KR102564377B1 - An applicator for drug injection and a micro-needle patch used therein - Google Patents

Abstract

A microneedle patch according to an embodiment includes a main body having at least one opening; It is located in the opening and includes a microneedle body in which at least one microneedle is formed, wherein the microneedle body is configured to administer a drug located in the microneedle to the user's skin when an external force in a first direction is applied. move in one direction

Description

Applicator for drug injection and microneedle patch used therein {AN APPLICATOR FOR DRUG INJECTION AND A MICRO-NEEDLE PATCH USED THEREIN}

The embodiment relates to an applicator for drug injection and a microneedle patch used therein.

Drug injection using a conventional syringe has problems such as requiring expert injection and accompanying pain. To solve this problem, a microneedle type drug injection system has been developed.

The microneedle is a system that delivers active ingredients into the skin through the stratum corneum, which is the skin barrier layer. Many technological advances have been made in recent years with new systems that combine the efficacy of conventional syringes with the convenience of patches.
Examples of the prior art for conventional microneedles are disclosed in, for example, Korean Patent Registration No. 10-1746048 (2017.06.12.) and Japanese Published Patent Publication No. 2005-525149 (2005.08.25.) .

However, in the case of the patch-type microneedles, since the user has to directly attach the microneedles to the skin and inject the drug, there is still a problem in that the user's active attachment action is required.

The embodiment provides an applicator in the form of a wearable device capable of automatically injecting drugs through a microneedle patch.

The embodiment provides a microneedle patch that can be used in a replaceable cartridge and used multiple times in combination with a wearable device.

A microneedle patch according to an embodiment includes a main body having at least one opening; It is located in the opening and includes a microneedle body in which at least one microneedle is formed, wherein the microneedle body is configured to administer a drug located in the microneedle to the user's skin when an external force in a first direction is applied. move in one direction

The microneedle patch according to the embodiment moves when an external force is applied, administers the drug, moves back to the original position, can be used multiple times by rotation, and is configured in a form that can be used in combination with a wearable device, which is convenient for users. It has the effect of injecting the drug in the form.

1 shows an overall appearance of a drug providing device according to an embodiment.
2 is a half exploded view showing the general configuration of a drug providing device according to an embodiment.
3 is an upper stereoscopic view of the microneedle patch according to the first embodiment.
4 is a bottom stereoscopic view of the microneedle patch according to the first embodiment.
5 is a cross-sectional view of the microneedle patch according to the first embodiment.
6 is a bottom view of the microneedle patch according to the first embodiment.
7 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a patch assembly according to a second embodiment.
8 is a top view illustrating a microneedle patch according to a third embodiment.
9 shows a cartridge according to one embodiment.
10 is a half exploded view showing a general configuration of an applicator according to an embodiment.
11 is a schematic diagram showing a drive mechanism according to an embodiment.
12 illustrates a configuration of a first driving mechanism according to an embodiment.
13 shows a second drive mechanism from one side according to one embodiment.
14 shows a second drive mechanism from the other side according to an embodiment.
15 illustrates an initial posture of a drive mechanism according to one embodiment.
16 shows a ready posture of a drive mechanism according to an embodiment.
17 illustrates a pressing posture of a driving mechanism according to an embodiment.
18 shows a half exploded view of a drive mechanism according to another embodiment.
19 illustrates a coupled state of a driving mechanism according to another embodiment.
20 shows a drive mechanism according to another embodiment.
21 illustrates a Ÿ‡ wedge-shaped microneedle patch used in a driving mechanism according to another embodiment.
22 shows a control configuration of an applicator according to an embodiment.
23 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an applicator performed by a controller according to an embodiment.
24 illustrates a first drug injection operation of the applicator as viewed from the lower surface of the applicator according to an embodiment.
25 illustrates a second drug injection operation of the applicator as viewed from the lower surface of the applicator according to an embodiment.
26 illustrates a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.
27 is a graph showing electrical signals measured by the touch sensor according to the mounting state of the applicator.

Hereinafter, specific embodiments of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings. However, the spirit of the present invention is not limited to the presented embodiments, and those skilled in the art who understand the spirit of the present invention may add, change, delete, etc. other elements within the scope of the same spirit, through other degenerative inventions or the present invention. Other embodiments included within the scope of the inventive idea can be easily proposed, but it will also be said to be included within the scope of the inventive concept.

In addition, components having the same function within the scope of the same idea appearing in the drawings of each embodiment are described using the same reference numerals.

An applicator according to an embodiment may include a first driving mechanism that operates to press a microneedle patch; a second drive mechanism operably connected with the first drive mechanism and operative to change a posture of the first drive mechanism; and a controller that transmits drive signals to the first and second drive mechanisms. wherein the first driving mechanism includes a first driving motor and a pressing unit receiving power from the first driving motor to pressurize at least one area of the microneedle patch, and the second driving mechanism includes a second driving mechanism. A motor and a main gear connected to the first driving mechanism by receiving power from the second driving motor to rotate, wherein the controller: moves the pressing unit from a first position to a second position of the microneedle patch The second driving mechanism is operated to operate the second driving mechanism, and the first driving mechanism is operated so that the pressing unit presses the microneedle patch in a second position, and the pressing unit moves the microneedle patch according to the operation of the first driving motor. It may translate downward substantially perpendicular to the plane by a first displacement.

In addition, the second driving mechanism may be operated to return the pressing portion from the second position to the first position.

In addition, the controller may operate the second driving mechanism to move the pressing part returned to the first position to a third position, and to press the microneedle patch on the third position. drive mechanism can be operated.

In addition, the controller may operate the second drive mechanism to return the pressing portion to the first position from the third position.

In addition, when the second driving mechanism operates to move the pressing part from the first position to the second position, the main gear may rotate by the second displacement along the first direction according to the operation of the second driving motor. there is.

In addition, when the second driving mechanism operates such that the pressing portion returns from the second position to the first position, the main gear moves along a second direction different from the first direction according to the operation of the second driving motor. It can rotate by 2 displacements.

Also, a direction of motion of the pressing unit and a direction of a rotational plane of the main gear may be perpendicular to each other.

In addition, a touch sensor electrically connected to the controller and generating an electrical signal reflecting a contact state with an object; the controller further includes, when the magnitude of the electrical signal generated by the touch sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value A driving signal may be transmitted to the driving mechanism.

In addition, the second driving mechanism includes a lower plate for protecting the microneedle patch, the lower plate is located under the microneedle patch when the microneedle patch is mounted on the applicator, and the main gear and It can rotate together with the pressing part.

In addition, the lower plate includes a pressurizing opening, and positions of the pressurizing opening and the pressing portion correspond to each other, and when the first driving mechanism operates, at least a portion of the pressed microneedle patch protrudes through the pressing opening. can

An applicator according to another embodiment includes a patch delivery unit for positioning a microneedle patch in a pre-specified area; A housing including a cartridge accommodating portion defined as a space accommodating the cartridge and at least one opening; and a pressing portion applying a predetermined pressure to the microneedle patch, wherein the pressing portion has a first position and a second position. moving between positions, and when the pressing part is in the second position, the pressing part contacts the microneedle patch disposed in the predetermined area to apply the predetermined pressure to at least a partial area of the microneedle patch, The microneedle patch to which the predetermined pressure is applied may be directly delivered to the skin through the opening.

In addition, a strip for fixing the applicator to the user's body may be further included.

The patch delivery unit may include a cartridge, and the cartridge may include a plurality of microneedles, and the plurality of microneedles may be injected a predetermined number of times.

The apparatus may further include a driving unit, and the driving unit may provide a driving force to at least one of the patch delivery unit and the pressing unit.

Also, the driving unit may include at least one motor.

In addition, the microneedle patch stores a drug of a preset dose in at least a partial region, and the applicator further includes a controller, wherein the controller controls at least a partial region of the microneedle patch in which the preset dose is stored to the user. At least one of the driving unit, the patch delivery unit, and the pressing unit may be controlled to be injected into the skin.

In addition, the controller may control the pressing unit to move between the first position and the second position and to apply the preset pressure to the microneedle patch at the second position.

In addition, at the second position, at least a partial region of the microneedle patch pressed by the pressing unit by a predetermined displacement may be exposed through the opening.

Also, in the first position, the pressing unit may not press the microneedle patch and at least a portion of the microneedle patch may not be exposed.

In addition, the applicator may be provided as a wearable watch.

