Applicator for inserting analyte sensors into the body

Abstract

This invention relates to a transmitting device for medical monitoring, and discloses an applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body, comprising: a housing; a booster disposed within the housing; an analyte sensor disposed on the booster for insertion into the body and monitoring key physiological indicators; a puncture needle assembly axially limited on the booster, with a puncture needle on the puncture needle assembly inserted into the analyte sensor; and an end cap detachably mounted on the housing, the end cap having a support portion for supporting the booster. When the end cap is removed, the support portion releases the axial limitation between the booster and the housing, causing the booster to drive the puncture needle assembly to move in a first direction and triggering the puncture needle assembly to move relative to the booster in a second direction, causing the puncture needle to retract on the analyte sensor. This achieves immediate needle retraction upon opening the end cap, avoiding the potential for delayed needle retraction, significantly reducing the risk of the puncture needle remaining in the body due to defects in the transparent adhesive, and improving the operational safety of the applicator.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to a transmitting device for medical monitoring, and more particularly to an applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body. Background Technology

[0002] In the prior art, there are various structural forms of applicators for inserting analyte sensors into the body. For example, utility model patent CN223773780U discloses an "applicator for emitting analyte sensors," which includes an auxiliary needle shell, a trigger sleeve, and a pusher core. A locking mechanism is formed by a top block on the inner wall of the auxiliary needle shell, a first limiting spring on the trigger sleeve, and a limiting hole on the pusher core. When locked, the top block abuts against the first limiting spring, and the lower end of the first limiting spring is limited within the limiting hole. When unlocked, a force is applied through the auxiliary needle shell to disengage the top block from the first limiting spring, the first limiting spring disengages from the limiting hole, and the elastic element pushes the pusher core to move. This structure eliminates the need for a window on the shell, simplifying the structure to some extent and reducing the risk of dust ingress.

[0003] However, the following problems still exist in actual production and use: On the one hand, in the manufacturing process, the analyte sensor and the puncture needle are usually assembled using transparent UV adhesive. Since both are transparent components, and the UV adhesive remains transparent after curing, it is difficult to effectively identify whether the puncture needle is adhered to the analyte sensor using conventional visual inspection after assembly. If adhesion defects exist and are not removed before leaving the factory, the puncture needle may fail to retract properly during use, and in severe cases, it may even remain directly inside the patient, causing a medical safety incident.

[0004] On the other hand, in existing similar applicators, the needle retraction trigger mechanism is mostly designed to be activated only after the cap is opened and during use, meaning the retraction of the puncture needle lags behind the cap opening. This delayed triggering mechanism means that the operator cannot immediately confirm whether the puncture needle has retracted normally after the cap is opened. If the applicator is already attached to the skin at this time, and needle retraction fails, the puncture needle will not be able to detach from the body in time, posing a significant safety hazard.

[0005] Therefore, it is necessary to improve the triggering structure and assembly process of the existing applicator to solve the problems of difficult detection of adhesion defects and delayed needle retraction. Summary of the Invention

[0006] This invention addresses the shortcomings of existing technologies by providing an applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, the present invention provides the following technical solution: An applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body includes: Housing components; The booster component is housed within the outer casing. An analytical sensor, mounted on the booster, is used to be inserted into the body and monitor key physiological indicators; The puncture needle assembly is axially limited on the pusher, and the puncture needle on the puncture needle assembly is inserted into the analyte sensor; End cap, which is detachably mounted on the housing, and the end cap has a support portion for supporting the booster; When the end cap is removed, the support part releases the axial restriction between the pusher and the outer shell, causing the pusher to drive the puncture needle assembly to move in the first direction and triggering the puncture needle assembly to move relative to the pusher in the second direction, causing the puncture needle to retract on the analyte sensor.

[0008] Preferably, the puncture needle assembly includes a needle-retrieving component. The top of the needle-retrieving component is provided with a first axial limiting surface and a second axial limiting surface. The second axial limiting surface is located below the first axial limiting surface. When the puncture needle retracts to the analyzer sensor, the axial limiting surface between the needle-retrieving component and the pusher slides from the first axial limiting surface to the second axial limiting surface.

