Patent ID: 12233229

EXPLANATION OF REFERENCE NUMERALS AND SYMBOLS

100: Perforated plate microstructure module110: Perforated plate111: Opening120: Base part130: Microneedle140: Pressing member141: Pillar20: Applicator21: Main body housing22: Pushing member23: Piston24: Screw thread200: Shooting microstructure module210: Housing220: Perforated layer222: Opening224: Support part230: Shooting microstructure232: Base part234: Microneedle240: Pressing member241,242: Plate244: Pillar246: Catching part248: Through port251,252,253: Coupling member261,262: Groove portion263: Push button1: Module frame2: Skin3: Shooting member

BEST MODE

The detailed description of the present invention is provided to completely explain the present invention to a person with ordinary skill in the art. Throughout the specification, unless explicitly described to the contrary, when one component “comprises (includes)” another component or “characterized by” having a certain structure and a certain shape, this means that other components, structures, and shapes may be included without being excluded.

The present invention may be variously modified and may have various exemplary embodiments, and specific exemplary embodiments will be described in detail in the detailed description. However, the description of the exemplary embodiments is not intended to limit the contents of the present invention, but it should be understood that the present invention is to cover all modifications, equivalents and alternatives falling within the spirit and technical scope of the present invention.

FIG.1is a view illustrating a configuration of a perforated plate microstructure module100according to an exemplary embodiment of the present invention. Referring toFIG.1, the perforated plate microstructure module100according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention includes a perforated plate110, base parts120, microneedles130, and a pressing member140.

The perforated plate microstructure module100may be configured such that the pressing member140having one or more pillars141is disposed at a side of the perforated plate110at which no microneedle130is formed.

The pressing member140having one or more pillars141may be in contact with the perforated plate110including the base parts120or spaced apart from the perforated plate110at an interval of 1 cm or less.

FIG.2is a cross-sectional view of the perforated plate microstructure module100. Referring toFIG.2, the perforated plate microstructure module100may be configured such that the perforated plate110and the pressing member140are coupled to a module frame1. All the components of the perforated plate microstructure module100may be integrated and used for a single use.

The perforated plate110functions to include a drug delivery medium with low coupling force so that the drug delivery medium is easily delivered to the user's skin. In order to perform this function, one or more openings111, which are spaced apart from one another at predetermined intervals, are formed in a central portion of the perforated plate110, and a part or the entirety of each of the openings111may be filled with the base part120to be described below.

The perforated plate110may have strength enough to prevent the perforated plate110from being deformed or broken by physical force when the physical force for inserting the microneedles130into the skin is applied. The perforated plate110is coupled to the base part120with low coupling force so that the microneedle130may be easily separated when the external physical force is applied.

The external physical force may be 0.01 to 100 N. When the physical force is lower than 0.01 N, the base part120cannot be easily separated from the perforated plate110. In contrast, when the physical force is higher than 100 N, the force applied to the skin by the microneedle130increases, which causes pain in the skin. The external physical force, which is applied to insert the microneedles130into the skin, may be adjusted by the number of openings111included in the perforated plate110.

The opening112may be convex inward or a coating layer is additionally provided between the base part120and the perforated plate110in order to compensate for the low coupling force and prevent the perforated plate110and the base part120from being separated from each other during storage and transport due to the low coupling force.

The perforated plate110and the base part120to be described below may be made of a hydrophilic material. For example, the hydrophilic material may include a hydrophilic polymer including, as a monomer, hyaluronic acid (HA), carboxymethyl cellulose (CMC), methacrylic acid (MA), 2-hydroxyethyl methacrylate (HEMA), ethyl acrylate (EA), 1-vinyl-2-pyrrolidinone (VP), propenoic acid 2-methyl ester (PAM), monomethacryloyloxyethyl phthalate (EMP), or ammonium sulphatoethyl methacrylate (SEM).

The base parts120may be formed in the one or more openings111formed in the perforated plate110and may function to support the microneedles130to be described below. In order to perform this function, the base part120may fill a part or the entirety of the opening111of the perforated plate110.

Specifically, the base part120may occupy 1% to 100% of a height of the perforated plate110. If the base part120occupies less than 1% of the height of the perforated plate110, the microneedle130and the base part120may be separated from the perforated plate110during a process of changing a shape after spotting a viscous composition on the base part120.