A microneedle patch according to another embodiment includes a main body having a plurality of openings; It is located in the opening and includes a microneedle body in which a plurality of microneedles are formed, and the microneedle body has a first body for administering a drug located in the microneedle to the user's skin when an external force is applied in a first direction. move in the direction

The microneedle body further includes a connection portion connecting the microneedle body and the main body, and when an external force in the first direction is applied to the microneedle body located at a first position, the microneedle body is elastically deformed by the connection portion. After moving to the second position, the microneedle body moved to the second position may move in a second direction opposite to the first direction.

The microneedle body that has moved to the second position may move in the second direction to the first position again.

Hereinafter, a general configuration of a drug providing device according to an embodiment will be described with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .

1 shows an overall appearance of a drug providing device according to an embodiment, and FIG. 2 is a half exploded view showing a general configuration of the drug providing device according to an embodiment.

Description will be made with reference to FIGS. 1 and 2 .

According to one embodiment of the present invention, a drug providing device 1 capable of supplying drugs to a user may be provided. That is, the drug providing device 1 according to an embodiment may deliver the drug to the user according to the user's use.

To this end, the drug providing device according to an embodiment may be mounted on a user's body. That is, the drug providing device 1 in the present specification may be implemented in the form of a wearable device. In order to be provided in the form of a wearable device, the drug providing device 1 according to one embodiment may be provided with all means for attaching to the user's body, such as bands and strips. Here, it will be understood that the drug providing device according to an embodiment may be mounted on a user's wrist, ankle, arm, leg, etc., and may also be mounted anywhere on the body suitable for supplying drugs to the user.

In addition, the drug providing device 1 according to an embodiment may include an applicator 200 and a cartridge 100. That is, in the present specification, the drug providing device 1 including the applicator 200 and the cartridge 1000 is expressed, but this is only for convenience of description, and the applicator 200 and the drug providing device 1 are used interchangeably. It will be appreciated that it may be used.

The applicator 200 may accommodate the microneedle patch 100 . That is, the microneedle patch 100 may be mounted in the applicator 200 .

When the microneedle patch 100 is mounted in the applicator 200, the applicator 200 may deliver the drug stored in the microneedle patch 100 to the user's body.

Hereinafter, a microneedle patch according to an embodiment will be first described with reference to the drawings.

3 is an upper stereoscopic view of the microneedle patch according to the first embodiment, FIG. 4 is a lower stereoscopic view of the microneedle patch according to the first embodiment, and FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the microneedle patch according to the first embodiment. 6 is a bottom view of the microneedle patch according to the first embodiment.

3 to 6, the microneedle patch 100 according to the first embodiment includes a main body 110, an opening 120, a shaft connecting portion 130, an auxiliary region 140, and a microneedle structure 150. can include

The microneedle patch 100 according to the first embodiment may be inserted into a watch-shaped wearable device. When the microneedle patch 100 is inserted into a wearable device, the microneedle patch 100 may be operated by combining with a driving structure implemented in the wearable device. For example, the microneedle patch 100 may be rotated by a wearable device, and a portion of the microneedle patch 100 may be moved in a first direction by being pressed by a driving structure of the microneedle patch 100 .

In addition, the microneedle patch 100 may be fixed to a wearable device, and a driving structure of the micropatch 100 may be rotated and pressed to move a portion of the micropatch 100 in a first direction.

The microneedle patch 100 may have a replaceable structure. When the microneedle patch 100 has a replaceable structure, the microneedle patch 100 may be combined with other hardware structures to form a cartridge assembly. In this case, the microneedle patch 100 may be mounted on the cartridge assembly and inserted into the wearable device. The cartridge assembly may be replaced according to completion of injection of the drug attached to the microneedle patch 100 or other needs.

The main body 110 may serve as a framework for the microneedle patch 100 . The body 110 may have a plate shape. The main body 110 may have a circular plate shape. That is, the main body 110 may have a thin disk shape.

A plurality of openings 120 and shaft connection parts 130 may be formed in the main body 110 . The plurality of openings 120 may be formed penetrating the main body 110 . The plurality of openings 120 may be arranged in a fan shape based on the center of the main body 110 . The plurality of openings 120 may be positioned at regular intervals from adjacent openings 120 . Alternatively, although not shown, the plurality of openings 120 may be arranged in various shapes such as a circle.

The opening 120 may have a different area depending on the distance from the center of the main body 110 . For example, an area of an area of the opening 120 adjacent to the center of the main body 110 may be smaller than an area of an area spaced apart from the center 110 of the main body. The opening 120 may be formed to have a larger area as the distance from the center of the main body 110 increases.

The shaft connecting portion 130 may be formed penetrating the body 110 . The shaft connecting portion 130 may be formed at the center of the main body 110 . The shaft connecting portion 130 may be formed in a circular shape based on the center of the main body 110 . That is, the center of the shaft connecting portion 130 may be the same as the center of the main body 110 . An outer diameter of the shaft connecting portion 130 may be smaller than an outer diameter of the main body 110 . The plurality of openings 120 may be formed between the outer diameter of the shaft connecting portion 130 and the outer diameter of the main body 110 .

An external structure for fixing or rotating the microneedle patch 100 may be inserted into the shaft connecting portion 130 . The external structure may be a partial structure of the wearable device or a partial structure of the cartridge assembly. The external structure may rotate the microneedle patch 100 by the operating structure of the wearable device. Alternatively, the microneedle patch 100 may be fixed to a wearable device by a structure coupled to the main body 110 .

An auxiliary area 140 may be formed in the main body 110 . The auxiliary area 140 may be an area in which the opening 120 is not formed. The auxiliary area 140 may be a non-opened area of the main body 110 . The plurality of openings 120 are positioned at regular intervals. The opening 120 may not be formed in an area where one opening 120 can be located, and the area where the opening 120 is not formed may be assisted. Area 140 can be defined. The auxiliary area 140 may function as a door to block the cartridge assembly from the outside when the wearable device is in a standby state rather than a drug injection state. The auxiliary area 140 may serve to block the internal structure of the wearable device from the outside in the standby state. The internal structure of the cartridge assembly and the wearable device may be protected from external moisture or foreign substances by the auxiliary area 140 .

The microneedle structure 150 may be located in the opening 120 . The microneedle structure 150 may move when an external force is applied. When an external force is applied, the microneedle structure 150 moves in the same direction as the external force, and then returns to its original position. The microneedle structure 150 may move in the same direction as the external force when an external force is applied, and return to its original position when the external force is released.

For example, when an external force is applied in a first direction while the microneedle structure 150 is located at the first position, it moves in the first direction to the second position, and then moves in the opposite direction to the first direction. It may move in the second direction and return to the first position. The microneedle structure 150 moved to the second position may move in the second direction and return to the first position when the external force is released. The first position may be an initial position of the microneedle structure 150 .

Since the microneedle structure 150 has an elastic structure, it can move in a first direction by an external force and move in a second direction when the external force is released.

The external force may be applied to the microneedle structure 150 by the operating structure of the wearable device. Alternatively, the external force may be applied to the microneedle structure 150 by the operating structure of the cartridge assembly. The external force may be transmitted to the microneedle structure 150 by a power source located inside the wearable device.

The microneedle structure 150 may include a microneedle body 151 and a connection part 155 .

The microneedle body 151 may be formed in a plate shape having both sides.

The microneedle body 151 may include a plurality of microneedles 153 . The plurality of microneedles 153 may be formed on one surface of the microneedle body 151 . The plurality of microneedles 153 may protrude from the microneedle body 150 in a first direction.

The plurality of microneedles 153 may serve to deliver drugs to the user's skin. The plurality of microneedles 153 may be composed of at least one type of a coating type, a hollow type, a dissolving type, and a swelling type.

When the microneedle 153 is a coating type, the drug is applied to the outside of the microneedle 153, and when the microneedle is injected into the user's skin, the drug applied to the microneedle 153 can be delivered to the user's skin. there is.

When the microneedle 153 is hollow, a hollow is formed in the microneedle 153, and when the microneedle is injected into the user's skin, the drug injected into the hollow can be delivered to the user's skin.

When the microneedle 153 is a dissolving type, the microneedle 153 itself is formed of a drug, and when the microneedle is injected into the user's skin, the microneedle 153 itself is delivered to the user, and then the user's skin The microneedles are dissolved in the drug can be delivered to the user's skin.

