Analyte Sensor Inserter Assembly with Dual-Spring Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional inserter assemblies for analyte sensing devices, such as continuous glucose monitoring sensors, face inefficiencies and lack of design alternatives that ensure secure and efficient insertion into subcutaneous tissue without damaging the sensor or causing discomfort.
Innovation Solution
An inserter assembly with a sensor carrier and energy storage units, including a first spring for moving the sensor carrier from a first to a second position and a second spring for retracting it to a third position, accompanied by a sensor base with an adhesive surface for secure attachment, ensuring the sensor is inserted and attached to the skin without damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a conventional inserter assembly uses a single spring mechanism for sensor insertion, then the device structure is simple, but the insertion process may cause sensor damage or discomfort to the patient
Solution Approach 1:
The inserter assembly is divided into distinct functional modules: a sensor carrier for holding the sensor, a piston for applying insertion force, a first spring for the insertion stroke, and a second spring for the retraction stroke. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function, improving overall reliability while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is pre-loaded into the sensor carrier before insertion, and the springs are pre-compressed to store the necessary energy for insertion and retraction. This preliminary preparation ensures that the sensor is positioned correctly and that the insertion force is applied smoothly and consistently, reducing the risk of sensor damage during the procedure.
2Productivity
If the sensor carrier is moved quickly during insertion, then the insertion process is faster and more efficient, but it may cause discomfort or damage to the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The first and second springs are designed to provide cushioning forces during the insertion and retraction processes. The springs absorb and distribute the mechanical energy, creating a controlled deceleration profile that prevents sudden impacts on the sensor and patient tissue. This beforehand cushioning ensures high-speed insertion without causing damage or discomfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The spring constants and pre-compression distances are carefully selected to change the force parameters during insertion and retraction. By adjusting these parameters, the system achieves optimal insertion speed while maintaining forces within safe limits for both sensor integrity and patient comfort throughout the procedure.
3Volume of moving object
If the sensor module is detached from the sensor base before insertion, then the insertion device is more compact, but the attachment process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is nested within the sensor carrier during the insertion process, allowing the inserter device to maintain a compact form factor. The sensor carrier itself is nested within the piston assembly. This nested arrangement reduces the overall volume of the moving components while keeping the attachment mechanism relatively simple through standardized interfaces.
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 inserter assembly provides a secure, efficient, and comfortable insertion process for analyte sensing devices, allowing for easy attachment to the skin and minimizing discomfort, while enabling a compact design for the inserter device.
Implementation Method 1
a first energy storage unit, wherein the first energy storage unit is activated by a deployment device placed in the insertion device
Implementation Method 2
a second energy storage unit; wherein the second energy storage unit is activated by activating means when the sensor carrier reaches its second position
Implementation Method 3
a sensor base placed at the second end of the cover, the sensor base comprising a first surface and an opposite second surface, the second surface comprising an adhesive
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments relate to an inserter assembly for inserting an analyte sensing device into subcutaneous tissue of a body. In certain embodiments, the inserter assembly generally includes an insertion device, a sensor carrier, a sensor assembly, and a sensor base. The insertion device includes a cover with a first end and an opposite second end. The sensor carrier is placed inside the cover, and includes an injection means. The sensor carrier is operable to be moved from a first position to a second position by activating a first energy storage unit, which is activated by a deployment device placed in the insertion device. The sensor assembly includes the analyte sensing device, and is adapted to be inserted and placed into the subcutaneous tissue when the sensor carrier is in the second position. The sensor base is placed at the second end of the cover, and includes an adhesive.