[0009] Preferably, the upper end face of the support is provided with an upwardly protruding support bump, which supports the booster below and compresses it inside the outer shell.

[0010] Preferably, the lower end of the puncture needle assembly is detachably fitted with a sealing cap for covering the puncture needle. The sealing cap is sealed to the analyte sensor. When the end cap is removed, the support part, along with the sealing cap, separates from the analyte sensor.

[0011] Preferably, the support is provided with a mounting cavity for installing the sealing cap, and the inner wall of the mounting cavity is provided with a protruding first push block. The lower end of the sealing cap is provided with a limiting part that forms an axial limit with the first push block. When the end cap is removed, the end cap abuts against the limiting part through the first push block and removes the sealing cap from the analyzer sensor.

[0012] Preferably, the end cap is threaded or screwed to the outer shell, and the sealing cap is threaded or screwed to the needle seat of the puncture needle. The outer circumferential surface of the sealing cap is provided with a first protrusion that protrudes outward. When the end cap rotates, the first push block and the first protrusion form a radial limit and drive the sealing cap to rotate synchronously. The sealing cap is released from the limit by rotating.

[0013] Preferably, the support part is detachably connected to the end cover, and the end cover has an upwardly protruding boss with a positioning groove on the boss; the limiting part is a plug, and when the end cover is installed on the outer shell, the plug is positioned in the positioning groove.

[0014] Preferably, the housing component includes a housing and a trigger, with the housing fitted onto the trigger, the trigger fitted onto the booster, and the support extending into the trigger and connected to the booster.

[0015] Preferably, the trigger member is provided with a trigger sleeve, and the inner wall of the trigger sleeve is provided with a stepped groove for radial limiting; the pusher member is provided with a first limiting spring for hooking the puncture needle assembly. The first limiting spring is limited inside the trigger sleeve. When the pusher member moves axially in the first direction, the first limiting spring moves from the first radial limiting surface of the stepped groove to the second radial limiting surface.

[0016] Preferably, after the end cap is removed, when the outer shell applies downward pressure, the booster pushes the analyte sensor and the puncture needle assembly to move towards the epidermis simultaneously; when the soft needle of the analyte sensor is inserted into the body, the first limiting spring detaches from the trigger sleeve, and the puncture needle assembly detaches from the analyte sensor under the action of elastic force.

[0017] This invention, by adopting the above technical solutions, has significant technical effects: By designing the needle retraction trigger action during the end cap removal stage, a linkage mechanism of needle retraction upon opening the cap is realized, enabling the puncture needle to automatically retract on the analyte sensor. This effectively prevents the puncture needle from sticking to the analyte sensor, avoiding the safety hazards that may be caused by the delayed needle retraction action in traditional structures. It also significantly reduces the risk of the puncture needle remaining in the body due to defects in the transparent adhesive, improves the operational safety of the applicator, and ensures the efficiency of the medical process and patient comfort. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the first position state of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a cross-sectional view of the puncture needle after the end cap has been removed and the needle has been withdrawn.

[0020] Figure 3 yes Figure 1 A magnified view of part A in the image.

[0021] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the puncture needle assembly.

[0022] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the needle-taking component.

[0023] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the end cap structure.

[0024] Figure 7 This is a cross-sectional view of the end cap.

[0025] Figure 8 This is a structural diagram of the sealing cap in its first position.

[0026] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the sealing cap in its second position.

[0027] Figure 10 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the trigger element.

[0028] Figure 11 This is a schematic diagram of the trigger element.

[0029] Figure 12 This is a cross-sectional structural diagram of the booster component.