The base part120is configured to be inserted into the skin together with the microneedle130to be described below, and the base part120may be made of a biodegradable substance or may include a drug. Therefore, the base part120may contain the same composition as the microneedle130containing the drug, or the base part120and the microneedle130may have different compositions.

In addition, the coupling force between the base part120and the perforated plate110may be lower than physical force applied to shoot the microneedle130. The coupling force between the base part120and the perforated plate110may be adjusted depending on one or more of a material of the perforated plate110, a material of the base part120, a height of the base part120, and plasma surface treatment.

In this case, the material of the perforated plate110and the material of the base part120may vary depending on the type and concentration of the material constituting the perforated plate110and the base part120.

In order to adjust the coupling force between the base part120and the perforated plate110, the perforated plate110may be made of any one of plastic such as polycarbonate (PC), general purpose polystyrene (GPPS), and polymethyl methacrylate (PMMA), metal, and a ductile material such as rubber.

The surface treatment on the perforated plate110may include chemical treatment, ultraviolet irradiation, and plasma treatment. Specifically, the coupling force between the base part120and the perforated plate110may be adjusted in accordance with the type and concentration of chemical substances used for the chemical treatment, and intensity and time of emission of the ultraviolet rays and the plasma.

The microneedle130may be separated from the perforated plate110by the pressing member140to be described below to function to deliver the drug into the user's skin. In order to perform this function, the microneedle130may be provided on the base part120and made of a biocompatible or biodegradable substance including a drug.

The microneedle130may be formed by spotting a viscous composition containing a biocompatible or biodegradable substance on the base part120. In this case, the term “viscous composition” means a composition having an ability to form the microneedle by changing in shape.

The microneedle130may have a circular horizontal cross section. In this case, a portion of the microneedle130, which is to be joined to the base part120, may have a circular shape having a predetermined area.

In the present specification, the term “biocompatible substance” means a substance which is substantially not toxic to a human body, is chemically inactive, and is not immunogenic. In the present specification, the term “biodegradable substance” means a substance that may be degraded by a bodily fluid, a microorganism, or the like in a living body.

For example, the biocompatible or biodegradable substance, which may be used in the present invention, may be polyester, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs), poly(α-hydroxyacid), poly(β-hydroxyacid), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate; PHBV), poly(3-hydroxyproprionate; PHP), poly(3-hydroxyhexanoate; PHH), poly(4-hydroxyacid), poly(4-hydroxybutyrate), poly(4-hydroxyvalerate), poly(4-hydroxyhexanoate), poly(ester amide), polycaprolactone, polylactide, polyglycolide, poly(lactide-co-glycolide; PLGA), polydioxanone, polyorthoester, polyetherester, polyanhydride, poly(glycolic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate), polyphosphoester, polyphosphoester urethane, poly(amino acid), polycyanoacrylate, poly(trimethylene carbonate), poly(imino carbonate), poly(tyrosine carbonate), polycarbonate, poly(tyrosine arylate), polyalkylene oxalate, polyphosphazene, PHA-PEG, ethylene vinyl alcohol copolymer (EVOH), polyurethane, silicone, polyester, polyolefin, polyisobutylene and ethylene-alphaolefin copolymer, styrene-isobutylene-styrene triblock copolymer, acrylic polymer and copolymer, vinyl halide polymer and copolymer, polyvinyl chloride, polyvinyl ether, polyvinyl methyl ether, polyvinylidene halide, polyvinylidene fluoride, polyvinylidene chloride, polyfluoro alkene, polyperfluoroalkene, polyacrylonitrile, polyvinyl ketone, polyvinyl aromatics, polystyrene, polyvinyl ester, polyvinyl acetate, ethylene-methyl methacrylate copolymer, acrylonitrile-styrene copolymer, ABS resin and ethylene-vinyl acetate copolymer, polyamide, alkyd resin, polyoxymethylene, polyimide, polyether, polyacrylate, polymethacrylate, polyacrylic acid-co-maleic acid, chitosan, dextran, cellulose, heparin, hyaluronic acid, alginate, inulin, starch, or glycogen, and particularly, may contain one or more substances selected from polyester, polyhydroxyalkanoate (PHAs), poly(α-hydroxyacid), poly(β-hydroxyacid), poly(3-hydroxybutyrate-co-valerate; PHBV), poly(3-hydroxyproprionate; PHP), poly(3-hydroxyhexanoate; PHH), poly(4-hydroxyacid), poly(4-hydroxybutyrate), poly(4-hydroxyvalerate), poly(4-hydroxyhexanoate), poly(ester amide), polycaprolactone, polylactide, polyglycolide, poly(lactide-co-glycolide; PLGA), polydioxanone, polyorthoester, polyether ester, polyanhydride, poly(glycolic acid-co-trimethylene carbonate), polyphosphoester, polyphosphoester urethane, poly(amino acid), polycyano acrylate, poly(trimethylene carbonate), poly(imino carbonate), poly(tyrosine carbonate), polycarbonate, poly(tyrosine arylate), polyalkylene oxalate, polyphosphazene, PHA-PEG, chitosan, dextran, cellulose, heparin, hyaluronic acid, alginate, inulin, starch, and glycogen.

