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Publication Number
US-11484695-B2
Publication Date
2022-11-01
Expiration Date
Abstract
Providing a patch case that is easily attached to a microneedle applicator, easily separable from the microneedle patch upon insertion and disposable for use.The main featureof the patch case according to the present invention is characterized in that it is made of a thermoplastic polymer and is capable of holding a microneedle patch comprising a support film which can be heat-sealed with the thermoplastic polymer.Preferably, the thermoplastic polymer of the body and the fusible material of the support film are both polyolefins or both are the same thermoplastic polymer. In addition, if the patch case is attached to the front of the applicator, sanitary situation can be maintained even with continuous use of the applicator, since the applicator does not contact the skin of the recipient.
Core Innovation
The invention describes a patch case comprising a thermoplastic polymer material that holds a microneedle patch comprising a support film which is heat-sealable to the thermoplastic polymer material. A fusion surface of the microneedle patch is attached to the underside of an edge of the patch case by thermal fusion. The fused portion has a break strength of 0.01 to 20 N per unit, where the unit is the area of a circle having a diameter of 1 cm.
The break strength is quantified by compressing the fusion surface from above using a cylindrical rod having a diameter equal to a diameter of the fusion surface. Thermal fusion concepts include point, dash-line, and continuous fusion, including multi-point fusion, and fusion patterns and break strengths are quantified and compared to adhesive attachment.
The patch case is described in transport and impact contexts, including transport stability under repeated drops and smooth separation during high-speed applicator impact. The description also refers to microscopy-based evaluation of needle insertion as appropriate and inappropriate insertion.
Claims Coverage
The document includes one independent claim and dependent claims that refine it. The inventive features center on a thermoplastic patch-case body holding a microneedle patch via a heat-sealable support film, a thermal-fusion attachment geometry at the underside of an edge, and a defined break-strength range with a defined compression test method.
Thermoplastic patch case with heat-sealable support film holding a microneedle patch
A patch case comprising a thermoplastic polymer material, holding a microneedle patch comprising a support film which is heat-sealable to the thermoplastic polymer material.
Underside edge thermal fusion attachment of the fusion surface
A fusion surface of the microneedle patch is attached to the underside of an edge of the patch case by thermal fusion.
Break strength range for thermally fused portion with defined unit and compression test
A break strength of a thermally fused portion is 0.01 to 20 N per unit, the unit being the area of a circle having a diameter of 1 cm, the break strength being quantified by compressing the fusion surface from above using a cylindrical rod having a diameter equal to a diameter of the fusion surface.
Polyolefin selection for thermoplastic case and heat-sealable support film
The patch case such that the thermoplastic polymer material and the micro-sealable material of the support film are both polyolefins.
Same thermoplastic polymers for case material and heat-sealable support film
A patch case where the thermoplastic polymer material and the heat-sealable material of the support film are the same thermoplastic polymers.
Thermal fusion pattern defined by multi-point, dashed-line, solid-line, or full-feature fusion with three or more points
A microneedle patch holder includes a thermal fusion pattern defined as three or more fusion points formed using multiple-point fusion, dashed-line fusion, solid-line fusion, or full-feature fusion.
Applicator mounting using a clasp or a screw
A patch case further includes a clasp or a screw to attach the patch case to a front face of an applicator.
Method of heat-fusing a support film and attaching the patch case to an applicator front surface
A method where a microneedle patch is held in a patch case, the support film is heat-fused to thermoplastic polymer material, and the patch case is attached to the front surface of an applicator.
Across the claims, the coverage centers on a disposable patch case using a thermoplastic polymer body and a microneedle patch with a heat-sealable support film, where the fusion surface is thermally fused to the underside of an edge with a defined 0.01 to 20 N/unit break-strength range measured by a cylindrical rod compression method. Dependent claims narrow material compatibility, expand thermal-fusion pattern geometry, and add optional applicator mounting and a method framing.
Stated Advantages
Enables smooth separation during high-speed applicator impact by attaching the fused portion to the underside of an edge.
Balances uniform needle penetration versus transport/handling peel-off.
Provides transport stability under repeated drops.
Allows needle insertion to be evaluated as appropriate versus inappropriate by microscopy-based assessment.
Documented Applications
Patch-case use in transport and high-speed applicator impact contexts, including evaluation using repeated drops and applicator impact separation.
Mounting the patch case to a front face of an applicator for use in an application device context.
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