[0030] The names of the body parts referred to by the numbers in the above attached diagrams are as follows: 1—Outer shell, 2—Propeller, 3—Analyte sensor, 4—Puncture needle assembly, 5—End cap, 6—Support, 7—Sealing cap, 8—First elastic element, 9—Second elastic element 11—Outer shell, 111—Second protrusion, 112—Second push block 12—Trigger element, 121—Trigger sleeve, 122—Step groove, 1221—First radial limiting surface, 1222—Second radial limiting surface, 123—Second limiting spring, 124—Third limiting spring, 125—Trigger notch 21—First limiting spring, 22—Groove, 23—Boosting notch 41—Puncture needle, 42—Needle retrieval piece, 43—Needle seat, 421—First axial limiting surface, 422—Second axial limiting surface, 431—Slot 51—Boss, 52—Positioning groove 61—Supporting protrusion, 62—Mounting cavity, 63—First push block, 64—Positioning block 71—Limiting part, 72—First protrusion, 73—Clocking block Detailed Implementation

[0031] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-12 The invention will be further described in detail with reference to the embodiments. Example 1

[0032] An applicator used to insert an analyte sensor into the body, such as Figure 1-3 As shown, it includes: Housing component 1; Booster 2 is disposed inside the outer casing 1; The analyzer sensor 3, mounted on the booster 2, is used to be inserted into the body and monitor key physiological indicators; The puncture needle assembly 4 is axially limited on the pusher 2, and the puncture needle 41 on the puncture needle assembly 4 is inserted into the analyte sensor 3. End cap 5, which is detachably mounted on housing 1, and end cap 5 has a support part 6 for supporting on booster 2; When the end cap 5 is removed, the support part 6 releases the axial restriction between the pusher 2 and the outer shell 1, causing the pusher 2 to drive the puncture needle assembly 4 to move in the first direction, which is the direction towards the human skin. This triggers the puncture needle assembly 4 to move relative to the pusher 2 in the second direction, which is the direction away from the human skin. This causes the puncture needle 41 to retract on the analyte sensor 3, effectively preventing the puncture needle 41 from sticking to the analyte sensor 3. This avoids the safety hazards that may be caused by the delayed needle withdrawal action in the traditional structure, significantly improving the safety and convenience of the operation, and ensuring the efficiency of the medical process and the comfort of the patient.

[0033] like Figure 4-5 As shown, the puncture needle assembly 4 includes a needle-retrieving member 42. The top of the needle-retrieving member 42 is provided with a first axial limiting surface 421 and a second axial limiting surface 422. Both the first axial limiting surface 421 and the second axial limiting surface 422 are inclined surfaces. The second axial limiting surface 422 is located below the first axial limiting surface 421. When the puncture needle 41 retracts to the analyzer sensor 3, the axial limiting surface between the needle-retrieving member 42 and the booster 2 slides from the first axial limiting surface 421 onto the second axial limiting surface 422. Through the first axial limiting surface 421 and the second axial limiting surface 422 provided on the needle-retrieving member 42, the smooth sliding of the axial limiting surface of the puncture needle assembly 4 during needle retraction is achieved. This allows the second axial limiting surface 422 to provide stable and reliable axial limiting for the puncture needle assembly 4 in the initial needle retraction state, thereby ensuring that the puncture needle assembly 4 can be launched synchronously with the booster 2 during subsequent launch, improving the consistency and reliability of the overall operation.

[0034] like Figure 6-7 As shown, the upper end face of the support part 6 is provided with an upwardly protruding support protrusion 61. There are two support protrusions 61, and they are arc-shaped. The support protrusions 61 support the booster 2 below and compress it inside the outer shell 1, thereby achieving precise positioning and firm limiting of the booster 2 in the ready-to-launch state. This not only ensures the stability of the compressed state of the booster 2, but also provides a clear initial position for subsequent launch, which is conducive to improving the overall structural compactness and operational reliability.

[0035] like Figure 1 , 8As shown in Figure 9, a sealing cap 7 for covering the puncture needle 41 is detachably installed at the lower end of the puncture needle assembly 4. The sealing cap 7 is sealed to the analyte sensor 3. A sealing ring is installed on the top end face of the sealing cap 7. The sealing cap 7 is sealed to the analyte sensor 3 through the sealing ring. It can form an effective sealing protection for the puncture needle 41 and the analyte sensor 3 in the installed state, preventing contamination or premature triggering. When the end cap 5 is removed, the support part 6 separates from the analyte sensor 3 with the sealing cap 7, realizing the linkage disassembly of the sealing cap 7, simplifying the operation steps, and ensuring the smoothness and reliability of the separation process.

