Analyte Sensor Insertion Device with Variable Speed Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing medical devices for continuous analyte monitoring, such as glucose monitoring in diabetes patients, face challenges in minimizing pain and tissue trauma during insertion and achieving immediate, clinically accurate readings.

Innovation Solution

The development of analyte sensor positioning devices and methods that use variable insertion speeds and anesthetic agents to minimize pain and tissue damage, allowing for rapid calibration and reduced spurious readings, with some systems requiring only one calibration and providing immediate analyte data post-positioning.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If manual insertion methods are used, then device positioning can be achieved, but pain and tissue trauma increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepain and tissue traumaVSAvoidinsertion process

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical insertion with an automated insertion device that uses controlled mechanical forces to position the sensor subcutaneously. The automated device includes a motorized actuator that advances the sensor along a defined path, reducing the need for manual manipulation and minimizing tissue trauma through precise force control.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the insertion parameters by controlling the speed, depth, and angle of sensor insertion. The automated device adjusts these parameters dynamically during the insertion process to minimize pain and tissue damage while ensuring accurate positioning in the subcutaneous tissue layer.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Loss of time

If standard insertion procedures are used, then sensor positioning is achieved, but time to obtain accurate analyte data increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetime to obtain accurate analyte dataVSAvoidanalyte data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of timeVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent performs preliminary actions during the insertion process itself, including initial sensor calibration and positioning verification, so that clinically accurate analyte data can be obtained immediately or substantially immediately after insertion. The automated device ensures proper sensor orientation and depth before deployment, eliminating the need for extended calibration periods.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms that monitor sensor positioning and analyte readings in real-time. The system adjusts sensor position or calibration parameters based on feedback signals to ensure accurate measurements are achieved rapidly after insertion.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If rapid insertion is used, then insertion time is reduced, but spurious readings increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveinsertion speedVSAvoidanalyte reading accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses dynamic control of the insertion process, adjusting the speed and forces applied during sensor deployment. The automated device accelerates and decelerates at controlled rates, maintaining optimal insertion speed while preventing tissue damage that could cause spurious readings. The system adapts insertion parameters in real-time based on tissue resistance and sensor position.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentUS10307091B2Method and apparatus for providing analyte sensor insertion

Publication Date: 2019.06.04 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC

AI summary

Devices and methods for positioning a portion of a sensor at a first predetermined location, displacing the portion of the sensor from the first predetermined location to a second predetermined location, and detecting one or signals associated with an analyte level of a patient at the second predetermined location are disclosed. Also provided are systems and kits for use in analyte monitoring.