Coating methods for membrane liquid containers, coating equipment, and implantable sensors

Abstract

This invention provides a membrane solution container, a coating device, and a coating method for an implantable sensor. The membrane solution container has a membrane solution tank including an edge region and a central region for holding the membrane solution. The central region is for immersing the implantable sensor. The edge region is connected to the central region and extends outward around the central region. The bottom wall of the edge region is higher than the bottom wall of the central region's immersion tank, and the height difference between the bottom wall of the edge region and the bottom wall of the immersion tank is less than the coating depth setting value of the implantable sensor. This makes the membrane solution tank equivalent to a stepped expansion around the perimeter compared to existing membrane solution tanks. The implantable sensor is immersed in the central region's immersion tank for coating, thereby avoiding or even eliminating the influence of surface tension on the coating depth. Furthermore, the immersion tank of the membrane solution container has several protrusions inside, which can reduce the amount of membrane solution used while ensuring the same coating depth and coating quantity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a membrane liquid container, a coating device, and a coating method for an implantable sensor. Background Technology

[0002] Implantable sensors are an important research area in the field of medical device technology. The production process of implantable sensors typically involves a coating process. This coating process generally involves clamping a batch of sensors with a clamping mechanism and immersing them in a container filled with a sufficient amount of membrane solution to complete the coating. Implantable sensors have high requirements in terms of miniaturization, coating cost, and sensitivity. However, existing biosensor coating processes have the following drawbacks:

[0003] 1. Due to the influence of surface tension, the membrane liquid in the membrane liquid container will sink (hydrophobic) or rise (hydrophilic) to a certain extent at the position that contacts the inner edge of the membrane liquid container side wall. This results in inconsistent coating depth between implanted sensors near the inner edge of the membrane liquid container and implanted sensors located in the central area of ​​the membrane liquid container.

[0004] 2. The preparation process and post-processing of the coating solution required for the coating process are relatively complex, the raw materials are expensive, and the large amount of coating solution used in mass production can easily lead to waste and increase production costs.

[0005] 3. The main solvent of the film solution required for the coating process is ethanol, which is highly volatile during the coating process, causing problems such as solution loss and large concentration changes, which affect the coating quality.

[0006] Therefore, overcoming the influence of surface tension on the coating and reducing the loss of coating liquid are crucial for the mass production of implantable sensors. Summary of the Invention

[0007] The purpose of this invention is to provide a coating method for a membrane liquid container, a coating device, and an implantable sensor, thereby overcoming at least one of the above-mentioned technical problems.

[0008] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides a membrane liquid container having a membrane liquid tank for holding membrane liquid for coating an implantable sensor. The membrane liquid tank includes an edge region and a central region for holding the membrane liquid. The central region includes an immersion coating tank for immersing the implantable sensor. The edge region communicates with the central region and extends outward around the central region. The bottom wall of the edge region is higher than the bottom wall of the immersion coating tank, and the height difference between the bottom wall of the edge region and the bottom wall of the immersion coating tank is less than a coating depth setting value for the implantable sensor.

[0009] Optionally, the central region further includes a plurality of protrusions distributed in a matrix within the dip coating tank. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other, and the height of the upper edge of the protrusions is lower than the height of the membrane liquid in the membrane liquid tank, allowing the membrane liquid in the membrane liquid tank to flow between the protrusions.

[0010] Optionally, the edge region includes a stepped area and an outer tank sidewall, the central region includes an inner tank sidewall, the inner tank sidewall is disposed around the outer side of the dip coating tank and connects to the inner side of the stepped area, the outer tank sidewall is disposed around the outer side of the stepped area and connects to the outer side of the stepped area, and the stepped area is the bottom wall of the edge region.

[0011] Optionally, the edge region includes a stepped area, the area defined by the stepped area being wider than the top opening of the dip coating tank, so that the film liquid tank has a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

[0012] Optionally, the membrane liquid container further includes a liquid level monitoring mechanism for monitoring the liquid level of the membrane liquid in the immersion coating tank; the liquid level monitoring mechanism is communicatively connected to at least one of the user, an automatic liquid replenishment mechanism, or a moving mechanism to provide feedback on liquid level information or liquid level-related information.

[0013] Optionally, the moving mechanism is used to automatically compensate the descent height of the implanted sensor based on the liquid level height information or liquid level height association information, so as to automatically compensate the coating depth of the implanted sensor.

[0014] Optionally, a replenishment reminder may be issued to the user when the liquid level of the membrane solution drops to or below a critical value; or, an automatic replenishment mechanism may be included to automatically add membrane solution to the dip coating tank when the liquid level of the membrane solution drops to or below a critical value.

[0015] Optionally, the membrane liquid container further includes an atmosphere tank and an atmosphere tank cover, wherein the membrane liquid tank is disposed in the atmosphere tank and the atmosphere tank is filled with a volatile atmosphere solution.

[0016] Optionally, when the membrane liquid container has a liquid level monitoring mechanism, the liquid level monitoring mechanism includes a liquid level sensor and a display screen mounted on the atmosphere tank cover.

[0017] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a coating device for an implantable sensor, used for coating an implantable sensor, comprising:

[0018] The membrane liquid container as described in this invention; and,

[0019] A clamping mechanism is used to clamp an implantable sensor and immerse the clamped implantable sensor in the membrane fluid contained in the membrane fluid container.

