Air-Tight Desiccating Sensor Container for Subcutaneous Implantation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for manufacturing and implanting physiological parameter sensors are cumbersome, costly, and inconvenient, with separate production processes for sensors and implanters, and the implantation process can cause discomfort due to inefficiencies and lack of a sterile, dry environment.
Innovation Solution
A desiccating container with an air-tight housing, implanting module, detachable module, and desiccating element maintains a dry environment for sensors, integrating implanting and extracting functions, and allows for painless implantation by releasing a force to insert the sensor into the subcutaneous portion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is sealed in a container with a desiccant to maintain a dry sanitary condition, then the sensor's moisture protection and sterility are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases due to separate production processes of the container and implanter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor container and implanter into a single integrated device. The housing contains both the desiccant for moisture protection and the implanting mechanism, eliminating the need for separate production and assembly of container and implanter, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining sensor protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it protects the sensor, contains the desiccant for moisture absorption, provides the implanting mechanism, and acts as the final delivery device. This multi-functionality consolidates what would otherwise be separate components, reducing overall manufacturing complexity and cost.
2Ease of manufacture
If the sensor and implanter are assembled separately before use, then the manufacturing process remains simple, but the user experience deteriorates due to inconvenient assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the sensor, desiccant, and implanting mechanism into a single pre-assembled unit, the device eliminates the need for user assembly. The housing contains all components in their final positions, allowing users to simply attach the device to the skin without any assembly steps.
Solution Approach 2:
All assembly operations are performed in advance during manufacturing. The sensor is pre-positioned within the housing, the desiccant is pre-installed, and the implanting mechanism is pre-configured. This preliminary action transfers the assembly burden from the user to the manufacturing process, simplifying user operation.
3Ease of operation
If the container is opened to assemble the sensor, then the implantation can proceed, but the sensor may be exposed to moisture and contamination, compromising its integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-positioned within the housing in its final implantation location. The housing is designed to be attached directly to the skin without opening, allowing the sensor to be implanted through the housing wall or via a needle mechanism while remaining protected until implantation is complete.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing acts as an intermediary protective barrier that allows implantation without direct exposure of the sensor to the external environment. The implanting mechanism transfers the sensor through the housing wall or uses a needle to deliver the sensor subcutaneously while maintaining the sealed environment until the moment of implantation.
4Productivity
If a traditional implantation method is used without integrated force release mechanism, then the implantation can be performed, but the process causes discomfort and pain to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The housing is pre-loaded with an elastic element that stores mechanical energy. When the housing is attached to the skin, this stored energy is automatically released to drive the implanting needle through the skin and deliver the sensor subcutaneously. This preliminary energy storage eliminates the need for manual pushing or complex actuation mechanisms during implantation.
Solution Approach 2:
The elastic element automatically converts stored mechanical energy into the implantation action. The system self-actuates upon attachment to the skin, requiring no additional user input or external power source during the implantation process. The force is generated and applied automatically, reducing implantation time and patient discomfort.
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
The solution reduces manufacturing costs, ensures sensor integrity and accuracy by maintaining dryness, and provides a hygienic, painless implantation process.
Implementation Method 1
a desiccating element configured to maintain a dry environment for the sensor
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
An air-tight desiccating container (100) for storing therein a sensor (72) to be implanted into a subcutaneous portion of a living body is disclosed. The air-tight desiccating container (100) includes a housing (11), an implanting module (30), a detachable module mounted on the housing (11), a bottom cover (20) and a desiccating element (60). The housing (11) includes an accommodating space (14) and a bottom opening having a first joint portion. The implanting module (30) is mounted in the housing (11) and includes a needle implanting device (33) and a needle extracting device (35). The detachable module includes the sensor (72) having a chemical reagent (720) for measuring a physiological signal from the living body having a skin surface and a lower mount base (50) configured to assemble the sensor (72) thereon. The bottom cover (20) is detachably coupled to the bottom opening, and has a second joint portion.