Microneedle array applicator
An applicator the application of a microarray. The applicator includes a housing and a plunger that can move within the housing to accelerate the microarray. The applicator additionally includes a target force trigger, and the target force trigger secures the plunger in relation to the housing and releases the movement thereof when the target force is applied. The application system for application of a microarray, including such an applicator and a microarray or a microarray receiving portion, preferably connected to a microarray receiving portion cluster, having a microarray. The microarray or the microarray receiving portion are arranged relative to the applicator and/or connected to the applicator such that the plunger is able to apply the microarray.
1 . An applicator comprising:
a microarray, the microarray having a convex receiving portion;
a cylindrical housing;
a plunger for the acceleration of the microarray, the plunger being movable inside the housing, the plunger having a first side and a second side opposite the first side;
a hinge device for movability of the plunger relative to the cylindrical housing;
a target force trigger, the target force trigger fixing the plunger relative to the cylindrical housing and releasing the plunger for movement relative to the cylindrical housing when at least a target force is applied;
an actuation surface for the application of the target force, the actuation surface being connected with the first side of the plunger; and
a convex structure connected with the second side of the plunger for transmitting a punctual force to the microarray to be applied and configured to directly contact over the convex receiving portion, the convex structure oriented opposite the actuation surface.
2 . The applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the actuation surface is accessible from outside the applicator.
3 . The applicator according to claim 1 , further comprising a spring sheet that indirectly or directly prestresses the plunger to create a prestress which moves the plunger after a movement release.
4 . The applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the plunger is rigid.
5 . The applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the target force trigger comprises a rated breaking point and/or a fit, the rated breaking point and/or the fit being between the housing and the plunger.
6 . The applicator according to claim 5 , wherein the fit comprises a bead and/or a groove.
7 . The applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the hinge device is a flexure hinge device.
8 . The applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the hinge device comprises a sliding joint or a helical joint or a revolute joint or a ball joint.
9 . The applicator according to claim 1 , comprising a retaining device for the fixation of the plunger after a movement release.
10 . The applicator according to claim 9 , wherein the retaining device is a latching device.
11 . The applicator according to claim 1 , wherein the plunger is configured to be connected directly or indirectly with the microarray.
12 . The applicator according to claim 1 , further comprising a connection device for the connection of the applicator with a microarray receiving portion and/or an application site.
13 . The applicator according to claim 12 , wherein the connection device comprises a thread and/or a plug-in connector and/or a form-fitting connection element and/or a flange and/or an adhesive connection device and/or a lug and/or a loop.
14 . An application system for the application of a microarray, comprising:
the applicator according to claim 1 ; and
a microarray receiving portion cluster connected with the microarray receiving portion, wherein the microarray receiving portion being is arranged relative to the applicator and/or being is connected with the applicator such that the plunger applies the microarray.
15 . The application system according to claim 14 , wherein the microarray receiving portion comprises:
a first side;
a second side;
a carrier structure for the connection of the microarray receiving portion with an application site;
a carrier surface connected with the carrier structure;
the microarray connected with the carrier surface; and
a microarray receiving portion hinge device between the carrier surface and the carrier structure,
wherein the microarray receiving portion hinge device allows for a movement of the microarray connected with the carrier surface along the extension of the microarray relative to the carrier structure.
16 . The application system according to claim 15 , comprising a force application structure connected with a rear side of the carrier surface, the plunger of the applicator acting indirectly or directly on the force application structure.
17 . The application system according to claim 16 , wherein the force application structure extends convexly from the rear side of the carrier surface.