JP2023018387A - Spark generator for generating pressure, formula injector including spark generator, method for generating pressure by spark, and method for injecting formula - Google Patents

Abstract

To provide a spark generator for generating pressure.SOLUTION: A spark generator includes a main device and a pressure chamber arranged adjacent to the main device. The main device is provided with a circuit for generating prescribed spark voltage and an electromagnet. The pressure chamber is provided with: an incompressible fluid contained therein; a fixed electrode arranged in the incompressible fluid; a movable electrode arranged in the incompressible fluid at a prescribed distance from the fixed electrode; and a permanent magnet arranged on the movable electrode. The circuit is configured to apply spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode. The electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to a permanent magnet so as to move the movable electrode to the fixed electrode so as to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode. The pressure chamber configures a part of a wall of the pressure chamber, is provided with a pressure transmission structure configured to transmit pressure of the incompressible fluid generated by the spark to the outside of the pressure chamber.SELECTED DRAWING: Figure 1

Description

The present invention relates to a spark generator for generating pressure, a formula injector including a spark generator, a method for generating pressure by a spark, and a method for injecting a formulation.

There is a need in the medical and cosmetic fields for needle-free formulation injection techniques to deliver formulations such as cosmetics and drugs into the skin. Delivery of the formulation into the skin without the use of needles can maximize the efficacy of the formulation. Minimizing skin damage provides increased safety and reduced pain. Furthermore, the formulation can be easily delivered into the skin by ordinary consumers who are not medical professionals.

Many needle-free formulation injectors utilize microjets to deliver formulations into the skin with minimal damage. For example, US Patent Application Publication No. US 2015/0265770 and US Patent No. US 8905966 disclose formulation injection devices that generate microjets by using laser energy.

FIG. 5 shows an example of a conventional formulation injection device using laser energy. The formulation injection device 100 shown in FIG. 5 comprises a pressure chamber 102 and a formulation chamber 104 disposed adjacent to the pressure chamber 102 .

Pressure chamber 102 is filled with fluid 106 . Fluid 106 is an incompressible and chemically inert fluid such as water. The pressure chamber 102 comprises an elastic membrane 108 forming part of the wall of the pressure chamber 102 . Pressure chamber 102 also includes a window 110 for passing laser light.

Formulation chamber 104 is filled with formulation 112 to be delivered to the skin. Formulation 112 is in contact with elastic membrane 108 and is separated from fluid 106 by elastic membrane 108 . Formulation chamber 104 comprises nozzle 116 for injecting formulation 112 .

Laser light 118 is injected into pressure chamber 102 of formulation injector 100 through window 110 . As the energy of laser light 118 is absorbed by fluid 106, the fluid expands rapidly and cavitation occurs under some conditions. Expansion and cavitation create pressure in the fluid 106 . The pressure generated moves elastic membrane 108 toward formulation chamber 104 and is transmitted to formulation 112 in formulation chamber 104 . Formulation 112 is thus injected through nozzle 116 as a microjet.

Since the pharmaceutical injector 100 with the above configuration utilizes laser light, a laser generator and an optical fiber for sending the laser are required. Therefore, miniaturization of the device is difficult. Devices also consume a lot of power. Additionally, not all of the laser energy may be absorbed by the fluid, and the device may not be energy efficient, thus increasing power consumption. Because powerful lasers, such as YAG lasers, are used to obtain the desired pressure, operation of the device may not be easy or safe for consumers.

U.S. Patent Application Publication No. US 2015/0265770 U.S. Patent No. US 8905966

Accordingly, there is a desire for formulation injectors of small size and low power consumption, as well as easily consumer-operable devices for generating the pressure available for such formulation injectors.

A first embodiment of the present invention provides a spark generator for generating pressure, the spark generator comprising:
main device and
a pressure chamber disposed adjacent to the main device;
Main device is
a circuit for generating a predetermined spark voltage;
an electromagnet and
The pressure chamber is
an incompressible fluid contained therein; and
a fixed electrode disposed in an incompressible fluid;
a movable electrode disposed in an incompressible fluid and spaced a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode;
a permanent magnet disposed on the movable electrode;
the circuit is configured to apply a spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode;
the electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode;
The pressure chamber comprises a pressure transmission structure that forms part of the wall of the pressure chamber and is configured to transmit the pressure in the incompressible fluid created by the spark out of the pressure chamber.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be an elastic membrane.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be a piston.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the pressure chamber may further comprise a selective gas filter configured to release out of the compression chamber gas produced by the decomposition of the uncompressed fluid by the spark.