[0020] Optionally, the clamping mechanism includes a needle-holding disc and a plurality of needle-holding strips, the needle-holding strips being arranged on the needle-holding disc and used to clamp multiple implantable sensors; the spacing between each protrusion is matched to the multiple implantable sensors clamped by the needle-holding strips.

[0021] Optionally, the coating device further includes a moving mechanism for moving the clamping mechanism to immerse the implantable sensor held by the clamping mechanism into the membrane solution or to detach the implantable sensor held by the clamping mechanism from the membrane solution.

[0022] Based on the same inventive concept, the present invention also provides a coating method for an implantable sensor, comprising:

[0023] The clamping mechanism is loaded with multiple implantable sensors, and the clamping mechanism is moved above the membrane fluid tank of the membrane fluid container as described in this invention.

[0024] The plurality of implantable sensors held by the clamping mechanism are immersed in the membrane liquid in the central region of the membrane liquid tank, and the immersion depth of the plurality of implantable sensors in the membrane liquid is controlled to be the coating depth set value.

[0025] Optionally, the coating method further includes at least one of the following steps:

[0026] (1) Before coating, the liquid level monitoring mechanism senses the liquid level height in the membrane liquid tank and feeds back the membrane liquid height information to the moving mechanism. The moving mechanism is adjusted according to the membrane liquid height information and the coating depth setting value to control the depth of the plurality of implanted sensors immersed in the membrane liquid during coating.

[0027] (2) Before or after coating, the atmosphere tank cover is closed onto the atmosphere tank and the atmosphere gas generated by the evaporation of the atmosphere solution in the atmosphere tank and the film liquid tank are sealed inside. When coating, the atmosphere tank cover is opened.

[0028] (3) Before or after coating, the liquid level monitoring mechanism senses the liquid level in the membrane liquid tank and feeds back the membrane liquid level information to the user or the automatic liquid replenishment mechanism.

[0029] Compared with the prior art, the technical solution of the present invention has at least one of the following beneficial effects:

[0030] 1. The membrane liquid container includes an edge region and a central region for holding the membrane liquid. The central region is for immersing the implantable sensor. The edge region is connected to the central region and extends outward around the central region. The bottom wall of the edge region is higher than the bottom wall of the immersion tank in the central region. The height difference between the bottom wall of the edge region and the bottom wall of the immersion tank is less than the coating depth setting value of the implantable sensor. This makes the membrane liquid tank equivalent to a stepped expansion relative to existing membrane liquid tanks. The implantable sensor is immersed in the immersion tank in the central region for coating. This avoids the influence of the membrane liquid surface sinking (hydrophobic) or rising (hydrophilic) in the edge region of the membrane liquid tank on the coating of the implantable sensor. In other words, the solution of the present invention eliminates the influence of surface tension on the coating depth, which can ensure the coating consistency of each implantable sensor and avoid the problem of inconsistent coating depth between implantable sensors near the edge and implantable sensors inside the tank.

[0031] 2. The design of the membrane liquid tank, in which the bottom wall of the edge area is higher than the bottom wall of the dip coating tank in the central area, can also minimize the amount of membrane liquid used due to the outward expansion.

[0032] 3. Several protrusions are added inside the dip coating tank to reduce the amount of membrane liquid injected while ensuring the membrane liquid level, thereby improving the efficiency of membrane liquid use and reducing the waste of membrane liquid cleaning after production (the remaining membrane liquid will be discarded).

[0033] 4. The membrane solution can flow effectively between the protrusions in the dip coating tank, ensuring that the liquid level and concentration of the membrane solution at each position in the dip coating tank remain consistent. This allows for the best possible consistency in the coating of each implanted sensor during mass coating.

[0034] 5. An atmosphere tank and its cover are installed. When both are closed, the internal space of the atmosphere tank and its cover is sealed. The membrane solution tank is placed within this space. The atmosphere tank cover is opened only when the implanted sensor needs to enter or exit the membrane solution tank or when it is immersed in the membrane solution for coating. At other times, the atmosphere tank cover remains closed. This allows the atmospheric solution in the atmosphere tank to evaporate, creating a high-concentration atmosphere around the membrane solution tank. This atmosphere significantly inhibits the evaporation of the membrane solution, thus reducing losses due to evaporation. Furthermore, this atmosphere can be used during the coating process to further reduce losses caused by evaporation.

[0035] 6. A liquid level monitoring mechanism is installed to monitor the liquid level of the membrane solution in real time. Each time the membrane is coated, the mechanism can automatically compensate for the descent height of the implanted sensor based on the current liquid level information or liquid level correlation information, thereby reducing the frequency of liquid replenishment and improving the utilization rate of the membrane solution in the membrane solution tank. Attached Figure Description

[0036] Those skilled in the art will understand that the accompanying drawings are provided to better understand the invention and do not constitute any limitation on the scope of the invention. Wherein:

[0037] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of an existing membrane liquid container.

[0038] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane liquid container according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0039] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of a membrane liquid container according to another embodiment of the present invention.

[0040] Figure 4 The air vent cover is closed. Figure 3 The diagram shows the structure of the membrane liquid container.