When the microneedle 153 is a swelling type, a swelling material containing a drug is coated on the outside of the microneedle 153, and when the microneedle is injected into the user's skin, the coated material is swollen so that the drug is applied to the user's skin. It can be structurally coupled to and delivered to the user.

An external force may be applied to the other surface of the microneedle body 151 . When an external force is applied to the other surface of the microneedle body 151 in the first direction, the plurality of microneedles 153 formed on one surface of the microneedle body 151 move in the direction of the user's skin to apply the drug to the user's skin. can deliver.

The connection part 155 may connect the microneedle body 151 and the main body 110 . The connecting portion 155 may be formed in a structure having elasticity. The connecting portion 155 may be formed in a structure capable of being elastically deformed. Elastic deformation at this time may be temporary deformation.

When an external force is applied to the microneedle body 151 in the first direction, the connection part 155 is elastically deformed, so that the microneedle body 151 maintains a connection with the main body 110. (151) can be moved in the first direction. In addition, when the external force is released, the microneedle body 151 may be moved in the second direction by the elasticity of the connection part 155 .

Due to the elasticity of the connection part 155, the plurality of microneedle bodies 151 included in the microneedle patch 100 rotate and deliver the drug to the skin one at a time. As a result, the microneedle patch 100 has an effect of performing drug delivery multiple times.

The connection part 155 may include a first connection part 157 and a second connection part 159 .

The first connection part 157 may be located in an area adjacent to the shaft connection part 130 . The second connection part 159 may be located in an area spaced apart from the shaft connection part 130 . The first connection part 157 may be located in an area adjacent to the center of the main body 110 , and the second connection part 159 may be located in an area adjacent to the outer diameter of the main body 110 .

The first connection part 157 may connect one side of the microneedle body 151 and the body 110, and the second connection part 159 may connect the other side of the microneedle body 151 and the body 110. ) can be connected.

The first connection part 157 and the second connection part 159 may be formed in a curved structure. The first connection portion 157 and the second connection portion 159 may have elasticity by being formed in a curved structure. The first connection part 157 and the second connection part 159 may be designed to have structures having different elasticity. The first connection part 157 and the second connection part 159 may be formed in a structure having elasticity to move in the first direction when an external force is applied to the microneedle body 151 in the first direction. there is. That is, the first connection part 157 and the second connection part 159 have elasticity to move to the second position in a state parallel to the upper surface of the main body 110 when an external force is applied in the first direction. can be designed as

The first connection part 157 and the second connection part 159 may be formed in a spring structure.

The first connection part 157 and the second connection part 159 may each have a curved structure having a width and a pitch. The first connection part 157 may be formed in a structure having a different width and pitch from the second connection part 159 .

The first connection part 157 may have a first width w1 and a first pitch p1. The first width w1 is defined as the distance between the first connection part 157 area that is most farthest from the base of an imaginary line connecting the center of the microneedle body 151 and the center of the body 110. It can be. The first pitch p1 may be defined as an interval between adjacent regions within the first connection part 157 . That is, the first pitch p1 is the distance between adjacent regions within the first connection part 157 based on a virtual line connecting the center of the microneedle body 151 and the center of the body 110. It can be defined as a minimum distance.

The second connection portion 159 may have a second width w2 and a second pitch p2. The second width w2 and the second pitch p2 may also be defined to correspond to the first width w1 and the first pitch w2 of the first connection part 157 .

The first width w1 may be smaller than the second width w2. The first pitch p1 may be greater than or equal to the second pitch p2.

Alternatively, the first connection part 157 and the second connection part 159 may have a curved section and a straight section. In this case, the width of the first connecting portion 157 and the second connecting portion 159 may be defined as a distance between a straight line connecting the inflection points of one curved section and a straight line connecting the inflection points of the other curved section. In addition, the pitch of the first connection part 157 and the second connection part 159 may be defined as a distance between the straight sections.

The microneedle body 151, the first connection part 157, and the second connection part 159 may be integrally formed. The microneedle body 151, the first connection part 157, and the second connection part 159 may have the same thickness. Alternatively, although not shown, the thickness of the microneedle body 151 may be larger or smaller than the thicknesses of the first connection part 157 and the second connection part 159 .

The body 110 and the microneedle structure 150 may be integrally formed. In addition, the body 110, the microneedle structure 150, and the microneedle 153 may be integrally formed.

A protective film 160 may be formed on at least one surface of the main body 110 . The protective layer 160 may serve to protect the microneedles 151 from the outside.

The passivation layer 160 may include an upper passivation layer 161 and a lower passivation layer 163 . The upper protective layer 161 may be formed on an upper surface of the main body 110 and the lower protective layer 163 may be formed on a lower surface of the main body 110 .

The protective layer 160 may be formed of a material containing metal. The protective layer 160 may be formed of aluminum. Alternatively, the protective layer 160 may be formed of plastic.

The protective film 160 is damaged by the microneedle 151 when the microneedle structure 150 is pressed by an external structure, so that the microneedle 151 can deliver the drug to the user's skin.

Alternatively, the protective film 160 may be applied to a region corresponding to a specific microneedle structure 150 immediately before being pressed by an external structure when drug injection from a specific microneedle structure 150 among a plurality of microneedle structures 150 is scheduled. The protective film 160 may be damaged or removed in advance so that the drug injection by the microneedle 151 can be performed more smoothly. In this case, a portion of the protective film 160 may be damaged, moved, or removed through a structure of the cartridge assembly or a wearable device.

7 is a bottom perspective view illustrating a patch assembly according to a second embodiment.

The patch assembly according to the second embodiment is provided in a form in which a microneedle patch is mounted on a patch carrier without a separate cartridge housing. Therefore, in the description of the patch assembly according to the second embodiment, the same reference numerals are given to the same reference numerals as those of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 7 , the patch assembly according to the second embodiment includes a microneedle patch 100 and a patch carrier 200.

The microneedle patch 100 may be mounted on the patch carrier 200 . The microneedle patch 100 may be rotatably mounted on the patch carrier 200 .

The microneedle patch 100 may include a main body 110 , a plurality of openings 120 , shaft connection parts 130 , an auxiliary region 140 and a microneedle structure 150 .

The patch carrier 200 may include a carrier body 210 and a coupling structure 220 .

The carrier body 210 constitutes a frame of the patch carrier 200 . A seating portion is formed on the carrier body 210, and the microneedle patch 100 can be rotatably mounted on the seating portion.

A coupling structure 220 may be formed in a portion of the carrier body 210 . The coupling structure 220 may have a shape protruding outward. The coupling structure 220 may serve to fix the patch carrier 200 to the wearable device when the patch carrier 200 is mounted on the wearable device.

A through hole 230 may be formed in the patch assembly. The through hole 230 may serve as a path through which a power transmission structure among internal structures of the wearable device moves from the outside of the patch assembly to the shaft connection part 130 . That is, when the patch assembly is inserted into the wearable device, the through hole 230 allows the power transmission structure to be located at the shaft connecting portion 130 to move to the shaft connecting portion 130 when the mounting is completed without structural interference It may be a moving route for

The through hole 230 may include a patch through hole 170 and a carrier through hole 240 . The patch through hole 170 may be formed to extend from the shaft connecting portion 130 to an outer diameter of the main body 110 . The patch through hole 170 may be formed in the auxiliary area 140 .

The carrier through hole 240 may be formed to pass through the seating portion and the carrier body 210 . The patch through hole 170 and the carrier through hole 240 may be formed in corresponding regions.

The patch assembly according to the second embodiment is provided in a form in which a microneedle patch is mounted on a patch carrier without a separate cartridge housing, so that it can be implemented with a simple structure, thereby reducing manufacturing cost. In addition, since the patch assembly has the through hole 230, the power transmission structure of the wearable device can be positioned as the shaft connection part 130 without structural interference, so that a separate moving mechanism can be omitted.

8 is a top view illustrating a microneedle patch according to a third embodiment.

Compared to the first embodiment, the microneedle patch according to the third embodiment has a different connection part, a microneedle body shape, and a corresponding body shape, but the rest of the configuration is the same. Therefore, in describing the third embodiment, the same reference numerals are assigned to components common to those of the first embodiment, and detailed descriptions thereof are omitted.

Referring to FIG. 8 , the microneedle patch 300 according to the third embodiment may include a main body 310, a shaft connector 330, and a microneedle structure 350.