In the present invention, the drug, which may be used for the microneedle130, is not particularly limited. For example, the drug includes a chemical drug, a protein drug, a peptide drug, nucleic acid molecules for gene therapy, nanoparticles, functional cosmetic effective ingredients, and cosmetic ingredients.

For example, the drug, which may be used in the present invention, includes, but not limited to, an anti-inflammatory drug, an analgesic, an anti-arthritis drug, an antispasmodic, an antidepressant, an antipsychotic drug, a tranquilizer, an anti-anxiety drug, a drug antagonist, an anti-parkinsonism drug, a cholinergic agonist, an anticancer drug, an antiangiogenic drug, an immunosuppressant, an antiviral drug, an antibiotic, an appetite suppressant, an analgesic, an anticholinergic, an antihistamine, an antimigraine drug, hormones, a coronary vasodilator, a cerebral vasodilator, a peripheral vasodilator, a contraceptive, an antithrombotic drug, a diuretic, an antihypertensive agent, a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular disease, and a cosmetic ingredient (e.g., an anti-wrinkle agent, a skin aging inhibitor, and a skin whitening agent).

While the perforated plate microstructure module100according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention has been described as including the plurality of microneedles130, the number of microneedles130is not particularly limited as long as the perforated plate microstructure module100may perform the above-mentioned functions. For example, the perforated plate microstructure module100according to the present invention may include the single microneedle130using a highly concentrated formulation.

The pressing member140may function to separate the base part120and the microneedle130from the perforated plate110by using the physical force applied from the outside. In order to perform this function, the pressing member140includes the one or more pillars141and may have strength enough to prevent the pressing member140from being deformed or damaged by the physical force when the physical force is applied.

FIG.3is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the microneedles130are inserted into the skin by the pressing member140according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention.

Referring toFIG.3, the one or more pillars141are provided on the pressing member140so as to correspond to the positions of the openings111of the perforated plate110, such that the pressing member140may separate the base part120from the perforated plate110by using the force applied from the outside.

Specifically, the physical force applied to the pillar141may push downward the base part120, which is formed in the opening111, from the perforated plate110to insert the base part120into the skin2by a predetermined depth. Because the physical force applied to the pillar141is higher than the coupling force between the base part120and the perforated plate110, the base part120may be easily separated from the perforated plate110by the pressing force of the pillar11.

FIG.4is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the perforated plate microstructure module100is returned back to an original state after the microneedle130is inserted into the skin.

Referring toFIG.4, it can be seen that when the base part120is separated from the perforated plate110by the pressing member140, the base part120is inserted into the skin2in a state in which the base part120is coupled to the microneedle130without being separated from the microneedle130, and only the vacant opening111exists in the perforated plate110.

Meanwhile, the exemplary embodiment of the present invention provides a shooting member3for providing the force applied from the outside, but it should be noted that a method of applying the physical force is not limited to a particular method and may be configured as methods using hydraulic pressure, pneumatic pressure, and an elastic body.

Hereinafter, a shooting microstructure module and an applicator according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention will be described in detail with reference to the drawings.FIG.5is a perspective view illustrating a state in which the shooting microstructure module according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention is mounted on the applicator, andFIG.6is a cross-sectional view illustrating the shooting microstructure module side illustrated inFIG.5.