[0041] Figure 5A yes Figure 4 The diagram shown illustrates the assembly of the membrane liquid container with the clamping mechanism during the coating process.

[0042] Figure 5B yes Figure 4 The membrane liquid container shown is Figure 1 The diagram shows a comparison curve of the coating effect obtained after the membrane liquid container is applied to the coating process.

[0043] Figure 6 and Figure 7 These are schematic diagrams illustrating two specific examples of the membrane liquid container structure according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention. Detailed Implementation

[0044] In the following description, numerous specific details are set forth in order to provide a more thorough understanding of the invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the invention may be practiced without one or more of these details. In other instances, certain technical features well-known in the art have not been described to avoid confusion with the invention. It should be understood that the invention can be embodied in various forms and should not be construed as limited to the embodiments set forth herein. Rather, the provision of these embodiments will make the disclosure thorough and complete, and will fully convey the scope of the invention to those skilled in the art. The same reference numerals denote the same elements throughout. As used herein, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are also intended to include the plural forms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. It should also be understood that the term "comprising" is used to identify the presence of features, steps, operations, elements, and / or components, but does not exclude the presence or addition of one or more other features, steps, operations, elements, components, and / or groups. As used herein, the term "and / or" includes any and all combinations of the associated listed items.

[0045] The technical solution proposed by the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments. The advantages and features of the present invention will become clearer from the following description. It should be noted that the drawings are all in a very simplified form and use non-precise proportions, and are only used to facilitate and clarify the illustration of the embodiments of the present invention.

[0046] Blood glucose monitoring is a crucial component of digital diabetes management, as blood glucose levels help assess glucose metabolism disorders in diabetic patients. One method of blood glucose monitoring is CGM (Continuous Glucose Monitor), which does not require finger-prick blood sampling. It typically involves implanting a glucose sensor (also known as a blood glucose sensor) within the body. This sensor continuously monitors the glucose concentration in the subcutaneous interstitial fluid to reflect blood glucose levels, providing continuous and comprehensive blood glucose information that helps reflect blood glucose fluctuations. Glucose sensors are a typical type of implantable biosensor in the medical device field. This application uses the coating process of a glucose sensor as an example to illustrate specific embodiments, but the scope of protection of this application should not be construed as limited to the field of glucose sensors.

[0047] Please refer to Figure 1 This demonstrates that existing biosensors require a coating process during production. The coating process typically involves the inner edge of the tank sidewall of the membrane liquid container 10 being a smooth, flat, vertical wall. A batch of sensors is clamped by a clamping mechanism and immersed into the membrane liquid container 10, which contains a sufficient amount of membrane liquid, to complete the coating.

[0048] As described in the background section, the above-mentioned coating process has some defects and needs further improvement.

[0049] Please refer to Figure 2 An embodiment of the present invention provides a membrane liquid container for coating implantable sensors such as glucose sensors. It has a single-tank structure, serving as a membrane liquid tank 20A for holding the membrane liquid for coating the implantable sensors. The membrane liquid tank 20A includes an edge region II and a central region I for holding the membrane liquid. The central region includes an immersion coating tank 200a for immersing the implantable sensor. The edge region II communicates with the central region I and extends outward relative to the central region I. The bottom wall of the edge region II is higher than the bottom wall of the immersion coating tank 200a, and the height difference between the bottom wall of the edge region II and the bottom wall of the immersion coating tank 200a is less than the set value of the coating depth for the implantable sensor. This ensures that the liquid level of the membrane liquid in the membrane liquid tank 20A is higher than the immersion coating tank 200a before entering the edge region. This causes surface depression (hydrophobic) or elevation (hydrophilic) caused by surface tension at the edge of the membrane liquid to occur only in the edge region, without interfering with the surface tension of the coating in the central region, thus ensuring the consistency of the coating depth for each implantable sensor.

[0050] In this embodiment, the membrane liquid tank 20A includes an edge region II and a central region I for holding the membrane liquid. The edge region II communicates with the central region I and extends outward relative to the central region I. The edge region II is used to cope with the surface tension of the liquid, and the central region I is used for the immersion and coating of batch implantable sensors.

[0051] As an example, such as Figure 2 As shown, edge region II includes a stepped area 21 and an outer tank sidewall 20, while central region I includes an inner tank sidewall 22 and an immersion coating tank 200a for immersing an implantable sensor. The inner tank sidewall 22 surrounds the outer side of the immersion coating tank 200a and connects to the inner side of the stepped area 21, while the outer tank sidewall 20 surrounds the outer side of the stepped area 21 and connects to the outer side of the stepped area 21. The outer tank sidewall 20 is used to limit the overflow of the membrane solution. The upper surface of the stepped area 21 is higher than the bottom wall of the immersion coating tank 200a, and the height difference h1 between the upper edge of edge region II (i.e., the upper edge of the outer tank sidewall 20) and the bottom wall of the immersion coating tank 200a is greater than the set value of the coating depth of the implantable sensor to be coated.

[0052] Optionally, the height of the step area 21 (i.e., the height difference h2 between the upper surface of the step area 21 and the bottom wall of the dip coating tank 200a) is lower than the coating depth required for the implantable sensor (i.e., the coating depth setting value of the implantable sensor). Thus, during coating, the upper end of the coating area of ​​the implantable sensor is higher than the step area 21 and lower than the upper edge of the outer tank sidewall 20.