In a first embodiment of the invention, the circuit may comprise a relay which synchronizes the application of current to the electromagnet and the application of the spark voltage between the movable and fixed electrodes. It may be configured to perform

A second embodiment of the present invention provides a formulation injector comprising:
a spark generator as described above;
a formulation chamber configured to receive pressure imparted by the pressure transmitting structure;
The formulation chamber is
the preparations contained therein and
a nozzle configured to inject the formulation;
The formulation is configured to be injected from the nozzle by pressure imparted by the pressure transmitting structure.

In a second embodiment of the invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be in direct contact with the formulation.

A third embodiment of the present invention provides a method for generating pressure with a spark, the method comprising:
Between a fixed electrode arranged in a pressure chamber containing an incompressible fluid and a movable electrode arranged in the pressure chamber and separated from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance and provided with a permanent magnet arranged thereon. applying a predetermined spark voltage to
Disposed in a main device disposed adjacent to the pressure chamber, a magnetic force is applied to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode by the permanent magnet to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode. applying a current to an electromagnet configured to apply a
and communicating the pressure created in the incompressible fluid by the spark out of the pressure chamber via the pressure transmission structure.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be an elastic membrane and pressure may be transmitted out of the pressure chamber by deformation of the elastic membrane.

In a third embodiment of the invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be a piston and pressure may be transmitted out of the pressure chamber by movement of the piston.

In a third embodiment of the invention, a method includes releasing gases produced by spark decomposition of an uncompressed fluid out of a compression chamber through a selected gas filter disposed on the compression chamber. It may contain further.

In a third embodiment of the present invention, applying a predetermined spark voltage between the fixed electrode and the movable electrode; The step of applying current to the electromagnet to move the electrode towards the fixed electrode may be performed synchronously.

A fourth embodiment of the invention provides a method for injecting a formulation, the method comprising:
communicating pressure to a formulation chamber configured to receive pressure communicated out of the pressure chamber by the method described above via a pressure transmitting structure;
and injecting the formulation disposed in the formulation chamber out of the formulation chamber through a nozzle disposed in the formulation chamber by the pressure imparted.

In a fourth embodiment of the invention, the pressure transmitting structure may be in contact with the formulation and pressure may be transmitted directly to the formulation.

The present invention embodies a formulation injector of small size, low power consumption, and an easily consumer-operable device for generating pressure for the formulation injector.

1 is a schematic diagram of a spark generator for generating pressure, according to some embodiments of the present invention; FIG. 1 is a schematic diagram of a formulation injector according to some embodiments of the present invention; FIG. Fig. 3 is a graph showing the relationship between voltage and the diameter of the cavity created by the spark; 2 is an image of spark-induced cavitation captured by a high-speed camera; 1 is a schematic diagram of a conventional formulation injector; FIG.

FIG. 1 shows a schematic diagram of a spark generator 1 for generating pressure according to some embodiments of the invention. The spark generator 1 comprises a main device 2 and a pressure chamber 22 arranged adjacent to the main device 2 .

The main device comprises a circuit 4 for generating a given spark voltage and an electromagnet 6 . The main device 2 includes, optionally, a capacitor 8 to which the spark voltage generated by the circuit 4 is applied for storing charge and a capacitor 8 for generating a spark by applying the spark voltage to the electrodes described below. A relay 10 may be provided. The main device 2 may have a power supply circuit (not shown). The power supply circuit may be powered by mains power or may comprise a battery not shown, for example a lithium ion rechargeable battery integrated in the spark generator 1 .

Electromagnet 6 may receive current supplied from circuit 4 or a power circuit not shown. The supply of power to electromagnet 6 may be controlled by relay 10 . An electromagnet 6 is arranged to apply a magnetic force to a pressure chamber 22 arranged adjacent to the main device 2 .

