Abstract: A low-profile applicator, and a method of manufacturing and use thereof, for impacting microneedles against the stratum corneum of a person having a housing, a diaphragm member having the microneedles, a folding member having interlinking members that hinge-ably rotate with a force member, operatively attached thereto, between a resting position and an extended position. The folding member translates energy stored within the force member when release while retaining the force member in an energized state when in the resting position.