[0053] The dip coating tank 200a in the central region I is surrounded by the inner tank sidewall 22, which can be any suitable shape capable of accommodating a clamping mechanism for holding several implanted sensors, such as a tank with a cross-section of polygon, circle or any other suitable shape.

[0054] As an example, the inner wall of the inner groove sidewall 22 is a smooth and flat vertical groove sidewall.

[0055] As an example, the inner wall of the outer tank sidewall 20 is a smooth and flat vertical tank sidewall, and the height of the inner wall of the outer tank sidewall 20 is h1-h2. The outer wall of the outer tank sidewall 20 is also a smooth and flat vertical tank sidewall. The upper edge of the outer wall of the outer tank sidewall 20 is flush with the upper edge of the inner wall of the outer tank sidewall 20, and the lower edge of the outer wall of the outer tank sidewall 20 is flush with the outer bottom surface of the immersion coating tank 200a. Thus, the outer tank sidewall 20 surrounds the stepped area 21, the inner tank sidewall 22, and the immersion coating tank 200a. The stepped area 21, the inner tank sidewall 22, and the immersion coating tank 200a are not visible from the side, making the outer surface structure of the membrane liquid tank simple and smooth.

[0056] As another example, the outer tank sidewall 20 is a short tank wall that extends directly upward from the outer edge of the stepped area. The bottom of the outer tank sidewall 20 is suspended, which exposes the bottom outer surface of the stepped area 21 and the outer surface of the inner tank sidewall 22, thereby saving material in the membrane liquid tank.

[0057] It should be understood that the setting of step area 21 is actually equivalent to... Figure 1 The edge of the membrane liquid tank shown is expanded outwards, and the upper part of the membrane liquid tank 20A is expanded outwards through the stepped area 21, increasing the surface area of ​​the membrane liquid. This increases the distance between the implanted sugar sensor located in the edge region and the sidewall of the tank during mass production, ensuring that the usable area for coating in the central region remains unchanged or even increases compared to the prior art. On the one hand, the edge region II is not used for mass coating, thereby avoiding or even eliminating the influence of liquid surface tension (the membrane liquid sinks or rises at the edge due to contact with the inner edge of the tank sidewall of the membrane liquid container) on the coating depth of the implanted sensor located in the edge region during mass production, which is in the prior art. This makes the coating depth of the implanted sensor near the outer tank sidewall 20 of the membrane liquid container consistent with that of the implanted sensor located in the central region I of the membrane liquid container, thus meeting the coating consistency requirements during mass coating. This method is simple to operate and easy to implement. Furthermore, the stepped area 21 makes the upper part of the film solution tank 20A wider and the lower part narrower. Therefore, by setting the stepped area 21, the amount of film solution used in the edge areas can be minimized, ensuring that even if film is not applied in batches in the edge areas, there is no significant waste of film solution. This structure balances the effects of avoiding surface tension and saving film solution usage, without adding manufacturing steps and is easy to implement, achieving the goal of cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

[0058] Please continue to refer to this. Figure 2 In this embodiment, optionally, the central region I of the membrane liquid tank 20A is further provided with a plurality of protrusions 23 distributed in a matrix in the dip coating tank 200a. The protrusions 23 are spaced apart from each other, and the membrane liquid contained in the membrane liquid tank 20A flows between the protrusions 23 through the gaps between the protrusions 23.

[0059] It should be understood that the protrusion 23 is mainly used to occupy space in the central region I of the membrane liquid tank 20A, thereby reducing the volume of the central region I of the membrane liquid tank 20A. In this way, while ensuring that the liquid level of the membrane liquid it holds meets the expectations, the amount of injection required to hold the membrane liquid is reduced (i.e., the amount of membrane liquid contained is reduced). In this embodiment, the position, arrangement, shape, size and other settings of the protrusion 23 meet the following conditions: (1) The area in the immersion coating tank 200a that can be coated matches the immersion and mounting position when the implantable sensor is coated in batches (for example, the spacing between each protrusion 23 matches the multiple implantable sensors held by the needle bar 31); (2) It can ensure the coating depth required to achieve the implantable sensor; (3) It will not bring additional liquid surface tension effects.

[0060] Therefore, the protrusion 23 can be disposed on the bottom wall of the dip coating tank 200a, or on the inner side wall 22 below the step area 21. The height of the protrusion 23 should be lower than the height of the film liquid during coating, that is, the protrusion 23 should not be exposed on the surface of the film liquid, thereby avoiding new surface depression (hydrophobic) or elevation (hydrophilic) caused by surface tension due to the protrusion 23 on the surface of the film liquid, thereby avoiding the problem of inconsistent coating depth caused when the film is placed in the central region I. In some embodiments, the height of the upper edge of the protrusion 23 can be set to be lower than the bottom wall of the edge region and higher than the bottom wall of the dip coating tank to ensure that the protrusion 23 is not exposed on the surface of the film liquid, thereby avoiding affecting the surface stability of the film liquid in the central region I.