[0036] like Figure 1 , 6 As shown in Figures 8 and 9, the support part 6 has a mounting cavity 62 for mounting the sealing cap 7 at the middle position. The inner wall of the mounting cavity 62 has a first push block 63 that protrudes radially inward. The lower end of the sealing cap 7 has a limiting part 71 that forms an axial limit with the first push block 63. When the end cap 5 is removed, the end cap 5 abuts against the limiting part 71 through the first push block 63 and removes the sealing cap 7 from the analyzer sensor 3, realizing the automatic disassembly of the sealing cap 7 without additional operation steps. The structure is compact and the linkage is reliable. The support part 6 is provided with a number of positioning blocks 64 that bend inward. In this embodiment, there are four positioning blocks 64. The four positioning blocks 64 surround to form an installation cavity 62. Two of the positioning blocks 64 that are arranged opposite each other are provided with first push blocks 63, which makes the installation cavity 62 stable in shape and reliable in positioning. At the same time, the oppositely arranged first push blocks 63 can apply a balanced pushing force to the sealing cap 7 during disassembly, ensuring that the sealing cap 7 is subjected to symmetrical force and can be disassembled smoothly, thereby improving the smoothness of linkage disassembly and the overall stability of the structure.

[0037] like Figure 4 , 9 As shown, the end cap 5 is screwed into the outer shell 1, and the sealing cap 7 is screwed into the needle seat 43 of the puncture needle 41. The inner wall of the sealing cap 7 is provided with a locking block 73, and the needle seat 43 of the puncture needle 41 is provided with a locking groove 431. The locking block 73 and the locking groove 431 are engaged to lock the sealing cap 7 onto the puncture needle 41. The outer circumferential surface of the sealing cap 7 is provided with an outwardly protruding first protrusion 72. When the end cap 5 rotates, the first push block 63 and the first protrusion 72 form a radial limit and drive the sealing cap 7 to rotate synchronously. The sealing cap 7 is released from the limit by rotating and the needle seat 43, realizing that the unlocking and disassembly of the sealing cap 7 can be completed by simply rotating the end cap 5. The operation is simple and efficient, and the radial limit cooperation ensures the reliability of power transmission.

[0038] like Figure 7As shown, the support part 6 and the end cover 5 are detachably connected. The support part 6 is fastened to the positioning hole of the end cover 5 through a positioning post. In other embodiments, the support part 6 and the end cover 5 can also be connected by screws. The end cover 5 has an upwardly protruding boss 51, which is integrally formed in the middle of the end cover 5 and located directly below the mounting cavity 62. The boss 51 has a positioning groove 52. The limiting part 71 is a plug, which is inserted into the sealing cap 7 and fixedly connected to it. When the end cover 5 is installed on the outer shell 1, the plug is positioned in the positioning groove 52. This achieves stable assembly and reliable positioning of the support part 6 and the end cover 5, and the detachable connection facilitates subsequent separation operations. The overall structure is compact and the assembly accuracy is high.

[0039] like Figure 1 As shown, the outer casing 1 includes an outer casing 11 and a trigger 12. The outer casing 11 is fitted onto the trigger 12, and the trigger 12 is fitted onto the booster 2. The support part 6 extends into the trigger 12 and connects to the booster 2, enabling compact concentric assembly and precise radial positioning between the components. This effectively reduces the overall radial dimension, ensures coaxiality and operational stability, and provides a solid structural foundation for force transmission and linkage control during subsequent launch processes, thanks to the reliable connection between the support part 6 and the booster 2.

[0040] like Figure 10-12 As shown, the trigger 12 is provided with a trigger sleeve 121, and the inner wall of the trigger sleeve 121 is provided with a stepped groove 122 for radial limiting. The booster 2 is provided with a first limiting spring 21 for hooking the puncture needle assembly 4. In this embodiment, there are four first limiting springs 21. The first limiting springs 21 are limited in the trigger sleeve 121, thereby limiting the axial movement of the booster 2. When the booster 2 moves axially in the first direction, the first limiting spring 21 moves from the first radial limiting surface 1221 of the stepped groove 122 to the second radial limiting surface 1222. During this process, the puncture needle assembly 4 can slide from the first axial limiting surface 421 to the second axial limiting surface 422, realizing the needle return movement of the puncture needle assembly. This structure achieves the precise position conversion of the booster 2 and the puncture needle assembly 4 before launch by coordinating the switching of the radial limiting surface and the sliding of the axial limiting surface, ensuring the stability and reliability of the needle return action, and providing a precise initial state for subsequent synchronous launch.

