FORCE-CONTROLLED APPLICATOR FOR APPLYING A MICRONEEDLE DEVICE TO SKIN

摘要

An applicator (100) for applying a microneedle device to a skin surface comprising a first portion (102) comprising a microneedle array (107), and a second portion (104) coupled to the first portion via a connector (106). 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. A 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.

主权项

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 a connector, the connector 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 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; wherein at least a portion of the microneedle array extends beyond the first major surface and the second major surface when the connector is in the first state, wherein the applicator is configured to be pressed as a whole in a direction substantially perpendicular to the first major surface to press the microneedle array into the skin surface until the threshold application force is reached and the connector is changed to its second state.