At least one of the circuit 4, the electromagnet 6, the capacitor 8, the relay 10 and the power circuit not shown may be controlled by a microcontroller unit not shown. At least one of these components may be incorporated into main circuit board 12 .

The pressure chamber 22 has a fixed electrode 24 therein and a movable electrode 26 spaced a predetermined distance from the fixed electrode 24 . Movable electrode 26 may ensure its movability, for example by a hinge or linkage mechanism, in order to move towards fixed electrode 24 . However, considering manufacturing, simple construction, and restoring force returning to its original position after moving toward the fixed electrode 24, the movable electrode 26 is preferably made of metal, which may have the shape of a flat or curved plate. It may comprise a resilient member such as a cantilever or a dielectric material such as rubber and an electrode portion. The fixed electrode 24, like the movable electrode 26, may also preferably comprise a resilient member and an electrode portion. The cantilevers of fixed electrode 24 and movable electrode 26 may have, for example, the shape of a flat plate or a curved plate. The electrode portions of fixed electrode 24 and movable electrode 26 may preferably be rods or pillars. Preferably, the electrode portions of fixed electrode 24 and movable electrode 26 comprise metal rods or pillars having a spherical cross-section and arranged so that their projections face each other. In this case, when the movable electrode 26 moves toward the fixed electrode 24, the electric field concentrates between the protrusions and thus a low voltage spark can occur.

The permanent magnet 28 is arranged on the movable electrode 26 opposite to the side facing the fixed electrode 24 so that the permanent magnet 28 faces the electromagnet 6 arranged in the main device 2 . The fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 are electrically connected to the circuit 4 so that the spark voltage from the circuit 4 is applied. Relay 10 may be interposed between circuit 4 and fixed electrode 24 and movable electrode 26 and may control the application of the spark voltage between fixed electrode 24 and movable electrode 26 .

As explained above, relay 10 may also control the application of current to electromagnet 6 . Thus, when the relay 10 is turned on, the application of current to the electromagnet 6 and the application of the spark voltage between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 may occur synchronously.

Permanent magnet 28 faces electromagnet 6 and is configured to react and repel the magnetic force generated by electromagnet 6 . Thus, when a magnetic force is applied by electromagnet 6 , permanent magnet 28 is repelled from electromagnet 6 and moves movable electrode 26 towards fixed electrode 24 . A spark is generated between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 when a predetermined spark voltage is applied between the movable electrode 26 and the fixed electrode 24 and when the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 come into contact with each other. . A spark voltage may be applied, for example, to the movable electrode 26 and the fixed electrode 24 may be maintained at ground potential.

Specifically, the pressure-transmitting structure 32 is configured to be in contact with the formulation 44 contained in the formulation chamber 42 such that the pressure-transmitting structure 32 separates the incompressible fluid 30 from the formulation 44. are arranged as follows. When pressure is applied from pressure transmitting structure 32 to formulation 44, formulation 44 is injected out of formulation chamber 42 through nozzle 46 as a microjet.

1 and 2, a method for generating pressure by means of a spark by using a spark generator 1 so configured and using the pressure generated by the spark generator 1 describes a method for injecting a formulation by.

The method for generating pressure involves the circuit 4 generating a spark voltage that is applied between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26, for example by using a voltage booster circuit. For example, the spark voltage is preferably no more than a few hundred volts. More preferably, the spark voltage may be 10-100V. Even more preferably, the spark voltage may be 40V or higher, such as 50-100V, or 50-70V. Lower spark voltages can be advantageous with lower power consumption, higher safety, and smaller devices. A spark voltage may be applied, for example, to a capacitor 8, which stores a charge.

The next step is to activate the relay 10 to apply the spark voltage 10 of the capacitor 8 between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26, which are disposed in the pressure chamber 22 and immersed in the incompressible fluid 30. be. For example, fixed electrode 24 may be maintained at ground potential and a spark voltage may be applied to movable electrode 26 . The initial spacing between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 is chosen such that no spark occurs even if a spark voltage is applied.