The body 310 may include a first body 311 and a second body 313 . The first body 311 and the second body 313 may have a circular band shape. The first body 311 and the second body 313 may have a circular band shape having the same center. The first body 311 and the second body 313 may have different radii. The first body 311 may have a smaller radius than the second body 313 . The second body 313 may be formed surrounding the first body 311 . The first body 311 and the second body 313 may be formed to be spaced apart from each other. The first body 311 and the second body 313 may be spaced apart from each other to form an opening.

The microneedle structure 350 may be located in an opening between the first body 311 and the second body 313 . At least one microneedle structure 350 may be positioned in the opening.

The microneedle structure 350 may be connected to the first body 311 and the second body 313 .

The microneedle structure 350 may include a microneedle body 351 , a connecting portion 355 and an annular connecting portion 356 .

Microneedles may be formed in the microneedle body 351 .

The microneedle body 351 may be formed in a fan shape. In the drawing, the microneedle body 351 is illustrated and described as having a fan shape, but is not limited thereto.

Widths of one end and the other end of the microneedle body 351 may be different. One end of the microneedle body 351 may be adjacent to the first body 311 , and the other end of the microneedle body 351 may be adjacent to the second body 313 . A width of one end of the microneedle body 351 may be smaller than a width of the other end.

The microneedle body 351 may be connected to the main body 310 through the connection part 355 . The connection part 355 may be arranged toward the center of the circle.

The connection part 355 may include a first connection part 357 and a second connection part 359 .

The first connection part 357 may be located between the microneedle body 351 and the first body 311 . The first connection part 357 may connect the first body 311 and the microneedle body 351 . The first connection portion 357 may have a first width W1 and a first thickness T1.

The second connection part 359 may be located between the microneedle body 351 and the second body 313 . The second connection part 359 may connect the second body 313 and the microneedle body 351 . The second connection portion 359 may have a second width W2 and a second thickness T2.

The first width W1 may be different from the second width W2 , and the first thickness T1 may be different from the second thickness T2 .

The annular connection part 356 may connect adjacent microneedle bodies 351 to each other. The annular connection part 356 may connect adjacent side surfaces of the microneedle body 351 . The annular connection part 356 may be formed in a shape corresponding to that of the main body 310 . A plurality of annular connection portions 356 may be formed spaced apart from each other along a circular band shape. The annular connection part 356 may be disposed along a circle having the same center as the first body 311 .

The connection part 355 and the annular connection part 356 may be physically connected while being formed separately from the microneedle body 351, and at least one of the connection part 355 and the annular connection part 356 may be connected to the microneedle body ( 351) and integrally formed.

The connecting portion 355 and the annular connecting portion 356 may have elasticity. The connection part 355 may have elasticity toward the center of the main body 310 . The annular connecting portion 356 has the same center as the main body 310 and may have elasticity in a circumferential direction of a circle where the annular connecting portion 356 is located.

Since the connection part 355 and the annular connection part 356 have elasticity, when an external force is applied to the microneedle body 351 in the first direction, the microneedle body 351 moves to the second position in a state parallel to the top surface of the body 310. can make it move. In addition, after the microneedle body 351 is moved to the second position, it may be moved to the first position again.

9 shows a cartridge assembly according to one embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 9 , the microneedle patch 100 may be provided through a cartridge 1000. That is, the microneedle patch 100 may be mounted on the applicator 200 (see FIG. 2) while being mounted or accommodated in the cartridge 1000.

According to one embodiment, the cartridge 1000 may be manufactured together with the microneedle patch 100 and used once. In addition, according to another embodiment, the cartridge 1000 may be formed as a part of the applicator (200, see FIG. 10), so that it can be reused.

In the following description, the cartridge 1000 will be described mainly in the case where the cartridge 1000 is implemented as a part of the applicator 200 (see FIG. 10), but it will be explained in advance that this is only for convenience of description.

A cartridge 1000 according to an embodiment may include a body portion 1002 and a plate portion 1004 . Here, the body portion 1002 may be accommodated in a receiving portion formed in the housing 201 (see FIG. 10) of the applicator (200, see FIG. 10) as will be described later.

In addition, as will be described later, the plate portion 1004 may have a plate opening 1006 through which a pressurizing portion or a rack gear may pass.

Also, the flat plate part 1004 may be mounted on the body part 1002 . The flat plate part 1004 may be inserted into the applicator 200 (see FIG. 10) while being mounted on the body part 1002. When the flat plate part 1004 is inserted into the applicator 200 (see FIG. 10), the fixing part 1005 formed on the flat plate part 1002 can actuate the drive mechanism 210 (see FIG. 10) as will be described later. can be combined to When the fixing part 1005 is operably coupled to the driving mechanism 210 (see FIG. 10), the flat plate part 1002 may rotate according to the driving of the driving mechanism 210 (see FIG. 10).

In addition, the cartridge 1000 performs a function of disposing the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3) in a pre-specified area. In the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3), microneedles 153 (see FIGS. 3 to 7) are generally disposed on each microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3), and microneedle bodies included in each microneedle body Since the needle stores a drug of a preset dose, it is important that the microneedle patch is disposed at a predetermined position inside the applicator when injected into the user through the applicator. To describe this from another point of view, the cartridge 1000 may be described as performing a function of delivering a patch to an appropriate location, and the cartridge 1000 may be referred to as a patch delivery unit.

When the cartridge 1000 places the microneedle patch 100 at a predetermined location inside the applicator 200, the applicator 200 may inject a predetermined dose to the user through the driving mechanism 210.

The interaction between the cartridge 1000 and the applicator 200 will be described later in detail.

In addition, since the upper passivation layer 100a and the lower passivation layer 100b shown in the drawings are the same as the above-described upper passivation layer 161 (see FIG. 5) and lower passivation layer 162 (see FIG. 5), detailed descriptions will be omitted.

In the above, a microneedle patch according to various embodiments and a cartridge accommodating the microneedle patch have been reviewed, and hereinafter, an applicator for applying the microneedle patch according to an embodiment will be reviewed.

10 is a half exploded view showing a general configuration of an applicator according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 10 , an applicator 200 according to an embodiment may include a housing 201, a driving mechanism (or driving unit) 210, a PCB 203, and a cartridge 205.

First, the housing 201 serves to protect parts inside the applicator 200, and for this purpose, is formed to surround the outer periphery of the applicator 200. The shape of the housing 201 may vary according to design changes.

The housing 201 may include a receiving portion 206 for accommodating the cartridge 205 as described above. The accommodating portion 206 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the cartridge 205 . The accommodating portion 206 may be formed in the shape of an opening in the housing 201, and an accommodation space corresponding to the shape of the cartridge 205 may be formed inside the housing 201.

Also, according to one embodiment, the housing 201 may have a shape with an open bottom, and in this case, the housing 201 may include a lower cover 202 . The lower cover 202 may be mounted on the open lower part of the housing 201 . The lower cover 202 may perform a function of supporting the cartridge 205 . As will be described later, when the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3) is pressed according to the operation of the drive mechanism 210, the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3) contacts the user's body. An opening may be included to allow this.

The drive mechanism 210 may be mounted inside the housing 201 . The driving mechanism 210 may include one or more motors and gears. The driving mechanism 210 provides power for the applicator 200 to press the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3). A detailed description of the drive mechanism 210 will be described in detail with reference to FIGS. 11 to 17 .

The PCB 203 is electrically connected to the driving mechanism 210 and may be mounted inside the housing 201 . The PCB 203 may include an MCU, and the driving mechanism 210 may operate as a driving signal generated by the MCU is transmitted to the driving mechanism 210 . In addition, the overall operation of the applicator 200 may be controlled according to the electrical circuit design formed on the PCB.

In addition, the applicator 200 includes a power source for receiving power. A power source may be electrically connected to the PCB 203 . The PCB receiving power can generate a driving signal and transmit it to the driving mechanism 210, and the driving mechanism 210 receiving the driving signal operates so that the applicator 200 forms the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3). By applying pressure, the drug may be provided to the user.

In addition, the applicator 200 according to one embodiment may include a display module 204. Various indications may be provided to the user through the display module 204 .

Hereinafter, the operation of the drive mechanism 210 will be described with reference to the drawings.

11 is a schematic diagram showing a drive mechanism according to an embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the driving mechanism 210 may press at least a portion of the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3).

