Analyte Sensor Reserve Loop for Insertion Cannula
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous monitoring systems for analyte concentrations, such as blood glucose, require complex handling steps for establishing electrical contact between the analyte sensor and electronics unit, which can lead to technical malfunctions and increased production costs due to strict mechanical and electrical tolerances, making them inconvenient for users.
Innovation Solution
A medical device with an analyte sensor and electronics unit where the sensor is partially housed within an insertion cannula that moves between extended and retracted positions, featuring a reserve loop for compensating insertion path changes, allowing for a secure and simplified electrical connection without the need for user-mediated contact establishment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If user-mediated electrical contact establishment is required, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability decreases and ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the electrical contact establishment function into the insertion process itself. The insertion cannula integrates both mechanical insertion and electrical contact functions, eliminating the need for separate user-mediated contact steps. The cannula's movement automatically establishes electrical connection between the analyte sensor and electronics unit, resolving the contradiction by combining functions that were previously separate.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs electrical contact establishment automatically through the insertion cannula's movement, without requiring user intervention. The cannula self-actuates to create electrical connection as it moves between extended and retracted positions, making the system self-serving and eliminating reliability issues associated with user error.
2Manufacturing precision
If strict mechanical and electrical tolerances are enforced, then manufacturing precision improves, but production costs increase and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operational parameters of the insertion cannula, allowing it to move between defined positions (extended and retracted) without requiring precise intermediate positioning. This positional tolerance approach reduces manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining reliable electrical contact, as the system functions based on discrete position states rather than continuous precision alignment.
3Manufacturing precision
If strict mechanical and electrical tolerances are enforced, then manufacturing precision improves, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent adopts parameter ranges rather than fixed precise values for the insertion cannula's movement and electrical contact establishment. This allows for broader manufacturing tolerances and faster production cycles without compromising functional performance, thereby improving productivity while maintaining adequate manufacturing precision.
4Reliability
If multiple components are used for electrical connection, then reliability improves, but ease of operation worsens and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions (mechanical insertion, electrical contact establishment, and sensor positioning) into a single integrated insertion cannula component. This consolidation maintains reliability through functional integration while dramatically improving ease of operation by eliminating multiple separate user actions, resolving the contradiction between reliability and ease of operation.
Data Source
AI summary
A medical device (110) for detecting at least one analyte in a body fluid, a method of using a medical device (110) and a method for assembling a medical device are disclosed. The medical device (110) comprises:at least one analyte sensor (122) having an insertable portion (160) adapted for at least partially being inserted into a body tissue (194) of a user,at least one electronics unit (172), wherein the analyte sensor (122) is operably connected to the electronics unit (172), wherein the electronics unit (172) comprises at least one interconnect device (174) with at least one electronic component attached thereto;at least one insertion cannula (114), wherein the analyte sensor (122) partially is placed inside the insertion cannula (114);wherein the insertion cannula (114) is movable in between at least one extended position (224) and at least one retracted position (222), wherein the electronics unit (172) remains in a fixed position (225) when the insertion cannula (114) is moved from the extended position (224) to the retracted position (222) or vice versa;wherein the analyte sensor (122) comprises at least one active portion (148) having at least one sensor electrode (208) for sensing the analyte thereon;wherein the analyte sensor (122) further comprises at least one passive portion (152) electrically connected to the electronics unit (172) in at least one connector portion (206);wherein the passive portion (152) provides, in between the connector portion (206) and the active portion (148), at least one reserve loop (150) configured for compensating for an insertion path during movement from the retracted position (222) into the extended position (224) or vice versa.