Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12268833-B2
Publication Date
2025-04-08
Expiration Date
Abstract
A microarray receptacle which has a first side and a second side. Furthermore, the microarray receptacle includes a carrier structure for connecting the microarray receptacle to an application point. To the carrier structure there is connected a carrier surface which in turn is connected to a microarray. An articulation device is arranged between the carrier surface and the carrier structure, the articulation device making possible movement of the microarray connected to the carrier surface relative to the carrier structure along the extent of the microarray. Further, a microarray receptacle cluster with a plurality of such microarray receptacles.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a microarray receptacle for connecting a microarray to an application point. The receptacle includes a carrier structure and a carrier surface connected to the carrier structure, where the microarray is connected to the carrier surface. An articulation device is arranged between the carrier surface and the carrier structure to enable movement of the microarray relative to the carrier structure along an extent of the microarray.
The articulation device comprises at least a first flexure and a second flexure configured so that the first flexure and the second flexure permit only a linear deflection of the microarray. The flexures are arranged substantially parallel to each other, and the first flexure is formed in one piece with the carrier surface in at least one embodiment. The receptacle further comprises an engagement device between the first flexure and the second flexure to prevent relative movement between the first and second flexures and the carrier structure upon engagement.
Further embodiments add a guidance device between the first flexure and the second flexure, where the guidance device comprises a guide rod. Additional embodiments include a force introduction structure connected indirectly or directly to a rear side of the microarray and/or the carrier surface, starting convexly therefrom. In addition, the microarray receptacle is described together with a microarray applicator system and microarray receptacle clusters to adapt to curved skin and to enable simultaneous or staggered application.
Claims Coverage
The provided independent claims cover a microarray receptacle with an articulation device that restricts microarray motion to linear deflection and, depending on the claim, adds locking via an engagement device, adds guidance via a guide rod, or adds a convex force introduction structure. The independent claims are clm-00001, clm-00012, and clm-00016.
Articulation device enabling linear deflection of the microarray
The articulation device between the carrier surface and the carrier structure makes possible movement of the microarray connected to the carrier surface relative to the carrier structure along an extent of the microarray, wherein the articulation device comprises at least a first flexure and a second flexure such that the first flexure and the second flexure permit only a linear deflection of the microarray.
Substantially parallel flexures with first flexure formed in one piece
The first flexure is formed in one piece with the carrier surface, and the first flexure and the second flexure are arranged substantially parallel to each other.
Engagement device preventing relative movement
A microarray receptacle further comprises an engagement device between the first flexure and the second flexure, so that upon engagement of the engagement device a relative movement between the first and second flexures and the carrier structure is prevented.
Guidance device comprising a guide rod
The microarray receptacle further comprises a guidance device between the first flexure and the second flexure, wherein the guidance device comprises a guide rod.
Convex force introduction structure connected to rear side
The microarray receptacle further comprises a force introduction structure connected indirectly or directly to a rear side of the microarray and/or the carrier surface and starting convexly therefrom.
Across clm-00001, clm-00012, and clm-00016, the claim coverage centers on an articulation device that restricts the microarray’s relative motion to linear deflection via at least two flexures, with optional additional constraints including substantially parallel one-piece construction, an engagement device that prevents relative movement, a guidance device with a guide rod, and a convex force introduction structure connected to a rear side of the microarray and/or the carrier surface.
Stated Advantages
Improves reproducible microneedle application by enabling controlled, linear deflection of the microarray relative to the carrier structure.
Allows adaptation to curved skin via a microarray receptacle cluster connected by a cover film.
Enables simultaneous or staggered application using clustered receptacles.
Documented Applications
A microarray applicator system configuration for applying a concentrated force to the microarray, including a microarray receptacle cluster connected by a cover film to adapt to curved skin.
Clustered microarray receptacles that allow simultaneous or staggered application.
Interested in licensing this patent?