Analyte Sensor Applicator Assembly for Low-Pain Skin Insertion
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in vivo analyte monitoring systems face challenges in ease of use, user convenience, and pain minimization during sensor insertion, as well as packaging and user interface issues.
Innovation Solution
The development of an applicator system that includes a sensor assembly, electronics assembly, and a sharp for inserting a sensor beneath the skin, with features like a guide sleeve and locking mechanisms to facilitate easy assembly and minimize user discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If an in vivo sensor is inserted under the skin to monitor glucose levels continuously, then monitoring accuracy and convenience are improved, but user pain and insertion complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system is divided into separate components: a sensor assembly that can be inserted under the skin and an external receiver unit. The sensor assembly includes a sensor element, connector, and sharp component that work together but can be handled separately during assembly and application, reducing the complexity of the insertion process while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
An applicator assembly is introduced as an intermediary device to facilitate the insertion of the sensor under the skin. The applicator includes a sharp component that guides the sensor through the skin and a connector that interfaces with the sensor assembly, making the insertion process less painful and more controlled for the user.
2Ease of operation
If a sharp is used to pierce the skin for sensor insertion, then insertion effectiveness is improved, but user discomfort and pain increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sharp component is merged with the applicator assembly to form an integrated insertion device. The sharp is positioned within the applicator such that it guides the sensor through the skin in a controlled manner, combining the piercing function with the sensor delivery mechanism to reduce user discomfort while maintaining insertion effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly is pre-positioned within the applicator assembly before insertion, with the sharp already in place to guide it. This preliminary arrangement ensures that the sensor is correctly positioned and the sharp is properly aligned before contact with the skin, making the insertion process smoother and less painful for the user.
3Reliability
If sensor components are kept separate for user assembly, then ease of use and reliability are improved, but assembly complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connector assembly serves multiple functions: it electrically connects the sensor to the electronics, provides a mechanical interface for assembly, and includes alignment features to ensure proper positioning. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the assembly process while maintaining system reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector and sensor assembly are designed with complementary mating features that align naturally during assembly, creating an equipotential interface where components fit together easily without requiring precise manual alignment. This design reduces assembly complexity while ensuring reliable electrical and mechanical connections.
Data Source
AI summary
Devices associated with on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. These devices include any of packaging and/or loading systems, applicators and elements of the on-body sensor units themselves. Also, various approaches to connecting electrochemical analyte sensors to and/or within associated on-body analyte sensor units are disclosed. The connector approaches variously involve the use of unique sensor and ancillary element arrangements to facilitate assembly of separate electronics assemblies and sensor elements that are kept apart until the end user brings them together.