Referring toFIG.5, a shooting microstructure module200is detachably mounted on an applicator20according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention. In this case, the shooting microstructure module200may function as a head of the applicator20.

According to the present invention, a perforated layer, which is to be in contact with the skin, and a pillar, which is to be inserted into the skin, may be separately configured in the shooting microstructure module200and configured to be attachable to and detachable from the applicator20, such that the pillar and the perforated layer may be easily replaced after single use, thereby preventing a risk of secondary infection during the process of implanting the microstructure.

The applicator20serves to implant the microstructure mounted on the shooting microstructure module200into the skin and includes a main body housing21and shooting members12and13.

The main body housing21has a cylindrical shape, but the present invention is not particularly limited to the shape of the main body housing21. A through port (not illustrated) for a pushing member22is positioned at an upper side of the main body housing21, and the shooting microstructure module200is mounted at a lower side of the main body housing21.

The shooting members12and13are provided in the main body housing21to press the pressing member or the microstructure of the shooting microstructure module200, and the shooting members12and13include a pushing member22and a piston23.

The pushing member22protrudes outward through the through port (not illustrated) provided at one side of the main body housing21. The pushing member22is manipulated by a user to shoot the piston23toward a pressing member240of the shooting microstructure module200. In this case, the term “shooting” means that the microneedle234moves forward and is separated from the shooting microstructure module200.

Referring toFIG.6, the piston23may press the pressing member240of the shooting microstructure module200by the manipulation of the pushing member22. In this case, for simplification of the drawings, an elastic member received in the main body housing21and configured to provide pressing force to the piston23is omitted and constituent elements associated with the elastic member are omitted.

The example in which the pushing member22and the piston23are provided as the shooting members has been described, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. That is, the shooting member is not particularly limited as long as the shooting member presses pillars244of the shooting microstructure module200.

Because the microneedle234may be implanted in the skin2by the applicator20without an adhesive sheet, the microneedle234may be used for a curved or frequently moving joint area, thereby minimizing the restriction of the implantation site, like a micro-patch.

The shooting microstructure module200includes a housing210, a perforated layer220, a shooting microstructure230, and the pressing member240.

An upper side of the housing210is attachable to and detachable from the applicator20, and the housing210has a hollow portion. The housing210may have a cylindrical shape, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto. The housing210has a coupling member to be coupled to the applicator20, and the coupling member will be described below with reference toFIGS.12to14.

The perforated layer220is provided at a lower side of the housing210and has one or more openings222. In this case, the perforated layer220may be formed integrally with the housing210. In this case, the housing210may define a sidewall of the perforated layer220.

FIG.7is a perspective view illustrating the housing and the perforated layer illustrated inFIG.6.

The perforated layer220may have support parts224for supporting the pressing member240. In this case, the support parts224may be formed at the periphery of the one or more openings222so as not to constrain the shooting operation of the pillar244.

As illustrated inFIG.6, catching parts246provided on the pressing member240may be seated on the support parts224. As a result, the support parts224may support the pressing member240so that the pillar244is disposed at a predetermined height from the perforated layer220.

The shooting microstructure230includes base parts232and microneedles234. In this case, the shooting microstructure230is disposed in the housing210and mounted on an upper portion of the perforated layer220.

The base part232has a plate shape, and the one or more microneedles234are provided on surfaces of the base parts232. In this case, the one or more microneedles234are provided on the surfaces of the base parts232and disposed at positions corresponding to the openings222of the perforated layer220.

In the present invention, the drug, which may be used for the microneedle234, is not particularly limited. For example, the drug includes a chemical drug, a protein drug, a peptide drug, nucleic acid molecules for gene therapy, nanoparticles, functional cosmetic effective ingredients, and cosmetic ingredients.