[0061] As an example, the protrusions 23 are provided on the bottom wall of the dip coating tank 200a, all of which are strip-shaped and arranged in a matrix. The top height of the protrusions 23 is not higher than the coating depth required for the implantable sensor. The edge region may include a stepped area 21 and an outer tank sidewall 20 extending upward from the outer edge of the stepped area 21. The outer tank sidewall 20 is used to limit the overflow of the membrane liquid. When the coating depth required for the implantable sensor is higher than the height of the top of the stepped area 21, the top height of the protrusions 23 is level with or lower than the height of the top of the stepped area 21.

[0062] As another example, edge region II can also consist only of step region 21, the area defined by step region 21 extending outward relative to the top opening of the dip coating tank 200a, so that the membrane liquid tank 20A has a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom. In this case, the step region can be any suitable structure, such as a structure with multiple steps, a structure with a slope, or a structure with a concave surface. Regardless of the outward expansion structure of the step region, the coating depth required for the implanted sensor is no higher than the top height of the step region (i.e., the upper edge height of the step region).

[0063] Alternatively, the top height of the protrusion 23 is lower than the top height of the step area 21.

[0064] It should be understood that the protrusion 23 is equivalent to dividing the dip coating tank 200a into multiple coating areas, each coating area being associated with a clamping mechanism for the implanted sensor (such as...). Figure 5A The clamping area (as shown) Figure 5A Corresponding to the needle-holding strip 31 shown in the figure, and these coating areas can be interconnected through the gaps between the protrusions 23, ensuring the fluidity of the membrane liquid in the membrane liquid tank 20A. This ensures that the changes in the liquid level and concentration of the membrane liquid at each position in the membrane liquid tank 20A are always consistent, thereby ensuring the consistency of the coating depth and coating quality of the implantable sensor during batch coating.

[0065] Typically, the membrane solution used in the coating of implantable sensors such as glucose sensors generally contains highly volatile materials such as ethanol. To address the issues of solution loss and large concentration changes caused by membrane solution evaporation during the coating process, which can negatively impact coating quality, please refer to [reference needed]. Figure 3 and Figure 4 In another embodiment of the present invention, the membrane solution container includes, in addition to the membrane solution tank 20A, an atmosphere tank 20B and an atmosphere tank cover 20C. The membrane solution tank 20A is disposed in the atmosphere tank 20B. The area between the sidewall 24 of the atmosphere tank 20B and the outer sidewall 20 of the membrane solution tank 20A is filled with a volatile atmosphere solution. The evaporation of the atmosphere solution results in a high-concentration atmosphere around the membrane solution tank 20A, thereby greatly reducing the loss of membrane solution due to evaporation during the coating process.

[0066] The composition of the atmospheric solution can be the same as or different from the composition of the film solution contained in the film solution tank 20A. However, its composition must be able to inhibit the evaporation of the film solution contained in the film solution tank 20A without affecting the coating effect. The atmospheric tank cover 20c is closed onto the atmospheric tank 20b, sealing the atmospheric gas generated by the evaporation of the atmospheric solution in the atmospheric tank 20B, thus forming an atmosphere that inhibits the evaporation of the film solution contained in the film solution tank 20A. The higher the concentration of the formed atmosphere, the more significant the inhibitory effect on film solution evaporation.

[0067] Optionally, the top height of the atmosphere tank 20B is higher than the top height of the membrane liquid tank 20A (i.e., the upper edge height of the tank sidewall 24 is higher than the upper edge height of the edge area), thereby providing a certain space for the clamping mechanism that holds the implanted sensor during the coating process, preventing the implanted sensor from touching the bottom wall of the membrane liquid tank 20A and preventing the top of the clamping mechanism from touching the tank sidewall 24.

[0068] It should be noted that the membrane liquid height is a real-time value of the liquid level in the membrane liquid tank, which can be dynamically changed. The protrusions should not be exposed on the surface of the membrane liquid to avoid additional sinking (hydrophobic) or rising (hydrophilic) of the membrane liquid due to surface tension. The coating depth setting, on the other hand, is pre-set according to the actual design requirements of the product and is the ideal depth to which the implanted sensor is immersed in the membrane liquid from its upper surface. The coating depth setting is a fixed value for products in the same batch. Generally, the membrane liquid height needs to be greater than the coating depth setting.

[0069] To further reduce membrane solution evaporation, the atmosphere tank cover 20C can be configured to open only when the implanted sensor enters or exits the membrane solution container and when it is immersed in the membrane solution in the membrane solution tank 20A for coating; otherwise, it should remain closed. With the atmosphere tank cover 20C closed, the internal space formed between the atmosphere tank 20B and the atmosphere tank cover 20C is sealed, preventing atmospheric gas leakage. Since the membrane solution tank 20A is located within this internal space, the atmospheric gas within it suppresses membrane solution evaporation in the membrane solution tank 20A, thereby further reducing losses due to evaporation and improving membrane solution utilization.

