Force-controlled applicator for applying a microneedle device to skin
First Claim
1. An applicator for applying a microneedle array to a skin surface, the applicator comprising:
- a first portion comprising a microneedle array and defining a first major surface from which the microneedle array protrudes, the first major surface configured to be substantially parallel with the skin surface and configured to be positioned toward the skin surface; and
a second portion coupled to the first portion via one or more connectors that directly contact both the first portion and the second portion, the one or more connectors configured to fracture by changing from a first state in which the one or more connectors are intact to a second state in which the one or more connectors are fractured when an application force is applied to at least one of the first portion and the second portion in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the first major surface of the first portion that meets or exceeds a threshold application force, the second portion defining a second major surface, the second major surface configured to be positioned toward the skin surface;
whereinthe first portion has a total area that is defined by an outer periphery of the first portion;
whereinthe second portion comprises an inner wall having a vertical portion that is oriented in a direction that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the first major surface of the first portion;
whereinthe one or more connectors extend between the outer periphery of the first portion and the vertical portion of the inner wall of the second portion; and
whereinthe one or more connectors provide audible feedback to a user when the threshold application force is achieved.
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0 Petitions
Accused Products
Abstract
An applicator and method for applying a microneedle device to a skin surface. The applicator can include a first portion comprising a microneedle array, and a second portion coupled to the first portion via a connector. The connector can be configured to yield or fracture by changing from a first state in which the connector is intact to a second state in which the connector is yielded or fractured when a threshold application force is applied to at least one of the first portion and the second portion in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the first portion. The method can include pressing the applicator in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first portion to press the microneedle array into the skin surface until the threshold application force is met or exceeded and the connector is changed to its second state.
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Citations
21 Claims
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1. An applicator for applying a microneedle array to a skin surface, the applicator comprising:
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a first portion comprising a microneedle array and defining a first major surface from which the microneedle array protrudes, the first major surface configured to be substantially parallel with the skin surface and configured to be positioned toward the skin surface; and a second portion coupled to the first portion via one or more connectors that directly contact both the first portion and the second portion, the one or more connectors configured to fracture by changing from a first state in which the one or more connectors are intact to a second state in which the one or more connectors are fractured when an application force is applied to at least one of the first portion and the second portion in a direction substantially perpendicular with respect to the first major surface of the first portion that meets or exceeds a threshold application force, the second portion defining a second major surface, the second major surface configured to be positioned toward the skin surface;
whereinthe first portion has a total area that is defined by an outer periphery of the first portion;
whereinthe second portion comprises an inner wall having a vertical portion that is oriented in a direction that is substantially perpendicular with respect to the first major surface of the first portion;
whereinthe one or more connectors extend between the outer periphery of the first portion and the vertical portion of the inner wall of the second portion; and
whereinthe one or more connectors provide audible feedback to a user when the threshold application force is achieved. - View Dependent Claims (2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21)
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Specification