For example, the drug, which may be used in the present invention, includes, but not limited to, an anti-inflammatory drug, an analgesic, an anti-arthritis drug, an antispasmodic, an antidepressant, an antipsychotic drug, a tranquilizer, an anti-anxiety drug, a drug antagonist, an anti-parkinsonism drug, a cholinergic agonist, an anticancer drug, an antiangiogenic drug, an immunosuppressant, an antiviral drug, an antibiotic, an appetite suppressant, an analgesic, an anticholinergic, an antihistamine, an antimigraine drug, hormones, a coronary vasodilator, a cerebral vasodilator, a peripheral vasodilator, a contraceptive, an antithrombotic drug, a diuretic, an antihypertensive agent, a therapeutic agent for cardiovascular disease, and a cosmetic ingredient (e.g., an anti-wrinkle agent, a skin aging inhibitor, and a skin whitening agent).

In addition, in the present invention, the material of the microneedle234contains a biocompatible or biodegradable substance. In the present specification, the term “biocompatible substance” means a substance which is substantially not toxic to a human body, is chemically inactive, and is not immunogenic. In the present specification, the term “biodegradable substance” means a substance that may be degraded by a bodily fluid, a microorganism, or the like in a living body.

In this case, the microneedle234may be formed by spotting viscous compositions of drugs. In this case, the term “viscous composition” means a composition having an ability to form the microstructure by changing in shape.

The microneedle234has a circular horizontal cross section. In this case, a portion of the microneedle234, which is to be joined to the base part232, has a circular shape having a predetermined area. The microneedle234may include a pointed end portion at a portion of the microneedle234which is to be implanted in the skin2.

In this case, the microneedle234may be disposed in the housing210so that the end portion of the microneedle234does not protrude outward from the opening222in order to protect the end portion thereof. For example, a height of the microneedle234, from the base part232to the end portion, may be smaller than a depth of the opening222.

The pressing member240includes a plate242, the pillars244, and the catching parts246.FIG.8is a perspective view illustrating the pressing member illustrated inFIG.6.

The plate242may have a plate shape corresponding to a cross-sectional shape of the housing210so that the plate242may be received in the housing210.FIG.8illustrates that the plate242has a circular shape, but the present invention is not particularly limited thereto.

The pillars244may be provided on one surface of the plate242. For example, the one or more pillars244may be provided on a lower surface of the plate242and disposed at the positions corresponding to the microneedles234and the openings222. In this case, the pillars244may have the same length.

The lengths of the pillars244may vary depending on the positions on the plate242at which the pillars244are provided. For example, the pillars244, which are provided at an outer peripheral portion and a central portion of the plate242, may have different lengths. In this case, the pillar provided at the outer peripheral portion of the plate may have a longer length than the pillar provided at the central portion of the plate.

As a result, in a case in which a distance between the plate242and the skin2varies depending on the shape of the curved skin2, the microneedles234may be uniformly inserted into the curved skin2when the microneedles234are inserted into the curved skin2because the lengths of the pillars244vary depending on the shape of the curved skin2.

In addition, the pillar244may have a length larger than a thickness of the opening222of the perforated layer220. That is, the pillar244may protrude outward from the opening222in order to implant the microneedle234into the skin2. In this case, the pillar244, together with the microneedle234, may be inserted into the skin2.

The catching parts246may be provided at the positions corresponding to the support parts224of the perforated layer220. In this case, the catching part246may be positioned at one end of the support part224. As a result, the plate242may be disposed at a predetermined height from the perforated layer220.

The catching part246may be formed to be broken by the shooting operations of the piston23and the pillar244. That is, the catching part246may be broken by the pressing force applied to the plate242.

For example, the catching part246may have a shape and a size corresponding to a cross section of the support part224. In this case, the catching part246may be thinner than a thickness of the plate242so that the catching part246may be easily broken by the pressing force applied to the plate242.

As another example, the plate242may have a through port248corresponding to a cross section of the support part224, and the catching part246may be provided in at least a part of the through port248. In this case, the catching part246may be thinner than a thickness of the plate242so that the catching part246may be easily broken by the pressing force applied to the plate242.

As illustrated inFIG.6, in the state in which the shooting microstructure module200is mounted on the applicator20, the shooting microstructure module200brings the microneedles234into close contact with the skin2in order to implant the microneedles234into the skin2.

In this case, as the support parts224of the perforated layer220are caught by the catching parts246of the plate242, the pressing member240may be disposed at the predetermined height from the perforated layer220. In this case, the shooting microstructure230may remain mounted on the upper portion of the perforated layer220.