[0041] After the end cap 5 is removed, when the outer shell 11 applies downward pressure, the pusher 2 drives the analyzer sensor 3 and the puncture needle assembly 4 to move towards the epidermis simultaneously. When the soft needle of the analyzer sensor 3 is inserted into the body, the first limiting spring 21 disengages from the trigger sleeve 121, and the puncture needle assembly 4 disengages from the analyzer sensor 3 under the action of elasticity, thus completing the automatic withdrawal of the puncture needle assembly 4. The implantation and withdrawal actions are precise in sequence and smooth in connection, requiring no additional operation.

[0042] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a first elastic element 8 is installed between the trigger 12 and the booster 2. The first elastic element 8 is a spring. The upper end of the trigger 12 is provided with a second limiting spring 123, and the lower end of the trigger 12 is provided with a third limiting spring 124. Both the second limiting spring 123 and the third limiting spring 124 are springs with a certain elastic deformation capability. The booster 2 is provided with a groove 22, and the inner wall of the outer shell 11 is provided with a second protrusion 111. The second protrusion 111 is a protrusion and is integrally formed on the inner wall of the outer shell 11. When the axial limiting of the booster 2 and the third limiting spring 124 is released, the booster 2 moves downward under the action of the first elastic element 8, and the second limiting spring 123 abuts against the end of the groove 22 to form an axial limiting. The second protrusion 111 abuts against the second limiting spring 123 and limits it in the groove 22, thereby preventing the booster 2 from being launched.

[0043] like Figure 1-3 As shown, a second elastic element 9 is installed between the pusher 2 and the needle retrieval member 42. The second elastic element 9 is a spring. Under the action of the second elastic element 9, the puncture needle assembly 4 retracts. The first limiting spring 21 moves relative to the first axial limiting surface 421 to the second axial limiting surface 422, and the puncture needle 41 achieves the first retraction. The first limiting spring 21 disengages from the second axial limiting surface 422, and the needle retrieval member 42 is springed open. The needle retrieval member 42 carries the puncture needle 41 to achieve the second retraction.

[0044] like Figure 2 , 10 As shown in Figure 12, the interior of the outer shell 11 is provided with a downwardly protruding second push block 112. The trigger element 12 and the pusher element 2 are respectively provided with a trigger notch 125 and a pusher notch 23. When the outer shell 11 is pressed down, the second protrusion 111 disengages from the second limiting spring 123 and causes the second limiting spring 123 to disengage from the groove 22. The second push block 112 passes through the trigger notch 125 and the pusher notch 23 in sequence and then presses on the first elastic element 8. The pusher element 2 pops outward under the action of the first elastic element 8. At this time, the analyte sensor 3 is attached to the human skin. The puncture needle assembly 4 quickly withdraws the needle after implanting the soft needle part of the analyte sensor 3 into the body. Example 2

[0045] Example 2 is basically the same as Example 1, except that the end cap 5 is threaded to the outer shell 1, the sealing cap 7 is threaded to the needle seat 43 of the puncture needle 41, the sealing cap 7 is provided with a threaded hole, the needle seat 43 is provided with an external thread, and the needle seat 43 is threaded to the sealing cap 7 through the threaded hole.

