Device and method for producing microstructures
Inventors
Kulik, Michael • Fehr, Thorsten • Erlhofer, Stefan • SCHERR, Sebastian • Dommasch, Sebastian
Assignees
Interested in licensing this patent?
MTEC can help explore whether this patent might be available for licensing for your application.
Publication Number
US-12458785-B2
Publication Date
2025-11-04
Expiration Date
Abstract
A device for manufacturing microstructures including a permeable template, wherein the template comprises at least one recess for manufacturing the microstructures. In addition, the device comprises a vacuum-generating device connected to the template such that a vacuum is applied to at least one side of the template. Further, a method for filling a permeable template, wherein the template comprises at least one recess for manufacturing microstructures. The method comprises feeding the at least one substance to be filled in to the template as well as generating a vacuum on at least one side of the template
Core Innovation
The invention relates to a device for manufacturing microstructures that uses at least one permeable gas-transmissible template having at least one conical recess for manufacturing the microstructures. A vacuum is applied to at least one side of the permeable gas-transmissible template, and the permeable gas-transmissible template cooperates with the vacuum to enable manufacturing of microstructures using the conical recess geometry.
The device further comprises a vacuum chamber connected to the at least one permeable gas-transmissible template, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured such that the vacuum chamber at least temporarily maintains by itself an externally generated vacuum. The vacuum chamber comprises at least one vacuum chamber opening for connecting to a pump for generating a vacuum in the vacuum chamber, and at least one self-closing valve closes the vacuum chamber opening so that an existing pressure ratio inside the vacuum chamber is maintained.
In the combined pump-and-vacuum-chamber arrangement, the pump is connected to the permeable gas-transmissible template and the vacuum chamber such that the combination generates the vacuum. This vacuum is applied to at least one side of the permeable gas-transmissible template, enabling extraction of gas inclusions during filling/manufacturing of microstructures in the conical recesses.
Claims Coverage
The independent claim is supported by a single core device inventive concept with additional refinements in dependent claims. The inventive features primarily cover a permeable gas-transmissible template with conical recesses, a vacuum chamber that maintains externally generated vacuum by itself using a self-closing valve, and connecting the pump and vacuum chamber so the vacuum is applied to the template to address gas inclusions/defects during manufacturing.
Permeable gas-transmissible template with conical recess
at least one permeable gas-transmissible template, wherein the at least one permeable gas-transmissible template comprises at least one conical recess for manufacturing the microstructures.
Vacuum chamber that maintains externally generated vacuum by itself
a vacuum chamber connected to the at least one permeable gas-transmissible template, wherein the vacuum chamber is configured such that the vacuum chamber at least temporarily maintains by itself an externally generated vacuum, and wherein the vacuum chamber comprises at least one vacuum chamber opening for connecting to a pump for generating a vacuum in the vacuum chamber.
Self-closing valve to maintain pressure ratio in vacuum chamber
at least one self-closing valve for closing the at least one vacuum chamber opening such that an existing pressure ratio inside the vacuum chamber is maintained.
Pump-vacuum-chamber combination generating vacuum applied to template
the pump is connected to the at least one permeable gas-transmissible template and the vacuum chamber such that the combination of the pump and the vacuum chamber generates the vacuum, and wherein the vacuum is applied to at least one side of the at least one permeable gas-transmissible template.
Vacuum applied to opposite side of conical recess
the device further applies the vacuum to at least one side of the at least one permeable gas-transmissible template, wherein the vacuum is applied to an opposite side of the at least one conical recess.
Selective coupling of vacuum chamber to template via opening
a coupling device that selectively couples a vacuum chamber to a permeable, gas-transmissible template through the vacuum chamber opening.
Elastic closure valve
the valve is an elastic closure.
Across the independent claim and its dependent refinements, the claim coverage centers on a permeable gas-transmissible template with conical recesses combined with a vacuum chamber that maintains an externally generated vacuum via a self-closing valve, while connecting the pump and vacuum chamber so that vacuum is applied to a side of the template, including an opposite side of the conical recess.
Stated Advantages
Reduces defects/air inclusions during manufacturing of microneedle arrays.
Enables defect-free microneedle arrays.
Documented Applications
Manufacturing microstructures, specifically microneedle arrays, using a permeable gas-transmissible template with conical recesses and vacuum-assisted filling/manufacturing.
Interested in licensing this patent?