Hereinafter, the operation of the applicator20implanting the microneedles234into the skin2will be described in detail with reference toFIGS.9to11.

FIG.9is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the applicator illustrated inFIG.6performs shooting,FIG.10is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the microstructure illustrated inFIG.9is separated, andFIG.11is a cross-sectional view illustrating a state in which the shooting microstructure module illustrated inFIG.10is separated from the applicator.

Referring toFIG.6, when the user shoots the applicator20by using the pushing member22, the piston23presses the plate242. In this case, when the plate242is moved to the perforated layer220by the pressing force applied to the plate242by the piston23, the catching part246is broken by the support part224.

Referring toFIG.9, as the catching part246is broken, the through port248of the plate242is guided to the support part224. In this case, the constraint of the plate242by the restrictive force of the support part224is released, such that the plate242is shot to the perforated layer220.

When the plate242is pressed to the perforated layer220, the pillars244protrude outward through the openings222of the perforated layer220. In this case, the pillars244penetrate an underlying layer of the shooting microstructure230, such that the microneedles234may be separated from the base parts232and implanted into the skin2.

Since the microneedles234are completely implanted into the skin2, it is possible to improve the efficacy of delivering the drug through the microneedles234. Since the accurate amount of drug contained in the microneedle234may be delivered, it is possible to improve stability and uniformity in using the drug.

Referring toFIG.10, the applicator20is separated from the skin2in the state in which the microneedle234is implanted into the skin2. In this case, in the state in which the microneedle234is implanted into the skin2, the pillar244may be separated from the skin2.

In this case, because the perforated layer220is in contact with the skin2and the pillar244is inserted into the skin2, there is a high risk of secondary contamination in case of reuse. The shooting microstructure module200is replaced and discarded after single use, which prevents secondary contamination.

Referring toFIG.11, in the state in which the piston23is retracted rearward by the pushing member22of the applicator20, the shooting microstructure module200is separated from the applicator20.

As described above, the shooting microstructure module200separated from the applicator20may be discarded. That is, since the perforated layer220, which has been in contact with the skin2, and the pillar244, which has been inserted into the skin2, are discarded, it is possible to prevent secondary contamination caused by reuse.

As illustrated inFIG.6, a new shooting microstructure module200may be mounted on a lower side of the applicator20.

Meanwhile, the shooting microstructure module200according to another exemplary embodiment of the present invention may further include a coupling member251,252, or253provided to couple the housing210to the applicator20.

The coupling member251,252, or253may be configured by any one of rotation coupling, hook coupling, insertion coupling, catching coupling, magnetic coupling, and Velcro. In this case, the coupling method is not particularly limited to the above-mentioned coupling methods, and the shooting microstructure module200and the applicator20may be coupled in various ways. In this case, a coupling member, which corresponds to the coupling member251,252, or253formed on the housing210, may be formed on the main body housing21.

Since the coupling members facilitates the replacement of the perforated layer220, which has been in contact with the skin2, and the pillar244, which has been inserted into the skin2, it is possible to improve convenience of use and prevent a risk of secondary contamination caused by reuse.

FIG.12is a cross-sectional view illustrating an example in which the shooting microstructure module according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the applicator. In this case, for simplification of the drawings, the main body housing21of the applicator20and the housing210of the shooting microstructure module200are schematically illustrated.

Referring toFIG.12, the shooting microstructure module200and the applicator20may be coupled by rotation coupling. In this case, a screw thread24may be formed along an outer circumference at one side of the main body housing21, and the coupling member251may include a screw thread24formed along an inner circumference at one side of the housing210.

Similarly, a screw thread24may be formed along an inner circumference at one side of the main body housing21, and the coupling member251may include a screw thread24formed along an outer circumference at one side of the housing210.

In this case, when the housing210is rotated in one direction below the main body housing21, the screw thread24of the housing210is rotated along the screw thread24of the main body housing21, and the housing210is moved to the main body housing21, such that the housing210may be coupled to the main body housing21, and as a result, the shooting microstructure module200may be coupled to the applicator20.

On the contrary, when the housing210is rotated in a reverse direction in the state in which the shooting microstructure module200is coupled to the applicator20, the screw thread of the housing210is rotated along the screw thread24of the main body housing21, and the housing210is moved outward from the main body housing21, such that the housing210may be separated from the main body housing21, and as a result, the shooting microstructure module200may be separated from the applicator20.