Referring to FIG. 11 , the driving mechanism 210 may include a first driving mechanism 400 and a second driving mechanism 500 . Here, the first driving mechanism 400 and the second driving mechanism 500 may be operably connected through the connection part 440 . Also, the first driving mechanism 400 and the second driving mechanism 500 may be operably connected through a shaft 450 (see FIG. 12 ).

First, the first driving mechanism 400 according to an embodiment may perform an operation of pressing at least a portion of the microneedle patch 100 . In addition, the second driving mechanism 500 performs an operation of changing the posture or position of the first driving mechanism 400 so that the first driving mechanism 400 can press the microneedle patch 100 to an appropriate position. can be done

Specifically, when the second driving mechanism 500 operates, the first driving mechanism 400 may move in response to the operation of the second driving mechanism 500 . When the first driving mechanism 400 moves in response to the operation of the second driving mechanism 500 so that the first driving mechanism 400 has a posture for pressing the microneedle patch 100, the first driving mechanism ( 400) is operated to press the microneedle patch 100.

Hereinafter, a specific configuration of the first drive mechanism 400 will be described with reference to the drawings.

12 illustrates a configuration of a first driving mechanism according to an embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 12 , a first driving mechanism 400 according to an exemplary embodiment may include a first driving motor 402 , at least one first connection gear 403 and a pressing part 404 .

The first drive motor 402 may mesh with at least one first connection gear 403 , and the at least one first connection gear 403 may be operably connected to the pressing unit 404 . Here, the gear structure of the at least one first connection gear 403 may be variously designed and changed to achieve the object of the present invention, and it will be apparent that these modifications are also incorporated within the spirit of the present invention.

The first driving motor 402 may operate by receiving a driving signal and power from the aforementioned PCB. When the first drive motor 402 operates, at least one first connection gear 403 may engage with the first drive motor 402 and operate. When at least one first connection gear 403 receiving power from the first driving motor 402 operates, the pressing unit 404 operably connected to the first connection gear 403 can operate. .

The pressing unit 404 may press at least a portion of the microneedle patch 100 by moving in translation along an axis perpendicular to the surface of the microneedle patch 100 . That is, the first driving mechanism 400 operates according to the driving signal transmitted from the PCB, so that the pressing unit 404 can press at least a portion of the microneedle patch 100 . Here, the pressing part 404 may move by a predetermined displacement according to the operation of the first driving mechanism 400 . In other words, the pressing unit 404 may move from the first position to the second position according to the operation of the first driving mechanism 400 . In addition, the pressing unit 404 moves a predetermined displacement or applies a predetermined pressure to at least a partial area (eg, the microneedle body) of the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3) as it moves between predetermined positions. You may.

Also, the first driving mechanism 400 may be connected to the second driving mechanism 500 through the shaft 450 and the connection part 440 . As will be described later, the first drive mechanism 400 is connected to the shaft 450, which is the rotation axis of the second drive mechanism 500, so that the first drive mechanism 400 operates according to the operation of the second drive mechanism 500. By rotating as a whole with respect to the shaft 450, the pressing unit 404 may press the microneedle patch 100 at an appropriate position.

Hereinafter, the operation of the second driving mechanism 500 will be described with reference to drawings.

13-14 illustrate a second drive mechanism 500 according to one embodiment.

13 shows the second driving mechanism according to one embodiment from one side, and FIG. 14 shows the second driving mechanism according to one embodiment from the other side.

13 and 14, the second drive mechanism 500 according to an embodiment includes a second drive motor 502, a main gear 504, one or more second connection gears 505 and 506, and a lower plate. (510).

First, the second driving motor 502 may operate by receiving a driving signal and power from the aforementioned PCB 203 (see FIG. 10). When the second drive motor 502 operates, the transmission gear 508 connected to the second drive motor 502 operates, so that the power of the second drive motor 502 is transmitted to one or more second connection gears 505 and 506. It can be. One or more second connection gears 505 and 506 receiving power from the second driving motor 502 may engage with and operate the main gear 504 . That is, the one or more second connection gears 505 and 506 transmit the power of the second driving motor 502 to the main gear 504 so that the main gear 504 can rotate around the shaft 450 . Here, one or more second connection gears 505 and 506 may perform a function of controlling the rotational speed of the main gear 504 according to settings. In order to control the rotational speed of the main gear 504 according to the output of the second driving motor 502 or the driving signal, one or more second connection gears 505 and 506 may have various design modifications of the gear structure to those skilled in the art. It will be appreciated, and it will be appreciated that such design variations are also incorporated into the spirit of this specification.

The main gear 504 may be coupled to the shaft 450 . Also, the shaft 450 may be coupled to the lower plate 510 . That is, since the main gear 504 and the lower plate 510 are coupled to both sides of the shaft 450, the main gear 504 and the lower plate 510 may rotate to correspond to each other.

Here, the lower plate 510 may include a pressure opening 512 . The pressing portion 404 may press the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3 ) through the pressing opening 512 . That is, as will be described later, when the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3) is inserted into the applicator 200 (see FIGS. 3 and 10), the microneedle patch 100 may be positioned on the lower plate 510. . At this time, when the pressing portion 404 presses the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3 ), the microneedle may contact the user's body through the pressing opening 512 .

In addition, the first driving mechanism 400 and the second driving mechanism 500 may be operably connected to each other through the mechanism connection part 440 .

Specifically, the first driving mechanism 400 may include a mechanism connection part 440 . The mechanism connection part 440 may be coupled to the mechanism accommodating part 540 formed in the main gear 504 . Also, the mechanism connecting part 440 may be connected to the shaft 450 as well. The mechanism connection part 440 may further include a shaft accommodating part (not shown), and the shaft 450 may be coupled to the shaft accommodating part (not shown).

When the main gear 504 rotates as the mechanism connecting portion 440 is coupled to the mechanism accommodating portion 540 and the shaft 450, the first driving mechanism 400 responds to the rotation of the main gear 504 as a whole. can rotate

As such, the lower plate 510 and the first driving mechanism 400 may rotate correspondingly to the main gear 504 according to the operation of the second driving motor 502 .

Here, in the applicator (200, see FIG. 10) according to an embodiment, the initial position of the pressing portion 404 of the first driving mechanism 400 may be set to correspond to the pressing opening 512 of the lower plate 510. there is. For this reason, even when the main gear 504 is rotated by the operation of the second driving mechanism 500, the positions of the pressing portion 404 and the pressing opening 512 may correspond to each other. Then, when the first driving mechanism 400 operates, the pressing unit 404 presses at least a portion of the microneedle patch 100 so that the microneedles are applied to the user through the pressing opening 512 and the opening of the lower cover 202. can come into contact with the body.

15 to 17 show the operation of the drive mechanism according to one embodiment.

15 shows an initial posture of a drive mechanism according to an embodiment, FIG. 16 shows a ready posture of a drive mechanism according to an embodiment, and FIG. 17 shows a pressing posture of the drive mechanism according to an embodiment. is shown.

The driving mechanism 210 according to one embodiment may change its position to press the microneedle patch 100 . Specifically, the second driving mechanism 500 may change the position of the first driving mechanism 400 so that the microneedle patch 100 can be pressed at an appropriate position.

It will be described with specific examples with reference to the drawings.

Referring to FIG. 15, in the initial state (or standby state) of the applicator 200, the pressing unit 404 may be located at a position corresponding to the auxiliary area 140 (see FIG. 4) of the microneedle patch 100. there is. At this time, the pressing opening 512 of the lower plate 510 may also be located at a position corresponding to the auxiliary area 140 (see FIG. 4).

In other words, it can be expressed that the pressing part 404 is located above the auxiliary area 140 (see FIG. 4), and the pressing opening 512 can be located below the auxiliary area 140 (see FIG. 4). .

That is, if the position corresponding to the auxiliary area 140 (see FIG. 4) is expressed as the first position when the applicator 200 is in a standby state, both the pressing part 404 and the pressing opening 512 correspond to the first position. can be located in the zone.

