Adjustable Sensor Inserter for Speed and Force Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor inserter devices lack the ability to adjust insertion speed, force, and other characteristics to accommodate different patient skin types and insertion locations, potentially causing discomfort or trauma.
Innovation Solution
A sensor insertion device with adjustable features allowing users to vary insertion speed, force, and other characteristics through mechanisms such as knobs, thumbwheels, magnets, or multiple spring compression settings to suit individual patient needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high speed automatic insertion is used, then insertion efficiency is improved, but patient trauma and skin damage increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements variable speed control in the insertion device, allowing the insertion speed to be dynamically adjusted based on patient skin characteristics. The device can operate at high speeds for efficient insertion when appropriate, but can be slowed down for patients with thinner or more sensitive skin, thus resolving the contradiction between insertion efficiency and patient trauma.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the insertion device by introducing adjustable speed and force settings. This allows the insertion process to be optimized for each patient's specific skin characteristics, enabling high efficiency when conditions permit while preventing trauma when skin is more vulnerable.
2Device complexity
If fixed insertion speed is used, then device simplicity is maintained, but adaptability to different skin types is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces dynamic speed adjustment capabilities while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure. The variable speed mechanism allows the device to adapt to different skin types without requiring complete redesign, thus achieving adaptability with minimal increase in complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes (insertion speed and force) to be made within the existing device framework. This allows the same device to handle multiple skin types by adjusting parameters rather than requiring different devices, maintaining simplicity while improving versatility.
3Speed
If high insertion force is used, then insertion speed is improved, but skin trauma and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements dynamic control of insertion force, allowing the device to apply higher forces when needed for speed but reducing force when skin characteristics indicate vulnerability. This resolves the contradiction by making force application adaptive rather than fixed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables adjustment of the force parameter in the insertion process. By changing the force parameter based on patient needs, the device can achieve high insertion speeds when appropriate while preventing skin trauma when lower forces are more suitable.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables safer and more comfortable sensor insertion by tailoring the insertion process to patient-specific conditions, reducing trauma and improving overall user experience.
Implementation Method 1
a drive spring, and a shuttle
Implementation Method 2
a retraction spring, and an introducer sharp
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic sensor inserter is disclosed for placing a transcutaneous sensor into the skin of a living body. According to aspects of the invention, characteristics of the insertion such as sensor insertion speed may be varied by a user. In some embodiments, insertion speed may be varied by changing an amount of drive spring compression. The amount of spring compression may be selected from a continuous range of settings and/or it may be selected from a finite number of discrete settings. Methods associated with the use of the automatic inserter are also covered.