FIG.13is a cross-sectional view illustrating another example in which the shooting microstructure module according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the applicator.

Referring toFIG.13, the shooting microstructure module200and the applicator20may be coupled by catching coupling. In this case, a groove portion261is formed on an outer circumferential surface at one side of the main body housing21, and the coupling member may include a protrusion portion252formed at one end of the housing210so as to correspond to the groove portion261. The protrusion portion252may have elasticity so that protrusion portion252may be spread to the outside of the main body housing21.

In this case, the housing210is mounted on the main body housing21in the state in which the protrusion portion252is spread to the outside of the main body housing21. In this case, as the protrusion portion252of the housing210is inserted and fixed into the groove portion261of the main body housing21, the housing210may be coupled to the main body housing21, and thus the shooting microstructure module200may be coupled to the applicator20.

On the contrary, as the housing210is moved in a reverse direction to the main body housing21in the state in which the shooting microstructure module200is coupled to the applicator20and the protrusion portion252is spread to the outside of the main body housing21, the housing210may be separated from the main body housing21, and thus the shooting microstructure module200may be separated from the applicator20.

Meanwhile, as a combination of the rotation coupling and the catching coupling, the groove portion261may have a “¬” shape. In this case, the groove portion261may include an extension portion vertically extending to one end of the main body housing21. The protrusion portion252does not have elasticity.

In this case, when the housing210is rotated to one side of the main body housing21in the state in which the protrusion portion252is vertically inserted through the extension portion of the groove portion261, the protrusion portion252may be rotated in a horizontal direction along the groove portion261. As a result, the housing210may be coupled to the main body housing21, and thus the shooting microstructure module200may be coupled to the applicator20.

On the contrary, in the state in which the shooting microstructure module200is coupled to the applicator20, the protrusion portion252is rotated in a reverse horizontal direction along the groove portion261, and then the housing210is moved downward from the main body housing21, such that the housing210may be separated from the main body housing21, and thus the shooting microstructure module200may be separated from the applicator20.

FIG.14is a cross-sectional view illustrating still another example in which the shooting microstructure module according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention is coupled to the applicator.

Referring toFIG.14, the shooting microstructure module200and the applicator20may be coupled by insertion coupling. In this case, a groove portion262, which is opened downward, may be formed at an end at one side of the main body housing21. In this case, a push button263may be provided to communicate with the groove portion262. The coupling member may include a hook member253provided at one end of the housing210. In this case, the hook member253may have elasticity so as to be bent to one side.

In this case, when the hook member253of the housing210is inserted into the groove portion262of the main body housing21, the hook member253is inserted and fixed into the groove portion262, such that the housing210may be coupled to the main body housing21, and thus the shooting microstructure module200may be coupled to the applicator20.

On the contrary, when the push button263is pushed in the state in which the shooting microstructure module200is coupled to the applicator20, the push button263is inserted into the groove portion262and pushes the hook member253, such that the hook member253is bent to one side, and thus the hook member253may be separated from the groove portion262. In this state, as the housing210is moved downward from the main body housing21, the housing210may be separated from the main body housing21, and thus the shooting microstructure module200may be separated from the applicator20.

Meanwhile, instead of the groove portion262of the main body housing21, a second hook member, which corresponds to the hook member253, may be provided in the main body housing21. In this case, the hook member253may have a push button provided at one side thereof. As another example, the second hook member may have a push button at one side thereof, and the push button may protrude outward from the main body housing21.

In this case, when the housing210is pressed from below the main body housing21, the hook member350is coupled to the second hook member in the main body housing21, such that the housing210may be coupled to the main body housing21, and thus the shooting microstructure module200may be coupled to the applicator20.

On the contrary, when the push button provided on the hook member253or the push button provided on the second hook member is pushed in the state in which the shooting microstructure module200is coupled to the applicator20, the corresponding push button presses and bends the hook member253or the second hook member to one side, such that the hook member253and the second hook member may be separated from each other. In this state, as the housing210is downward from the main body housing21, the housing210may be separated from the main body housing21, and thus the shooting microstructure module200may be separated from the applicator20.