[0070] Please refer to Figure 5A ,use Figure 3 and Figure 4 The process of batch coating implantable sensors using the membrane fluid container shown is briefly described as follows: First, several implantable sensors 40 are evenly arranged on the needle holder strips 31 of the clamping mechanism 30A and clamped and fixed. Then, the needle holder strips 31 are sequentially placed into the needle holder plate 30 of the clamping mechanism 30A and fixed. Next, the atmosphere tank cover 20C is opened, and the needle holder plate 30 is moved at a certain speed by manual or robotic movement, so that the needle holder plate 30 carrying the implantable sensors 40 is immersed in the membrane fluid tank 20A containing a sufficient amount of membrane fluid, thereby completing the coating process in the atmosphere provided by the atmosphere tank 20B. This coating process is usually short, so the atmosphere tank 20B can still provide an atmospheric gas of a corresponding concentration during this coating process, thereby reducing the loss of membrane fluid due to evaporation during the coating process. In addition, during this coating process, under the combined action of the protrusion 23, the connecting groove 22, and the step area 21, the coating depth of all implantable sensors 40 carried on the needle holder plate 30 is basically the same.

[0071] To better illustrate the technical effects of this embodiment, Figure 5A The membrane liquid container shown and Figure 1 The coating results of the membrane liquid containers shown are compared and analyzed. Figure 5A The membrane liquid tank 20A of the membrane liquid container shown is in Figure 1 This embodiment is an improvement on the membrane liquid container shown. The area enclosed by the sidewall of the membrane liquid tank 20A of the membrane liquid container is... Figure 1The areas enclosed by the sidewalls of the membrane fluid containers shown are all of uniform depth, allowing for batch coating of the same specifications and quantity. For example, it can accommodate four needle holders, each capable of clamping 10 implantable sensors, with a coating depth set to 5mm. Figure 5A The membrane liquid container shown and Figure 1 Compared to the membrane liquid container shown, this embodiment adds an atmosphere tank 20B, an atmosphere tank cover 20C, several protrusions 23, a connecting groove 22, and a stepped area 21. The membrane liquid container of this embodiment and... Figure 1 The coating results of the membrane liquid container shown are as follows: Figure 5B , Figure 5B The comparative analysis of intermediate coating depth data (unit: mm) is shown in the table below:

[0072]

[0073]

[0074] The mean difference, maximum value, minimum value, and range of coating depth in the prior art and the solution of this embodiment are shown in the following table (unit: mm):

[0075] mean Maximum value Minimum value Range variance Existing technology 4.98 5.66 4.28 1.38 0.084065641 This embodiment 5.01 5.16 4.84 0.32 0.007951522

[0076] The membrane liquid container and in this embodiment Figure 1 The schematic diagram of the coating result of the membrane liquid container is shown below. Figure 5B As shown. Combined with Figure 5B As can be clearly seen from the data in the table above, the coating depth data achieved by the membrane liquid container in this embodiment has smaller fluctuations and is closer to its set coating depth value (e.g., 5 mm). Furthermore, the coating depth of the implanted sensor near the inner tank sidewall 22 of the immersion coating tank has a very small fluctuation compared to the coating depth of the implanted sensor in the central region II. Therefore, this also proves that compared with the prior art, the optimized structural design of the membrane liquid container of this invention can significantly reduce the influence of membrane liquid surface tension on the coating result. For example, it reduces the range from 1.38 mm to 0.32 mm and the variance from 0.08 to 0.007, significantly improving the consistency of coating depth and facilitating the acquisition of a more stable implanted sensor.

[0077] Furthermore, the membrane solution has a relatively short lifespan and generally needs to be prepared and used on the same day. Based on the above immersion coating method, after coating, any remaining membrane solution is discarded; the more discarded solution, the greater the waste. To maximize the utilization rate of the membrane solution, please refer to... Figure 6In another embodiment of the present invention, a liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 is added above the membrane liquid tank 20A of the membrane liquid container. The liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 can communicate with the moving mechanism. The liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 monitors the liquid level of the membrane liquid contained in the membrane liquid tank 20A in real time. Based on this, the amount of membrane liquid consumed in the coating process can be obtained (as a liquid level height related information). Then, the liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 cooperates with the moving mechanism such as the robot arm. When it detects that the liquid level has dropped but the liquid level height is higher than the critical value, it can temporarily not issue a liquid replenishment reminder to the user. Instead, it increases the downward displacement of the clamping mechanism to compensate for the coating depth of the implanted sensor held by the clamping mechanism, ensuring that the coating depth is close to the coating depth set value. This design helps to reduce the frequency of liquid replenishment and improve the utilization rate of membrane liquid.

[0078] Alternatively, when the liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 detects that the liquid level of the membrane liquid in the membrane liquid tank 20A has dropped to or below the critical value, it will promptly issue a liquid replenishment reminder to the user, so that the user can replenish the membrane liquid in the membrane liquid tank 20A in a timely manner before or after coating, thus avoiding the problem of unqualified coating quality due to low liquid level.

[0079] It should be understood that the liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 can be composed of any suitable electronic components; for example, please refer to... Figure 7 The liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 includes a liquid level sensor and a display screen 27, both of which can be mounted on the atmosphere tank cover 20C.

[0080] Furthermore, in one embodiment of the present invention, the membrane fluid container further includes an automatic replenishment mechanism (not shown). The liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 communicates with the automatic replenishment mechanism (not shown). When the liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 detects that the liquid level of the membrane fluid in the membrane fluid tank 20A has dropped to or below a critical value, the automatic replenishment mechanism automatically adds membrane fluid to the membrane fluid tank 20A. The automatic replenishment mechanism can be composed of any suitable mechanical components and electronic devices, such as including pipes connecting to the membrane fluid tank 20A, a robotic arm, and electronic valves, etc.