As described above, the auxiliary area (140, see FIG. 4) is the microneedle patch (100, see FIGS. 3 to 7) or the housing (201, see FIG. 10) when the applicator (200, see FIG. 10) is in a standby state. Foreign matter is prevented from entering the inside, and correspondingly, the pressurizing part 404 and the pressurizing opening 512 are also located at positions corresponding to the auxiliary area 140 (see FIG. 4) when the applicator 200 is in a standby state. can exist

Then, referring to FIGS. 16 and 17 , a state in which the applicator 200 (see FIG. 10 ) is in an operating state is shown. When the applicator 200 (see FIG. 10) enters an operating state, the main gear 504 rotates according to the operation of the second driving mechanism 500. When the main gear 504 rotates, the position of the pressing part 404 rotating in correspondence with the main gear 504 is also changed. The pressing unit 404 rotates around the shaft 450 (see FIG. 14) according to the rotation of the main gear 504 and is positioned on a position corresponding to the microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3). In this case, the lower plate 510 also rotates in response to the rotation of the main gear 504, so that the press opening 512 is also positioned below the microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3).

That is, the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3) does not rotate, and the pressing portion 404 and the pressing opening 512 rotate with the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3) interposed therebetween so that the pressing portion 404 ) and the pressure opening 512 are placed at a position corresponding to the microneedle body 151.

In other words, if the position corresponding to the microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3) is referred to as the second position, the pressing part 404 and the pressing opening 512 when the applicator 200 (see FIG. 10) is in an operating state. ) can also be said to be placed in the zone corresponding to the second position.

As the pressurizing portion 404 and the pressing opening 512 are placed at positions corresponding to the microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3), the microneedle is ready to contact the user's skin.

Referring to FIG. 17 , according to the operation of the first driving mechanism 400 , the pressing unit 404 translates vertically downward toward the microneedle patch 100 (see FIG. 3 ) or the lower plate 510 . Here, as described above, the pressing unit 404 may apply a predetermined pressure to the microneedle patch by moving by a predetermined displacement. As a result, the microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3 ) is pressed, and the microneedle located under the pressed microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3 ) may protrude out of the press opening 512 . As a result, the microneedle positioned below the microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3) may be injected into the user's skin.

After the microneedles are injected into the user's skin, when the pressing part 404 returns to the initial position according to the driving of the first driving mechanism 400, the pressing part 404 and the pressing opening 512 existing in the second position The second drive mechanism 500 operates to restore to the first position. Specifically, the main gear 504 rotates according to the operation of the second drive motor 502, and the pressing portion 404 and the pressing opening 512 rotate the shaft 450 in response to the rotation of the main gear 504. It is rotated to the center and restored to the first position. As the pressurizing portion 404 and the pressing opening 512 are restored to the first position, foreign matter may be prevented from being introduced into the microneedle patch 100 and the applicator 200 .

When the pressing portion 404 and the pressing opening 512 are restored to the first position, the applicator 200 enters a standby state. As will be described later, when the applicator 200 enters the operating state again, the second driving mechanism 500 operates to position the pressing portion 404 and the pressing opening 512 on the microneedle body corresponding to the third position. do. Here, the third position may mean a position different from the microneedle body corresponding to the second position. Also, here, the microneedle body corresponding to the second position and the microneedle body corresponding to the third position may be microneedle bodies adjacent to each other. Also, the distance from the first location to the third location may be longer than the distance from the first location to the second location.

18 to 19 show a drive mechanism according to another embodiment.

18 is a half exploded view of a drive mechanism according to another embodiment, and FIG. 19 shows a coupled state of the drive mechanism according to another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 18 , an applicator 200 according to an embodiment may include a third driving mechanism 600 and a fourth driving mechanism 700 .

The third drive mechanism 600 is almost functionally similar to the first drive mechanism 400 (see FIGS. 13 to 17), but there is a difference in its mechanism structure. In the description of this specification, only the difference between the third drive mechanism and the first drive mechanism (400, see FIGS. 13 to 17) will be described, but other descriptions may refer to the content of the first drive mechanism 400 this will be understood

In addition, the fourth driving mechanism 700 is functionally similar to the second driving mechanism 500 (see FIGS. 13 to 17), but there is a difference in its mechanism structure. This will also be described focusing on differences between the second driving mechanism and the fourth driving mechanism 700 .

The third drive mechanism 600 according to an embodiment may include a third drive motor 602 and a transmission gear (not shown) and a rack gear 604 .

Since the description of the third drive motor 602 is similar to that of the above-described first drive motor 402, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Unlike the structural relationship between the first driving mechanism 400 and the second driving mechanism 500 , the third driving mechanism 600 may be mainly located above the fourth driving mechanism 700 . Specifically, the third driving motor 602 may be disposed above the frame gear 706 . The rack gear 604 may move in a downward direction of the applicator 200 during operation through an opening formed in the frame gear 706 . Specifically, the rack gear 604 may be mounted in the rack gear accommodating portion 707 formed on the frame gear 706 .

When the third driving motor 602 operates, one or more transmission gears (not shown) may transmit power of the third driving motor 602 to the rack gear 604 . The rack gear 604 receiving the power of the third driving motor 602 moves up and down in the rack gear accommodating part 707, and through this, the microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3) can be pressurized. . Here, a separate pressing area may be set in the rack gear 604, or an additional pressing part may be added.

The third drive motor 602 and one or more transmission gears may be protected through the protection unit 606 .

The fourth driving mechanism 700 includes a fourth driving motor 702 , an auxiliary gear 704 and a frame gear 706 .

A description of the fourth drive motor 702 is similar to that of the second drive motor 502, so it will be omitted.

The auxiliary gear 704 receives power from the fourth driving motor 702 . The auxiliary gear 704 meshes with the frame gear 706. The auxiliary gear 704 transmits the power of the fourth driving motor 702 to the frame gear 706 and controls the rotational speed of the frame gear 706 .

The frame gear 706 is mounted in the frame gear accommodating portion 209 inside the housing 201 . The frame gear accommodating portion 209 may be formed to correspond to the shape of the frame gear 706 . The frame gear 706 is accommodated in the frame gear accommodating portion 209 and can rotate according to the power of the fourth driving motor 702 transmitted through the auxiliary gear 704 .

Here, as the rack gear accommodating portion 707 is formed above the frame gear 706, when the frame gear 706 rotates as a whole, the rack gear accommodating portion 707 and the rack accommodated in the rack gear accommodating portion 707 The gear 604 also rotates in response to the rotation of the frame gear 706. Through this, the rack gear 604 can move from the first position to the second position as described above.

In addition, a flat plate accommodating portion 708 may be formed at the center of the frame gear 706 . The plate accommodating part 708 accommodates the above-described fixing part 1005, and as the fixing part 1005 is coupled to the flat plate accommodating part 708, the plate 1004 is held together in response to the rotation of the frame gear 706. can rotate

Similar to the relationship between the aforementioned pressing portion 404 (see FIGS. 13 to 17) and the pressing opening 512 (see FIGS. 13 to 17), the rack gear 604 and the plate opening 1006 (see FIG. 9) The initial position may also correspond. In addition, corresponding to the rotation of the frame gear 706, the rack gear 604 and the plate opening 1005 may also rotate together. Accordingly, as the frame gear 706 rotates, the rack gear 604 and the plate opening 1006 may be positioned on at least one microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3).

In summary, according to the operation of the fourth driving mechanism 700, the rack gear 604 and the flat plate opening 1006 are located in the microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3). Then, according to the operation of the third drive mechanism 600, the rack gear 604 presses the microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3). The microneedles formed on the pressurized microneedle body 151 (see FIG. 3) protrude outward through the flat plate opening 1006, so that the microneedles can be injected into the user's body.

20 to 21 show a drive mechanism according to another embodiment.

20 shows a driving mechanism according to another embodiment, and FIG. 21 shows a microneedle patch having a wedge shape used in another embodiment.

Referring to FIG. 20 , the applicator 200 (see FIG. 10 ) according to an embodiment may be implemented through a fifth driving mechanism 800 .

(a) is a view of the fifth drive mechanism from the front, and (b) is a view of the fifth drive mechanism from the bottom.

The fifth driving mechanism 800 may include a fifth driving motor (not shown), a second main gear 804 , a second pressing part 806 , and a second lower plate 809 . In addition, it is preferable that the fifth driving mechanism 800 operates in interaction with the microneedle patch 900 having a wedge shape.

The operation of the fifth driving mechanism 800 is almost similar to that of the second driving mechanism 500 . Since the operational relationship between the main gear 504 and the lower plate 510 can be applied to the operational relationship between the second main gear 804 and the second lower plate 808, a detailed description thereof will be omitted.

Also, the fifth driving mechanism 800 may include a second pressing part 806 . Unlike the first and second driving mechanisms 400 and 500 , the second pressing portion 806 is coupled to the second shaft 850 . Due to this, the second pressing unit 806 may rotate together with the second shaft 850 in response to the rotation of the second main gear 804 .

