Self-Actuating Microprojection Applicator with Auto-Triggering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transdermal delivery methods face challenges in consistently and reproducibly penetrating the stratum corneum due to the elastic nature of the skin, leading to variable drug delivery and limited permeability, and require manual pre-setting of applicators which can be difficult for patients to use.
Innovation Solution
A self-setting, auto-triggering applicator that uses a housing with a cap and piston mechanism, impact spring, and latching assemblies to automatically apply a microprojection array to the skin with consistent and repeatable penetration, eliminating the need for manual pre-setting and reducing the complexity of the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If manual pre-setting of applicator is used, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The applicator is designed to automatically perform the pre-setting function through its own structure. When the applicator head is inserted into the device, the spring mechanism automatically compresses and the latch automatically engages, eliminating the need for manual pre-setting by the patient.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-compressed and the latch is pre-positioned to automatically engage when the applicator is inserted. This preliminary positioning ensures that the penetration force is ready before the button is pressed, improving ease of operation.
2Reliability
If consistent penetration of stratum corneum is achieved, then transdermal drug delivery is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional components: a spring mechanism for force generation, a latch mechanism for force retention, and a button for activation. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The latch mechanism prevents premature release of the spring force before activation. By blocking the spring's expansion path until the button is pressed, the latch ensures that penetration force is only applied when intended, improving reliability.
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 auto-setting and auto-triggering mechanism ensures consistent and repeatable penetration of the microprojection array into the stratum corneum, improving transdermal drug delivery and reducing the effort required for application, making it more accessible to patients.
Implementation Method 1
an impact spring in communication with the cap and the piston, the impact spring being adapted to provide and an impact force to the piston
Implementation Method 2
a pre-setting spring in communication with the cap and the housing, the pre-setting spring being adapted to provide a pre-setting force to the cap and bias the cap from the pre-set position to the primary position
Data Source
AI summary
An applicator for applying a microprojection member to the stratum corneum of a patient having a housing, a piston moveable within the housing and a cap adapted to activate the applicator. The applicator is self-setting and auto-triggering, which allows the applicator to be used by patient's having neither the strength, nor the manual dexterity to pre-set and activate other types of applicator devices.