[0081] The combined use of the automatic liquid replenishment mechanism and the liquid level monitoring mechanism 26 can automatically monitor the consumption height (i.e., the drop height) of the membrane liquid and automatically compensate for this consumption (i.e., achieve automatic liquid level compensation), adjusting the coating depth in real time or promptly. This eliminates the need for manual liquid replenishment and ensures that the coating depth remains constant across multiple batches of implantable sensors, avoiding the problem of insufficient coating depth caused by a drop in the membrane liquid level. Consequently, the membrane liquid in the immersion coating tank can coat more batches of implantable sensors, greatly improving the membrane liquid utilization rate and reducing the amount of membrane liquid used to some extent. It also reduces the waste of membrane liquid during post-production cleaning (remaining membrane liquid will be discarded), thus minimizing membrane liquid waste.

[0082] Please refer to Figures 2 to 7 Based on the same inventive concept, one embodiment of the present invention also provides a coating device, which includes a clamping mechanism 30A and a membrane liquid container as described in any embodiment of the present invention.

[0083] The clamping mechanism 30A is used to clamp several implantable sensors and immerse the clamped implantable sensors into the membrane liquid contained in the membrane liquid container to achieve batch coating.

[0084] The clamping mechanism 30A can be any suitable structural design, and the present invention does not impose any specific limitations on it.

[0085] Optionally, the clamping mechanism 30A includes a needle-holding disk 30 and a plurality of needle-holding strips 31. The needle-holding strips 31 are arranged in parallel on the needle-holding disk 30, and the needle-holding strips 31 can provide clamping positions for uniformly clamping implantable sensors, so that implantable sensors that need to be coated in batches can be evenly arranged on the needle-holding strips and clamped. The spacing between the protrusions in the membrane liquid container needs to be matched with the multiple implantable sensors clamped by the needle-holding strips 31.

[0086] Optionally, the coating equipment further includes a moving mechanism (not shown), which may include components such as a robotic arm (not shown). This moving mechanism is used to move the clamping mechanism to immerse the implanted sensor held by the clamping mechanism into the membrane solution in the membrane solution container or to detach the implanted sensor held by the clamping mechanism from the membrane solution in the membrane solution container. In other words, the moving mechanism can move the clamping mechanism to allow the implanted sensor to enter and exit the coating tank, and can adjust the height difference between the bottom of the implanted sensor and the bottom wall of the coating tank, as well as adjust the horizontal position of the implanted sensor in the coating tank.

[0087] Please refer to Figures 2 to 7 Based on the same inventive concept, an embodiment of the present invention also provides a coating method for an implantable sensor, comprising:

[0088] The clamping mechanism is loaded with multiple implantable sensors, and the clamping mechanism is moved above the membrane fluid tank of the membrane fluid container as described in any of the foregoing embodiments of the present invention;

[0089] The clamping mechanism holds multiple implantable sensors, which are then immersed in the membrane liquid in the central area of ​​the membrane liquid tank. The immersion depth of the multiple implantable sensors in the membrane liquid is controlled to be the coating depth set value.

[0090] In some embodiments, the coating method further includes at least one of the following steps:

[0091] (1) Before coating, the liquid level monitoring mechanism senses the liquid level height in the membrane liquid tank and feeds back the membrane liquid height information to the moving mechanism. The moving mechanism adjusts the downward distance according to the membrane liquid height information and the coating depth setting value to control the depth of multiple implanted sensors immersed in the membrane liquid during coating.

[0092] (2) Before or after coating, the atmosphere tank cover is closed onto the atmosphere tank and the atmosphere gas generated by the evaporation of the atmosphere solution in the atmosphere tank and the film liquid tank are sealed inside. When coating, the atmosphere tank cover is opened.

[0093] (3) Before or after coating, the liquid level monitoring mechanism senses the liquid level in the membrane liquid tank and feeds back the membrane liquid level information to the user or the automatic liquid replenishment mechanism.

[0094] The effects and possible implementation methods of each step of the above coating method have been described in the embodiments of the membrane liquid container and the coating equipment, and will not be repeated here.

[0095] In summary, the technical solution of this invention optimizes the structure of the membrane liquid container. On the one hand, it reduces the amount of membrane liquid used while ensuring the same coating depth and coating quantity. On the other hand, during batch coating, it minimizes the impact of surface tension on the coating depth of the sensor while using as little membrane liquid as possible. The amount of membrane liquid added to the container each time is reduced by at least one-third compared to existing technologies. Furthermore, the addition of an atmosphere tank and atmosphere tank cover significantly reduces the amount of membrane liquid evaporation during the coating process. In addition, the cooperation between the liquid level monitoring mechanism and the moving mechanism enables automatic compensation of the coating depth, improving the efficiency of membrane liquid utilization. The coating equipment with the membrane liquid container and the coating method used in conjunction with the membrane liquid container also have the aforementioned technical effects, balancing the avoidance of the influence of surface tension and the saving of membrane liquid usage. They are easy to implement without adding manufacturing steps, achieving the goal of cost reduction and efficiency improvement.