A current is then applied to the electromagnet 6 to generate a magnetic field. The magnetic field is configured to exert a repulsive force on the permanent magnet 28 disposed on the movable electrode 26 in a direction away from the electromagnet 6 . When permanent magnet 28 is pushed by the magnetic field applied by electromagnet 6 , movable electrode 26 moves towards fixed electrode 24 . When the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 contact each other, the charge stored in the capacitor 8 causes a spark between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26 . The charge emitted by the spark may be, for example, 40-250 mAh, more preferably 100 mAh. The energy released by the spark may be, for example, 1.0-25J.

After the spark has ended, a step is taken to stop the current supply to the electromagnet 6 and the emission of the magnetic force ends. Therefore, the movable electrode 26 is returned to its original position by the elastic force of the movable electrode 26 . Circuit 4 may apply the spark voltage to capacitor 8 and charge may be stored for the next spark.

Relay 10 applies a spark voltage between fixed electrode 24 and movable electrode 26 and may synchronously or simultaneously supply current to electromagnet 6 . In this case, the structure and control of the device can be simplified, since only one relay 10 can apply the spark voltage and supply the current to the electromagnet 6 .

The energy released by the spark is transferred to the incompressible fluid 30 surrounding the fixed electrodes 24 and the movable electrodes 26 . The incompressible fluid 30 is locally heated and pressurized, which expands its volume or causes cavitation. Unlike prior art techniques that use lasers, the energy of the spark is spatially confined between the fixed electrode 24 and the movable electrode 26, allowing lower energy to produce the desired pressure. The expanded voltage or generated cavitation creates pressure in the incompressible fluid 30 . The generated pressure propagates to the pressure transmitting structure 32 . The pressure transmitting structure 32 may be an elastic membrane, preferably rubber or silicone, or a piston, so that the pressure transmitting structure 32 deforms and moves out of the pressure chamber 22 under pressure. do. Therefore, if there is an object outside the pressure chamber 22 that is in contact with the pressure transmitting structure 32, pressure will be transmitted to that object.

A portion of the incompressible fluid 30 may be broken up by the spark and may generate gas. For example, when the incompressible fluid 30 is water, the water may be split into oxygen and hydrogen. Gases are compressible and their volume is reduced by pressure. Thus, a portion of the pressure created in the incompressible fluid 30 by the spark is used for gas compression without being transmitted to the pressure transmitting structure 32 . Therefore, if the gas produced by the decomposition of the incompressible fluid 30 remains in the pressure chamber 22, it becomes a pressure loss. Therefore, after the spark is generated, venting gas from the pressure chamber 22 via an optional gas outlet 36 disposed on the pressure chamber 22 may be performed. A select gas filter 34 may be disposed at the gas outlet 36 . Gases produced by decomposition of the uncompressed fluid 30 pass through the selected gas filter 34 and are released from the pressure chamber 22 , and the uncompressed fluid 30 cannot pass through the selected gas filter 34 and the pressure chamber 22 maintained at

The formulation injector 41 shown in FIG. 2 comprises a formulation chamber 42 arranged adjacent to the pressure chamber 22 . Formulation 44 is contained in formulation chamber 42 and is in contact with pressure transmitting structure 32 . Thus, the pressure generated by the spark in pressure chamber 22 is transmitted directly to formulation 44 via pressure transmission structure 32 . Formulation 44 is thus expelled through nozzle 46 forming a microjet.

The depth of the injected formulation 44 in the subject, eg, human skin, is determined by the pressure generated by the spark. Depth can therefore be set by adjusting the spark voltage. For example, the spark voltage can be adjusted from 10-100V or more. When the formulation is injected deep into the skin, the spark voltage may be set higher than 100V.

FIG. 3 shows the results of measured cavitation diameters by applying various voltages between the electrodes. The electrodes were immersed in water and had a diameter of 2 mm. The spacing between electrodes was 0.2 mm. FIG. 4 shows an image of cavitation captured by a high speed camera when 65V is applied. These results indicate that a uniform amount of cavitation can be generated by applying a spark voltage of 50-70V. The amount of cavitation produced by the spark is suitable for injection of cosmetics produced by microjets.

Although specific embodiments of the present invention have been described, those skilled in the art will readily appreciate that various changes, modifications, and improvements can be made without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. .

