movable support system that allows micro-needles to penetrate tissue at high speeds while absorbing shock, minimizing initial pressure and allowing the tissue to return to equilibrium, featuring a mechanism where the needle is freed from physical support post-penetration, enabling continuous injection without leaks and maintaining a stable papule for substance diffusion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If the needle is supported by a rigid structure during insertion, then the needle can maintain stability and positioning, but the tissue experiences high stress and cannot return to equilibrium state

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle stabilityVSAvoidtissue stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from a static rigid state to a dynamic movable state. The support is configured to move relative to the needle, allowing it to adapt its position as the needle penetrates tissue. This dynamic adjustment enables the support to maintain needle stability during insertion while reducing tissue stress by allowing tissue displacement and equilibrium recovery.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If high insertion speed is used to improve injection efficiency, then productivity increases, but tissue stress and shock increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinjection efficiencyVSAvoidtissue shock
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is designed with cushioning capabilities to absorb and dissipate the shock generated during high-speed needle insertion. The support moves in response to insertion forces, creating a cushioning effect that reduces tissue shock while maintaining high insertion speeds for improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

3Stability of the object's composition

If the support exerts pressure on the fabric to hold the device in place, then the device remains stable, but the needle pressure opposes papule formation and injection continuity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice stabilityVSAvoidinjection obstruction
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure transitions from a static pressure-exerting component to a dynamic movable component. As the needle penetrates tissue and a papule forms, the support moves to follow the papule profile, maintaining device stability without exerting opposing pressure that would obstruct injection continuity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Manufacturing precision

If the needle remains attached to a fixed support during insertion, then positioning is precise, but the tissue cannot return to equilibrium state without residual stress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveneedle positioningVSAvoidresidual stress
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSStress or pressure

Solution Approach 1:

The support structure is configured to move relative to the needle during insertion, allowing the needle to penetrate tissue with precise initial positioning while the support follows the tissue deformation. This enables the tissue to return to its equilibrium state without residual stress, as the movable support adapts to tissue displacement rather than constraining it.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 reduces tissue stress and papule formation, allowing for efficient and continuous intradermal injection by minimizing pressure exerted by the needle support, ensuring optimal diffusion of the injected substance and preventing needle withdrawal.

Implementation Method 1

the drive means may be a thruster housing a spring, and driving the piston by contact

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Implementation Method 2

allowing the fabric to absorb the shock over a certain distance, which has the effect of improving the perforation of the tissue and bringing it back to a stable state of equilibrium

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

the needle provided with a translational movement can decelerate in the tissue due to of the elasticity of the latter over a certain length

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP2646092B1Method and device for inserting needles
Publication Date: 2021.06.09 DEBIOTECH SA
  • EP2646092B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2646092B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2646092B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a device for inserting needles, including a body defined by a proximal end and a distal end (8), a mounting (3, 7) movably mounted inside the body, at least one needle (4) secured to the mounting (3, 7), a drive means (1, 2) suitable for driving the mounting (3, 7) towards said distal end, said mounting (3, 7) comprising a distal surface onto which the needle (4) projects, said distal end (8) comprising a contact area intended for contacting the tissue, the mounting (3, 7) being configured so as to reach a position, after activating the driving means (1), in which the distal surface thereof, relative to said proximal end, is more distant than said contact area, wherein the device is further configured so as to enable a gradual passive return movement of the mounting (3, 7) once said position has been reached.