Comparative Example

Comparative Example shows an experimental result of measuring the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120of the perforated plate microstructure module100according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention by using the perforated plate110which is not subjected to the plasma surface treatment.

Experimental Example 1

Experimental Example 1 shows an experimental result of measuring the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120of the perforated plate microstructure module100according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention by using the perforated plate110on which the plasma surface treatment has performed for 1 minute.

Experimental Example 2

Experimental Example 2 shows an experimental result of measuring the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120of the perforated plate microstructure module100according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention by using the perforated plate110on which the plasma surface treatment has performed for 2 minutes.

Experimental Example 3

Experimental Example 3 shows an experimental result of measuring the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120of the perforated plate microstructure module100according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention by using the perforated plate110on which the plasma surface treatment has performed for 3 minutes.

Experimental Example 4

Experimental Example 4 shows an experimental result of measuring the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120of the perforated plate microstructure module100according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention by using the perforated plate110on which the plasma surface treatment has performed for 4 minutes.

Experimental Example 5

Experimental Example 5 shows an experimental result of measuring the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120of the perforated plate microstructure module100according to the exemplary embodiment of the present invention by using the perforated plate110on which the plasma surface treatment has performed for 5 minutes.

In order to compare changes in coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120over plasma surface treatment time, Experimental Examples all have the same configuration in which the69openings111are formed in the perforated plate110, and the experiments were performed under the condition in which the height of the base part120and the material of the perforated plate110remain the same.

The experiments measured the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120by slowly applying external force to the perforated plate microstructure module100and measuring a peak value at the moment when the perforated plate110and the base part120are separated from each other.

TABLE 1ComparativeExperimentalExperimentalExperimentalExperimentalExperimentalExamplesExampleExample 1Example 2Example 3Example 4Example 5Plasma012345SurfaceTreatmentTime(min)Coupling12.4921.3746.1145.547.346.04Force(N)

Table 1 andFIG.15are a table and a graph illustrating experimental results of measuring the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120in a Comparative Example and Experimental Examples 1 to 5. Referring to Table 1 andFIG.15, it can be seen that in the Comparative Example, the perforated plate110and the base part120were separated from each other when comparatively low force (12.49 N) was applied in comparison with Experimental Examples 1 to 5.

It can be seen that in Experimental Examples 2 to 5, the perforated plate110and the base part120were separated from each other when comparatively high force (45.5 N to 46.04 N) was applied in comparison with Experimental Example 1 in which the coupling force was 21.37 N.

Consequently, it can be seen that the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120may be increased through the plasma surface treatment on the perforated plate110. However, it can be seen that the coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120may be further increased when the plasma surface treatment on the perforated plate110continues for 1 minute or more, and the change in coupling force between the perforated plate110and the base part120is insignificant when the plasma surface treatment continues for 2 minutes or more.

<Coupling Force Experimental Data>

TABLE 2Experiment 1 (N)Experiment 2 (N)Example 10.8182Example 50.7680Example 20.8929Example 60.7032Example 30.8709Example 70.8841Example 41.0125Example 81.3101Average (A)0.8986Average (B)0.9163(Example 1~4)(Example 5~8)coupling force(B-A) 0.0177 N
<Experiment 1>

Experiment 1 shows an experimental result of measuring the pressing force. wherein the pressing force is the measured value when the pillar of the pressing member is inserted into the openings of the perforated plate.

<Experiment 2>

Experiment 2 shows an experimental result of measuring the pressing force. wherein the pressing force is the measured value when the pillar of the pressing member is inserted into the base part filling in the opening of the perforated plate.

In order to measure critical value of the coupling force between the perforated plate and the base parts, pressing force was measured when the pillar of the pressing member is inserted into the openings of the perforated plate.

The coupling force is calculated by the difference between the base part filling in the opening and the base parts being empty.

Table 2 is a table illustrating experiment results of measuring the pressing force when the pillar of the pressing member is inserted into the openings of the perforated plate.

Referring to Table 2, it can be seen that the base part and the perforated plate coupled are separable by force of at least 0.0177 N.

While the present invention has been described above with reference to the exemplary embodiments, it may be understood by those skilled in the art that the present invention may be variously modified and changed without departing from the spirit and scope of the present invention disclosed in the claims.