[0096] The above description is only a description of preferred embodiments of the present invention and is not intended to limit the scope of the present invention in any way. Any changes or modifications made by those skilled in the art based on the above disclosure shall fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A membrane liquid container, characterized in that, A membrane solution tank is provided for holding membrane solution for mass coating of implantable sensors. The membrane solution tank includes an edge region and a central region for holding the membrane solution. The central region includes an immersion coating tank for immersing and coating a batch of implantable sensors. The edge region communicates with the central region and extends outward around the central region. The bottom wall of the edge region is higher than the bottom wall of the immersion coating tank, and the height difference between the bottom wall of the edge region and the bottom wall of the immersion coating tank is less than the coating depth setting value of the implantable sensor. The liquid level of the membrane solution in the membrane solution tank is higher than that of the immersion coating tank and enters the edge region to ensure the consistency of the coating depth of the implantable sensors mass-coated in the central region. The central region also includes a plurality of protrusions distributed in a matrix in the immersion coating tank. The protrusions are spaced apart from each other, and the membrane solution held in the membrane solution tank can flow in the gaps between the protrusions.

2. The membrane liquid container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The edge region includes a stepped area and an outer tank sidewall, and the central region includes an inner tank sidewall. The inner tank sidewall is arranged around the outside of the dip coating tank and connects to the inner side of the stepped area. The outer tank sidewall is arranged around the outside of the stepped area and connects to the outside of the stepped area. The stepped area is the bottom wall of the edge region.

3. The membrane liquid container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, The edge region includes a stepped area, and the area defined by the stepped area expands outward relative to the top opening of the dip coating tank, so that the membrane liquid tank has a structure that is wider at the top and narrower at the bottom.

4. The membrane liquid container as described in claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a liquid level monitoring mechanism for monitoring the liquid level of the membrane solution in the dip coating tank; the liquid level monitoring mechanism is communicatively connected to at least one of the user, automatic liquid replenishment mechanism or moving mechanism to provide feedback on liquid level information or liquid level correlation information.

5. The membrane liquid container as described in claim 4, characterized in that, The moving mechanism is used to automatically compensate the descent height of the implanted sensor based on the liquid level height information or liquid level height association information, so as to automatically compensate the coating depth of the implanted sensor.

6. The membrane liquid container as described in claim 5, characterized in that, When the liquid level of the membrane solution drops to or below a critical value, a liquid replenishment reminder is issued to the user; or, an automatic liquid replenishment mechanism is included to automatically add membrane solution to the dip coating tank when the liquid level of the membrane solution drops to or below a critical value.

7. The membrane liquid container according to any one of claims 1-6, characterized in that, It also includes an atmosphere tank and an atmosphere tank cover, wherein the membrane liquid tank is disposed in the atmosphere tank and the atmosphere tank is filled with a volatile atmosphere solution.

8. The membrane liquid container as described in claim 7, characterized in that, When the membrane liquid container has a liquid level monitoring mechanism, the liquid level monitoring mechanism includes a liquid level sensor and a display screen mounted on the atmosphere tank cover.

9. A coating apparatus for coating an implantable sensor, characterized in that, include: Membrane liquid container as described in any one of claims 1-8; as well as, A clamping mechanism is used to clamp an implantable sensor and immerse the clamped implantable sensor in the membrane fluid contained in the membrane fluid container.

10. The coating equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, The clamping mechanism includes a needle holding plate and a plurality of needle holding strips. The needle holding strips are arranged on the needle holding plate and are used to clamp multiple implantable sensors. The spacing between each protrusion is matched to the multiple implantable sensors clamped by the needle holding strips.

11. The coating equipment as described in claim 9, characterized in that, It also includes a moving mechanism for moving the clamping mechanism to immerse the implantable sensor held by the clamping mechanism into the membrane fluid or to detach the implantable sensor held by the clamping mechanism from the membrane fluid.

12. A coating method for an implantable sensor, characterized in that, include: The clamping mechanism is loaded with multiple implantable sensors, and the clamping mechanism is moved above the membrane fluid tank of the membrane fluid container as described in any one of claims 1-8; The plurality of implantable sensors held by the clamping mechanism are immersed in the membrane liquid contained in the central region of the membrane liquid tank, and the immersion depth of the plurality of implantable sensors in the membrane liquid is controlled to be the coating depth set value.

13. The coating method as described in claim 12, characterized in that, It also includes at least one of the following steps: (1) Before coating, the liquid level monitoring mechanism senses the liquid level height in the membrane liquid tank and feeds back the membrane liquid height information to the moving mechanism. The moving mechanism is adjusted according to the membrane liquid height information and the coating depth setting value to control the depth of the plurality of implanted sensors immersed in the membrane liquid during coating. (2) Before or after coating, the atmosphere tank cover is closed onto the atmosphere tank and the atmosphere gas generated by the evaporation of the atmosphere solution in the atmosphere tank and the film liquid tank are sealed inside. When coating, the atmosphere tank cover is opened. (3) Before or after coating, the liquid level monitoring mechanism senses the liquid level in the membrane liquid tank and feeds back the membrane liquid level information or liquid level correlation information to the user or the automatic liquid replenishment mechanism.

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