Referring to FIG. 21 for a moment, a microneedle patch having a paper-like shape will be described.

Referring to FIG. 21 , the microneedle patch 900 having a paper shape may include a plurality of paper bodies 901 . Here, the support body 901 may include an inclined surface 902 and a flat surface 904 on one surface. In addition, a microneedle 906 storing a drug may be formed on the opposite side of each of the paper bodies 901 . Here, the microneedles 906 may be formed in a region corresponding to the plane 904 . In addition, the microneedle patch 900 may have a second shaft accommodating portion 908 in the center of which the second shaft 850 may be accommodated.

Now, with reference to FIGS. 20 and 21 , a specific driving example of the fifth driving mechanism 800 will be described.

When the fifth drive motor (not shown) operates and the second main gear 804 rotates, the second lower plate 808 connected to the second main gear 804 through the second shaft 850 and the second pressure Section 806 can rotate together.

At this time, the microneedle patch 900 does not rotate, and the second pressing part 806 may move along the surface of the inclined surface 902 . As the second pressing unit 806 moves along the inclined surface 902, the microneedle patch 900 may be pressed downward. In this case, the second lower plate 808 may also be rotated so that the second pressure opening 809 may be located in the area where the microneedles 906 are formed.

When the second pressing opening 809 is located in the area where the microneedles 905 are formed, the second pressing part 806 moves on the flat surface 904 . When the second pressing part 806 moves on the flat surface 904 and presses the G body 901, the micro needle 906 located on the opposite side of the flat surface 904 presses the second pressing opening 809. It protrudes through and injects the drug into the user.

After moving on the plane 904, the second pressing portion 806 may be positioned on another paper body 901 formed on the microneedle patch 900. Specifically, as the second main gear 804 further rotates, the second pressing unit 806 may be located on the inclined surface 902 of the gear body 901 different from the already pressed gear body. . In this case, the second pressure opening 809 may be located on the opposite side of the microneedle patch 900 on which the microneedles 906 are not formed, that is, corresponding to the inclined surface 902 . As a result, it is possible to prevent foreign matter from entering the microneedle 906 .

In the above, the driving mechanism of the applicator 200 according to various embodiments has been looked at.

Hereinafter, the overall operation of the applicator 200 according to the embodiment will be described mainly in terms of electrical control.

22 shows a control configuration of an applicator according to an embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the applicator may include a controller 3000 and a memory 3002. Here, the controller 3000 and the memory 3002 may be implemented through the circuit design of the above-described PCB (203, see FIG. 10).

The memory 3002 can store various kinds of information. Various types of data may be temporarily or semi-permanently stored in the memory 3002 . The memory 3002 may include, for example, a hard disk, SSD, flash memory, ROM, RAM, and the like. The memory 3002 may store an operation program for driving the applicator 200 or various data required for operation of the applicator.

For example, memory 3002 can store structural information about a microneedle patch. Specifically, the memory 3002 may store information about intervals between microneedle bodies included in the microneedle patch. In addition, the memory 3002 may store information about a positional relationship between each microneedle body included in the microneedle patch and the auxiliary region 151 (see FIG. 3).

As another example, the memory 3002 may store output information of the driving mechanism 210 (see FIG. 10 ) corresponding to structural information about the microneedle patch. Specifically, as described above, the memory 3002 includes output information of the driving mechanism for moving the pressing unit 404 from the first position to the second position, and the driving mechanism for pressing the microneedle patch by the pressing unit 404. may include output information of

In addition to this, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that all information for driving the applicator, which will be described above or later in this specification, can be stored in advance in the memory 3002.

The controller 3000 may control the overall operation of the applicator 200 . For example, the controller 3000 may control the operation of the driving mechanism 210 by transmitting a driving signal to the driving mechanism 210 (see FIG. 10 ).

The applicator 200 according to an embodiment may be set to inject a drug through a microneedle into a user at a predetermined time. Here, the predetermined time may be set by the user or may be predetermined in response to a specific drug.

23 is a flowchart illustrating a method of controlling an applicator performed by a controller according to an embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the control method of the applicator includes moving the pressing unit from the first position to the second position (S100), pressing the microneedle patch with the pressing unit at the second position (S200), and pressing the pressing unit to the second position. It includes restoring the pressing part to the first position (S300), moving the pressing part from the first position to the third position (S400), and restoring the pressing part from the third position to the first position (S500).

According to an embodiment, the controller 3000 may control the second drive mechanism 500 to position the pressing portion 404 at the first position (S100). Specifically, when the controller 3000 transmits a driving signal to the second driving mechanism 500, the second driving mechanism 500 operates as much as a predetermined output, and the pressing unit is rotated according to the rotation of the main gear 504. 404 can move from a first location to a second location.

When the pressing unit 404 moves from the first position to the second position, the controller 3000 may control the first driving mechanism 400 so that the pressing unit 404 presses the microneedle patch (S200). Specifically, when the controller 3000 transmits a driving signal to the first driving mechanism 400, the first driving mechanism operates according to a predetermined output so that the pressing unit 404 can press the microneedle patch 100. there is.

After the pressing unit 404 presses the microneedle patch 100, the controller 3000 may control the second driving mechanism 500 to restore the pressing unit 404 from the second position to the first position. Yes (S300). Specifically, when the controller 3000 transmits a drive signal, the second drive mechanism operates as much as a predetermined output, and according to the rotation of the main gear 504, the pressing unit 404 moves from the second position to the first position. can be restored with

After the pressing part 404 is restored to the first position, the controller 3000 may control the second driving mechanism 400 to move the pressing part 404 from the first position to the third position (S400). ). Specifically, when the controller 3000 transmits a driving signal to the second driving mechanism 400, the second driving mechanism operates according to a predetermined output so that the pressing unit 404 can move from the first position to the third position. there is. When the pressing unit 404 moves to the third position, the controller 3000 may control the first driving mechanism so that the pressing unit 404 presses the microneedle body corresponding to the third position.

The microneedle patch 100 according to one embodiment is not allowed to be reused. Also, as described above, one microneedle body 151 may store one dose of drug. Accordingly, the applicator 200 may inject the medicine stored in one microneedle body to the user at the second position, and then inject the medicine stored in the other microneedle body to the user at the third position next time. After that, it will be apparent that the medicine stored in the microneedle body located at the fourth position instead of the third position can be injected to the user.

After the pressing unit 404 presses the microneedle body at the third position, the controller 300 controls the second driving mechanism 500 so that the pressing unit 404 is restored from the third position to the first position. can

As such, as the controller 3000 controls the driving mechanism to restore the pressing unit 404 to the initial position (first position) after pressing the microneedle body at various positions, the rotation corresponds to the pressing unit 404. The pressure opening 512 is also restored to its initial position, and when the applicator is in a standby state, the pressure opening 512 can be located in the auxiliary area 140 (see FIG. 3). Due to this, there is an effect that contamination of the microneedle patch, which is vulnerable to fine contamination, can be prevented.

24 and 25 are views of the operation process of the applicator according to one embodiment viewed from the lower surface of the applicator.

24 shows a first drug injection operation of the applicator viewed from the lower surface of the applicator, and FIG. 25 shows a second drug injection operation viewed from the lower surface of the applicator.

Referring to FIG. 24, in the standby state of the applicator, the pressure opening 512 is placed in the first position. At this time, the pressure opening 512 is placed in the auxiliary area 140 to prevent foreign matter from entering the auxiliary area.

Then, when the applicator operates, the pressure opening 512 may move from the first position to the second position. When the pressure opening 512 moves from the first position to the second position, the body 151 of the microneedle patch is positioned at the pressure opening 512 . At this time, the microneedle may be exposed to the outside, and the microneedle may contact the user's body according to the pressure of the pressing unit 404 .

After the drug is injected, the pressure opening 512 is restored to the first position, and the applicator enters a standby state. Due to this, the auxiliary area 140 prevents foreign substances from entering from the outside and prevents the microneedle patch from being contaminated.

Referring to FIG. 25, a second drug injection operation is shown.

When the applicator operates from the standby state, the pressure opening 512 may be moved from the first position to the third position instead of the second position. The third position may be expressed as a position corresponding to a microneedle body that is different from the microneedle body corresponding to the second position. When the drug injection at the third position is completed, the pressure opening 512 may be restored to the initial position (first position).

