RF Needle Cartridge Absorbing Barrier Prevents Backflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dermatological microneedling apparatuses face challenges in preventing liquid contaminants from flowing back into the main body of the device through disposable needle cartridges, leading to contamination risks between patients.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of an absorbing barrier within the needle cartridge that prevents backflow of liquids by using absorbing members, such as cotton, to soak up and hold any fluids that would otherwise flow back through the cartridge, combined with optional seal members for additional protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If seals are employed within the disposable needle cartridge to block contaminating fluids, then the sealing capability is improved, but the reliability of fluid containment deteriorates because the seals cannot thoroughly prevent contaminants from flowing back into the main body during quick reciprocating movements
Solution Approach 1:
An absorbing barrier is introduced as an intermediary component between the needle unit and the base portion. This barrier absorbs and retains liquid contaminants that attempt to flow back, preventing them from reaching the main body of the apparatus. The absorbing barrier acts as a mediator that captures fluids mechanically and chemically through absorption, complementing the seal members and providing reliable containment even during quick reciprocating movements.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbing barrier is made of porous or absorbent material capable of taking in and holding liquid contaminants. This porous structure allows the material to interact with and retain fluids through capillary action and absorption, effectively stopping the backflow of contaminants while maintaining structural integrity during device operation.
2Reliability
If hermetic seals are used to prevent fluid leakage, then the sealing performance is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the difficulty of maintaining airtight seals on quickly moving components
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbing barrier serves as a simplified intermediary that replaces complex hermetic sealing requirements. Instead of relying solely on intricate seal structures to maintain airtight conditions during rapid movements, the absorbing barrier provides a simpler mechanical and chemical solution by capturing and retaining any fluids that escape the seal, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbing barrier is incorporated into the disposable needle cartridge, which is replaced after each use. This disposable approach eliminates the need for complex, maintenance-intensive hermetic seals on moving parts, as the entire cartridge including the barrier is discarded after a single use, simplifying the overall device design and reducing complexity.
3Device complexity
If mechanical connection only is used between needle cartridge and main body, then the device complexity is reduced, but the fluid barrier capability deteriorates as blood and liquids flow back into the apparatus body
Solution Approach 1:
The absorbing barrier is positioned within the base portion of the needle cartridge to serve as an intermediary fluid barrier. This barrier intercepts and absorbs liquid contaminants attempting to flow back through the mechanical connection interface, preventing contamination of the main body while maintaining the simplicity of the mechanical connection structure without adding complex sealing mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The absorbing barrier utilizes porous or absorbent material properties to passively capture and retain liquid contaminants at the connection interface. This material-based approach provides fluid barrier capability through the inherent properties of the porous material rather than through complex mechanical sealing structures, maintaining device simplicity while preventing contaminant backflow.
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
Effectively prevents the backflow of patient blood and injection liquids into the main body of the microneedling device, reducing contamination risks and maintaining the integrity of the fluid barrier over time, even after prolonged storage.
Implementation Method 1
an absorbing barrier that prevents liquid contaminants from flowing back through the cartridge and reaching the main body of the apparatus
Implementation Method 2
absorbing members, such as cotton, to soak up and hold any fluids
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are unique needle cartridges for use with transdermal microneedling devices that generate and emit low energy RF signals to, and prevent backflow of liquid(s) from, the skin of a patient. One embodiment may comprise a base portion and a sleeve coupled to the base portion. Such an embodiment may also comprise an RF needle capsule disposed within the housing, and having a needle unit comprising at least one needle on an end thereof. Also, the needle cartridge comprises a drive shaft disposed through the base portion and coupled to the needle unit, and configured to be driven reciprocally along a longitudinal axis of the base portion and thereby move the RF needle capsule reciprocally such that the needles of the needle unit extend beyond and retract within the housing. Such RF needle cartridges further include an absorbing barrier disposed within the housing to prevent the backflow of liquid(s) from the needle unit by absorbing such liquid(s).