Microneedle Injection Device

Overview

The goal of this project to develop a device to hold an array of microneedles for use in subcutaneous injection of Nanoelectromechanical Systems (NEMS) and other medical devices. In Blinkink’s existing designs, the skin deforms around the array when putting the microneedles on a single cross section, causing the needles to penetrate to uneven depths. Our team aimed to solve the penetration depth issues while maintaining functionality and the desired needle density.

Objectives

Our sponsor desires a device that can deliver an array of microneedles to an even depth under the skin, varying no more than 5% between needles. The needles must penetrate to a depth of 1.75mm and spaced 400 microns apart.

Approach

-Researched similar patents and applications for microneedle injection arrays

-Identified customer needs and target specifications with the sponsor

-Generated concepts based on the customer needs

-Chose to create prototype for two concepts, the contour gage and the roller

-Created alpha prototypes for chosen concepts

-Tested prototypes to prove feasibility of design

-Created SolidWorks assemblies for each concept selected

-Ordered machined parts for beta prototype

Outcomes

-Solved challenge of varying penetration depth by having the needles move independently

-Designed and developed 3D printable SolidWorks models for each prototype concept

-Obtained parts for beta prototype to be delivered to sponsor

-Developed methods to test penetration depth of the needles