Transdermal Fluid Delivery Tip with Segmented Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current skin treatment technologies face limitations in deep penetration and absorption of fluids and drugs due to the protective barrier function of the stratum corneum, inefficient fluid supply/return systems, and impedance issues, which hinder the effectiveness of microdermabrasion and transdermal drug delivery methods.
Innovation Solution
A handheld skin treatment device that combines abrasive peeling, electrical stimulation, and liquid infusion to enhance skin permeability, using a combination of electroporation, ultrasound, and other electrical therapies, along with a vacuum system for efficient fluid delivery and removal, allowing for simultaneous deep penetration of fluids into the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If fluid is delivered through injection tubes close to the abrading surface, then fluid can be supplied to the skin, but the fluid is not evenly distributed and most fluid does not contact the skin
Solution Approach 1:
The single injection tube is segmented into multiple fluid delivery channels distributed across the abrading surface. This segmentation allows fluid to be delivered at multiple locations simultaneously, ensuring even distribution across the treatment area and maximizing skin contact efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The abrading surface itself serves as an intermediary structure that integrates both the abrasive elements and the fluid delivery channels. This intermediary design allows fluid to be delivered directly through the abrading surface to the skin, eliminating the gap problem and ensuring uniform distribution.
2Reliability
If electroporation is used to penetrate the stratum corneum, then fluid penetration is enhanced, but the permeation structure only lasts a few seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The device performs preliminary abrasion to remove the stratum corneum barrier before applying electroporation. This preliminary action creates a more permeable skin surface that maintains the electroporation effect longer, extending the window for effective fluid delivery beyond the typical few seconds.
Solution Approach 2:
The device merges abrasion, electroporation, and fluid delivery into a single integrated treatment process. By combining these functions simultaneously, the device maintains enhanced permeability throughout the entire treatment sequence, preventing the permeation window from closing before fluid delivery is complete.
3Productivity
If a vacuum system is used for fluid return, then fluid can be removed from the skin, but the fluid supply and return systems are inefficient
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is designed to serve multiple functions: removing excess fluid, suctioning skin debris, and creating negative pressure to enhance fluid absorption. This multi-functionality increases overall system efficiency without requiring separate systems for each function.
Solution Approach 2:
The device uses pneumatic principles with the vacuum system to create pressure differentials that drive fluid movement. The vacuum pressure works in conjunction with the fluid delivery pressure to create an efficient bidirectional flow system that maximizes fluid exchange while minimizing system complexity.
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 device achieves enhanced and longer-lasting skin resurfacing and enhancement by increasing skin permeability, allowing for deeper penetration of skin-enhancing fluids and drugs, improving skin structure and elasticity.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source having a suction opening configured to contact the skin and configured to create a negative pressure relative to the atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
a fluid delivery system having a fluid opening configured to deliver a fluid to the skin surface... the pressure mechanism is operated to force the fluid through the fluid opening and onto the skin surface
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for transdermal fluid delivery includes a handle and a tip, having a skin applying surface, being driven to move by a driving unit. A fluid delivery structure has an aperture formed at the skin applying surface and a vacuum entry port. An abrading structure, an electrode structure, and a micro-needling structure are selectively provided at the skin applying surface with the fluid delivery structure to provide multiple functions of the tip. A flow of fluid is delivered onto the skin applying surface through the fluid delivery structure to interact with the abrading elements and the electrodes before the fluid is returned and collected, so that three different skin treatments of abrasive peeling, electrical stimulation, and liquid infusion are achieved in one single structure for improving a skin structure.