1 Spark Generator 2 Main Device 4 Circuit 6 Electromagnet 8 Capacitor 10 Relay 12 Main Circuit Board 22 Pressure Chamber 24 Fixed Electrode 26 Movable Electrode 28 Permanent Magnet 30 Incompressible Fluid 32 Pressure Transmission Structure 34 Selected Gas Filter 41 Formulation Injector 42 Formulation Chamber 44 Formulation 46 Nozzle 100 Conventional Formulation Injector 102 Pressure Chamber 104 Formulation Chamber 106 Fluid 108 Elastic Membrane 110 Window 112 Formulation 116 Nozzle 118 Laser

Claims (14)

A spark generator for generating pressure, comprising:
main device and
a pressure chamber disposed adjacent to the main device;
the main device
a circuit for generating a predetermined spark voltage;
an electromagnet and
The pressure chamber is
an incompressible fluid contained therein; and
a stationary electrode disposed within the incompressible fluid;
a movable electrode disposed in the incompressible fluid and separated from the fixed electrode by a predetermined distance;
a permanent magnet disposed on the movable electrode;
the circuit is configured to apply the spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode;
the electromagnet is configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move the movable electrode toward the fixed electrode to generate a spark between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode;
the pressure chamber comprising a pressure transmission structure forming part of a wall of the pressure chamber and configured to transmit pressure of the incompressible fluid generated by the spark out of the pressure chamber; spark generator. 2. The spark generator of claim 1, wherein said pressure transmitting structure is an elastic membrane. 2. The spark generator of claim 1, wherein said pressure transmitting structure is a piston. 2. The spark generator of claim 1, wherein the pressure chamber further comprises a selective gas filter configured to release gas produced by decomposition of the uncompressed fluid by the spark out of the compression chamber. . the circuit includes a relay;
2. The relay of claim 1, wherein the relay is configured to synchronously apply current to the electromagnet and apply the spark voltage between the movable electrode and the fixed electrode. spark generator. A formulation injector,
a spark generator according to any one of claims 1 to 5;
a formulation chamber configured to receive the pressure imparted by the pressure transmitting structure;
the formulation chamber comprising:
the preparations contained therein and
a nozzle configured to inject the formulation;
A formulation injector configured such that the formulation is injected from the nozzle by the pressure imparted by the pressure transmitting structure. 7. The formulation injector of Claim 6, wherein the pressure transmitting structure is in direct contact with the formulation. A method for generating pressure by a spark, comprising:
a fixed electrode disposed in a pressure chamber containing an incompressible fluid; and a movable electrode disposed in said pressure chamber and spaced a predetermined distance from said fixed electrode and comprising a permanent magnet disposed thereon. applying a predetermined spark voltage between
disposed in a main device disposed adjacent to said pressure chamber, for generating a spark between said movable electrode and said fixed electrode, for generating a spark between said movable electrode and said fixed electrode; applying a current to an electromagnet configured to apply a magnetic force to the permanent magnet to move it toward;
and transmitting pressure generated in said incompressible fluid by said spark out of said pressure chamber via a pressure transmission structure. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein the pressure transmitting structure is an elastic membrane and the pressure is transmitted out of the pressure chamber by deformation of the elastic membrane. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein said pressure transmitting structure is a piston and said pressure is transmitted out of said pressure chamber by movement of said piston. 9. The method of claim 8, further comprising releasing gas produced by decomposition of said uncompressed fluid by said spark out of said compression chamber via a selected gas filter disposed on said compression chamber. Method. applying said predetermined spark voltage between said fixed electrode and said movable electrode; and said movable electrode via said permanent magnet to generate said spark between said movable electrode and said fixed electrode. 9. The method of claim 8, wherein applying the current to the electromagnet to move toward the fixed electrode is performed synchronously. A method for injecting a formulation comprising:
transmitting pressure via said pressure transmitting structure to a formulation chamber configured to receive said pressure transmitted out of said pressure chamber by the method of any one of claims 8 to 12;
and injecting a formulation disposed in said formulation chamber out of said formulation chamber via a nozzle disposed in said formulation chamber by said imparted pressure. the pressure transmitting structure is in contact with the formulation;
14. The method of claim 13, wherein said pressure is transmitted directly to said formulation.

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