Skin-Sensing Cannula for Even Cell Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for injecting living cells, such as fat cells or dermal fillers, into human tissue are cumbersome, require significant operator skill, and can lead to uneven distribution due to reliance on manual or complex mechanical systems, resulting in unpredictable outcomes and operator fatigue.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus with a reservoir, cannula, and skin surface sensing means that controls the rate of material expulsion based on the depth of cannula penetration, ensuring even distribution of cells between specific depths in the tissue, using a mechanically linked plunger system and biasing mechanisms for efficient and automatic material delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If manual injection methods are used, then operator flexibility is maintained, but injection precision and evenness deteriorate due to reliance on operator skill
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical injection systems with an electrically operated injection device that uses a motor to control material delivery. This substitution eliminates reliance on operator skill while maintaining precise control over injection parameters, directly resolving the contradiction between injection precision and operator skill requirements
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a skin surface sensing means that detects skin surface conditions and provides feedback to the control system. This feedback mechanism allows the device to automatically adjust injection parameters based on real-time skin conditions, improving injection precision without requiring additional operator skill
2Ease of operation
If complex electrically operated devices are used, then operator fatigue is reduced, but device complexity and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the injection device with a self-regulating mechanism where the skin surface sensing means automatically detects skin conditions and the control system autonomously adjusts injection parameters. This self-service capability reduces the need for complex manual adjustments while maintaining simple operation, resolving the contradiction between reducing operator fatigue and minimizing device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent integrates multiple functions into a single unified device: the motor provides powered injection, the skin surface sensing means detects skin conditions, and the control system manages both functions coordinateally. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate complex subsystems, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining ease of operation
3Productivity
If material is injected quickly, then procedure time is reduced, but material distribution evenness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a motor-driven injection system that provides continuous and controlled material delivery at steady rates. This continuous action ensures uniform material distribution throughout the injection process while maintaining high injection speed, resolving the contradiction between productivity and material distribution evenness
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates a dynamic control system that can adjust injection parameters in real-time based on skin surface sensing feedback. This dynamic capability allows the device to optimize injection speed and distribution evenness simultaneously by adapting to varying tissue conditions during the procedure
Data Source
AI summary
A problem with injecting cells such as fat cells into organic tissue to act as a filler material is that the cells must be distributed evenly and reasonably thinly to ensure that all of the injected cells are situated near to a blood supply and do not die. Injecting devices have been produced that use electronic controls and electro-mechanical mechanisms to improve distribution. The present approach however solves the problem of even distribution by coupling a skin surface sensing means to a plunger in a reservoir of the filler cells. In this way, the flow of cells out of a cannula relates directly to the rate at which the tip of the cannula penetrates the organic tissue into which the cells are being injected.