As such, when a plurality of drugs are injected into one microneedle patch, drug injection into only one microneedle body is performed by the drive mechanism, and thus, a fixed amount of drug can be injected. In addition, when the applicator enters a standby state after drug injection, the pressure opening 512 is restored to an initial state to prevent contamination of the microneedle patch.

In the above, the drug injection operation of the microneedle patch and the applicator was mainly examined.

However, accurate drug injection can be performed when the applicator is properly mounted on the user's body and operated. To this end, the applicator according to one embodiment may further include a touch sensor for determining whether the applicator is correctly mounted on the user.

26 illustrates a touch sensor according to an exemplary embodiment.

According to one embodiment, the applicator 200 may further include a touch sensor 1100. The touch sensor 1100 may be attached to the lower cover 202 . Specifically, the touch sensor 1100 may be attached to the outside or inside of the lower cover 202 . In addition, the touch sensor 1100 may have a circular or annular shape corresponding to the shape of the lower cover 202 . In addition, the touch sensor 1100 may be integrally formed with the lower cover 202 .

For example, the touch sensor may be implemented as a capacitive touch sensor.

The touch sensor 1100 may be divided into a plurality of zones. In the drawing, touch sensors divided into first to fourth zones 1101, 1102, 1103, and 1104 are illustratively shown. However, it will be understood that this is only an example, and a touch sensor divided into more or less zones can also be used.

When an object contacts all or some of the areas 1101, 1102, 1103, and 1104 of the touch sensor 1100, the amount of current flowing in each area changes, and through this, the controller 3000 controls the applicator to the user's body. You can determine if it is installed correctly.

27 is a graph showing electrical signals measured by the touch sensor according to the mounting state of the applicator.

The applicator may determine if the applicator is properly mounted prior to actuating the drive mechanism. Specifically, the controller 3000 may determine whether the applicator is correctly mounted on the user's body based on the electrical signal value flowing through the touch sensor 1100 .

In the graph shown in FIG. 27, the x-axis means time. Also, the unit of measurement may be sec, ms, us, ns, etc., and may include all units of measurement for time. It will also be appreciated that the y-axis may be a sensor output or an electrical signal including a capacitance value, and any unit of measure representing these may be used. Although the measurement unit is not explicitly disclosed in the graph of FIG. 27, any measurement unit representing time and electrical signals may be used.

(a) shows a case where the applicator according to one embodiment is properly mounted on the user's body. Referring to (a), it is shown that the amounts of current measured in each zone 1101 , 1102 , 1103 , and 1104 of the touch sensor 1100 are all equal to or greater than the threshold value.

As such, the controller 3000 may determine that the applicator is properly mounted on the user's body when the value of the current measured in each area of the touch sensor 1100 is greater than or equal to the threshold value. When it is determined that the applicator is properly mounted, the controller 3000 may transmit a driving signal for drug injection to the driving mechanism. However, this is just an example, and when the number of zones included in the touch sensor 1100 is large, even when a current greater than a threshold value flows in a predetermined number or more zones, the controller 3000 determines that the applicator is properly mounted on the user's body. can judge In addition to this, it will be understood that various examples that can be modified can be incorporated into the spirit of the present invention.

(b) shows a case where the applicator according to one embodiment is not properly mounted on the user's body. Referring to (b), only the current value flowing in the first zone 1101 included in the touch sensor 1100 is measured as a current value equal to or greater than the threshold value, and the current values in the remaining zones 1102, 1103, and 1104 are measured as threshold values. The following current values were measured. In this case, the controller 3000 may determine that the applicator is not properly mounted on the user's body. If it is determined that the applicator is not properly mounted on the user's body, the controller 3000 may not transmit a driving signal for driving the driving mechanism. Also, the controller 3000 may generate an indication signal reflecting that the applicator is not properly worn, and may provide it to the outside (user) through a display.

In the above, the configuration and characteristics of the present invention have been described based on the embodiments according to the present invention, but the present invention is not limited thereto, and various changes or modifications can be made within the spirit and scope of the present invention. It is apparent to those skilled in the art, and therefore such changes or modifications are intended to fall within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims (20)

In the microneedle applicator,
a first drive mechanism operative to pressurize the microneedle patch;
a second drive mechanism operably connected with the first drive mechanism and operative to change a posture of the first drive mechanism; and
a controller that transmits drive signals to the first and second drive mechanisms; including,
The first driving mechanism includes a first driving motor and a pressing unit that presses at least one area of the microneedle patch by receiving power from the first driving motor,
The second drive mechanism includes a second drive motor and a main gear that receives power from the second drive motor and rotates while being connected to the first drive mechanism.
Said controller:
Operating the second drive mechanism to move the pressing portion from the first position to the second position of the microneedle patch;
The first driving mechanism is operated so that the pressing part presses the microneedle patch in a second position, and the pressing part translates vertically downward to the surface of the microneedle patch by a first displacement according to the operation of the first driving motor. working out
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 1,
Operating the second drive mechanism to return the pressing portion from the second position to the first position.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 2,
The controller,
operating the second drive mechanism to move the pressing portion returned to the first position onto a third position;
Operating the first drive mechanism so that the pressing portion presses the microneedle patch on the third position.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 3,
The controller,
Operating the second driving mechanism to return the pressing portion to the first position from the third position.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 1,
When the second drive mechanism operates to move the pressing portion from the first position to the second position,
The main gear rotates by a second displacement along the first direction according to the operation of the second drive motor.
microneedle applicator
According to claim 5,
When the second drive mechanism operates to return the pressing portion from the second position to the first position,
According to the operation of the second drive motor, the main gear rotates by the second displacement along a second direction different from the first direction.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 1,
The direction of motion of the pressing part and the direction of the rotational plane of the main gear are perpendicular,
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 1,
A touch sensor electrically connected to the controller and generating a value of current reflecting a contact state with an object; further comprising,
The controller transmits a drive signal to the drive mechanism when the value of the current generated by the touch sensor is greater than or equal to a threshold value, wherein the threshold value is used to determine whether the applicator is mounted.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 1,
The second driving mechanism includes a lower plate for protecting the microneedle patch,
The lower plate is located under the microneedle patch when the microneedle patch is mounted on the applicator, and rotates together with the main gear and the pressing part.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 9,
The lower plate includes a pressure opening,
The positions of the pressing opening and the pressing portion correspond to each other,
When the first driving mechanism operates, at least a portion of the pressed microneedle patch protrudes through the pressing opening.
Microneedle applicator.
In the microneedle applicator,
a patch delivery unit for positioning the microneedle patch in a pre-specified area;
A housing including an accommodating portion defined as a space accommodating the patch delivery unit and at least one opening; And
A pressing unit for applying a predetermined pressure to the microneedle patch,
The housing includes a pressing opening that rotates in correspondence with the pressing portion,
The pressing portion moves between a first position and a second position,
When the pressing portion is in the first position, the pressing opening corresponds to an auxiliary area of the microneedle patch to prevent contamination of the microneedle patch;
When the pressing part is in the second position, the pressing part contacts the microneedle patch disposed in the predetermined area to apply the predetermined pressure to at least a partial area of the microneedle patch,
The microneedle patch to which the predetermined pressure is applied is directly delivered to the skin through the opening.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 11
Further comprising a strip for fixing the applicator to the user's body
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 11
The patch delivery unit includes a cartridge,
The cartridge includes a plurality of microneedles,
The plurality of microneedles can be injected by a predetermined number of times.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 11,
Further comprising a driving unit,
The driving unit provides a driving force to at least one of the patch delivery unit and the pressing unit.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 14,
The drive unit includes at least one motor
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 14,
The microneedle patch stores a predetermined amount of drug in at least a partial area,
The applicator further comprises a controller,
The controller controls at least one of the driving unit, the patch delivery unit, and the pressing unit so that at least a portion of the microneedle patch having a preset capacity is injected into the user's skin.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 16,
The controller controls the pressing unit to move between the first position and the second position and to apply the preset pressure to the microneedle patch at the second position.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 11,
In the second position, at least a portion of the microneedle patch pressed by the pressing unit by a predetermined displacement is exposed through the opening.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 11,
In the first position, the pressing unit does not press the microneedle patch and at least a portion of the microneedle patch is not exposed.
Microneedle applicator.
According to claim 11,
The applicator is a wearable watch
Microneedle applicator.

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