Temperature-Controlled Cosmetic Applicator With Force-Limited Microneedles
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods of applying cosmetic substances lack precise control over the area affected, potentially leading to waste and damage to deeper skin layers, and existing microneedle systems lack a mechanism to prevent excessive force that could harm tissues.
Innovation Solution
A handheld device with a cooling element, pressure switch, and applicator tip that oscillates without excessive force, using a clearance reducing feature and force-dependent switch to penetrate the skin with microneedles to a controlled depth, maintaining the integrity of the cosmetic substance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods of applying cosmetic substances are used, then the application process is simple, but precise control over the area affected is lacking, potentially leading to waste and damage to deeper skin layers
Solution Approach 1:
The device segments the applicator tip into multiple microneedles arranged in an array, allowing precise control over the treatment area. Each microneedle can independently penetrate the skin to a controlled depth, enabling localized delivery of cosmetic substances to the epidermal layer without affecting deeper tissues or surrounding areas.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces conventional manual application methods with a mechanical oscillation system. The applicator tip oscillates at a controlled frequency and amplitude, driven by a piezoelectric actuator or similar mechanism, to penetrate the skin barrier precisely and deliver substances without requiring manual pressure control from the user.
2Reliability
If microneedle systems are used to penetrate the skin, then delivery to deeper layers is achieved, but excessive force may damage tissues under the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs dynamic oscillation of the applicator tip rather than static penetration. The microneedles oscillate between penetrating and retracting positions, allowing controlled delivery of cosmetic substances to the epidermal layer while minimizing the risk of tissue damage. The oscillating motion enables the microneedles to engage and disengage from the skin surface repeatedly, reducing the force required for each individual penetration event.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms, such as force sensors or pressure transducers, that monitor the applied force in real-time. When the force exceeds a predetermined threshold that could cause tissue damage, the feedback system automatically adjusts or stops the oscillation, preventing excessive force from reaching the skin tissues while maintaining reliable delivery of the cosmetic substance.
3Stability of the object's composition
If the applicator tip is at ambient temperature, then the device is simple to manufacture, but thermal energy may degrade the cosmetic substance before application
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary cooling of the applicator tip before application to the skin. A cooling element, such as a Peltier device or thermoelectric cooler, is integrated into the applicator tip assembly and activated prior to use to lower the temperature of the tip and the cosmetic substance it holds. This preliminary cooling action prevents thermal degradation of the cosmetic substance during the application process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the temperature parameter of the applicator tip and the cosmetic substance from ambient temperature to a controlled lower temperature. By adjusting the cooling element's power output, the device can maintain the cosmetic substance at an optimal temperature range that preserves its stability and efficacy while preventing degradation from ambient heat.
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
Delivers cosmetic substances to the epidermal layer with minimal tissue damage, preserving the active ingredients and ensuring precise application.
Implementation Method 1
The at least one cooling element is a thermoelectric cooling element
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld device for applying a cosmetic substance to skin has a housing capable of to be grasped by a user, a head main body portion coupled to the elongated portion, a head main body operably coupled to the housing, at least one cooling element, and an applicator tip positioned at or near the cooling element such that the cooling element removes thermal energy from the applicator tip. A kit may include the handheld tool for applying a cosmetic substance and one or more chips comprising the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin. The one or more chips may include at least one microneedle composed of the cosmetic substance to be applied to the skin. The handheld device of the system may be operable to insert the at least one microneedle into an epidermal layer of the skin.