Claims

1. An applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body, characterized in that, include: Housing component (1); The booster (2) is disposed inside the outer casing (1); An analytical sensor (3) is mounted on the booster (2) for insertion into the body and monitoring key physiological indicators; The puncture needle assembly (4) is axially limited on the pusher (2), and the puncture needle (41) on the puncture needle assembly (4) is inserted into the analyte sensor (3); End cap (5), which is detachably mounted on the outer casing (1), and the end cap (5) has a support part (6) for supporting on the booster (2). When the end cap (5) is removed, the support part (6) releases the axial limit between the pusher (2) and the outer shell (1), so that the pusher (2) drives the puncture needle assembly (4) to move in the first direction and triggers the puncture needle assembly (4) to move in the second direction relative to the pusher (2), so that the puncture needle (41) retracts on the analyzer sensor (3).

2. The applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body according to claim 1, characterized in that: The puncture needle assembly (4) includes a needle take-up member (42). The top of the needle take-up member (42) is provided with a first axial limiting surface (421) and a second axial limiting surface (422). The second axial limiting surface (422) is located below the first axial limiting surface (421). When the puncture needle (41) retracts into the analyzer sensor (3), the axial limiting surface between the needle take-up member (42) and the pusher (2) slides from the first axial limiting surface (421) onto the second axial limiting surface (422).

3. The applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body according to claim 1, characterized in that: The upper end face of the support part (6) is provided with an upwardly protruding support bump (61), which supports the booster (2) below and compresses it inside the outer shell (1).

4. The applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body according to claim 1, characterized in that: The lower end of the puncture needle assembly (4) is detachably fitted with a sealing cap (7) for covering the puncture needle (41). The sealing cap (7) is sealed to the analyte sensor (3). When the end cap (5) is removed, the support part (6) separates from the analyte sensor (3) along with the sealing cap (7).

5. The applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body according to claim 4, characterized in that: The support (6) is provided with an installation cavity (62) for installing the sealing cap (7). The inner wall of the installation cavity (62) is provided with a protruding first push block (63). The lower end of the sealing cap (7) is provided with a limiting part (71) that forms an axial limit with the first push block (63). When the end cap (5) is removed, the end cap (5) abuts against the limiting part (71) through the first push block (63) and removes the sealing cap (7) from the analyzer sensor (3).

6. The applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body according to claim 5, characterized in that: The end cap (5) is threaded or screwed to the outer shell (1), and the sealing cap (7) is threaded or screwed to the needle seat (43) of the puncture needle (41). The outer circumferential surface of the sealing cap (7) is provided with a first protrusion (72) that protrudes outward. When the end cap (5) rotates, the first push block (63) and the first protrusion (72) form a radial limit and drive the sealing cap (7) to rotate synchronously. The sealing cap (7) is released from the limit by rotating and the needle seat (43).

7. The applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body according to claim 5, characterized in that: The support part (6) is detachably connected to the end cover (5). The end cover (5) has an upward protrusion (51) inside, and a positioning groove (52) is provided on the protrusion (51). The limiting part (71) is a plug. When the end cover (5) is installed on the outer shell (1), the plug is positioned in the positioning groove (52).

8. The applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body according to any one of claims 1-7, characterized in that: The outer casing (1) includes an outer casing (11) and a trigger (12). The outer casing (11) is fitted onto the trigger (12), and the trigger (12) is fitted onto the booster (2). The support (6) extends into the trigger (12) and is connected to the booster (2).

9. The applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body according to claim 8, characterized in that: The trigger member (12) is provided with a trigger sleeve (121), and the inner wall of the trigger sleeve (121) is provided with a stepped groove (122) for radial limiting; the pusher (2) is provided with a first limiting spring (21) for hooking the puncture needle assembly (4), and the first limiting spring (21) is limited in the trigger sleeve (121). When the pusher (2) moves axially in the first direction, the first limiting spring (21) moves from the first radial limiting surface (1221) of the stepped groove (122) to the second radial limiting surface (1222).

10. The applicator for inserting an analyte sensor into the body according to claim 9, characterized in that: After the end cap (5) is removed, when the outer shell (11) applies downward pressure, the pusher (2) drives the analyte sensor (3) and the puncture needle assembly (4) to move towards the epidermis at the same time; when the soft needle of the analyte sensor (3) is inserted into the body, the first limiting spring (21) disengages from the trigger sleeve (121), and the puncture needle assembly (4) disengages from the analyte sensor (3) under the action of the elastic force.

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