Coupling Tool for Reusable CGM Electronics Unit Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
The high cost and difficulty of manually coupling reusable electronics units with disposable base units in continuous analyte monitoring devices, such as continuous glucose monitors, due to their small size and the need for frequent replacement, increase the overall expense and complexity of continuous analyte monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A coupling tool comprising a carrier and an activator is used to securely attach and detach the electronics unit from the base unit, allowing for easy and efficient coupling and decoupling, with the carrier retention device retaining the electronics unit adjacent the receiving feature and the activator releasing it upon movement, facilitating reuse of the electronics unit with multiple base units.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual coupling of electronics units to base units is performed, then the electronics unit can be attached to the base unit, but the process is complex and time-consuming due to small component sizes
Solution Approach 1:
A coupling tool is introduced as an intermediary device between the electronics unit and base unit. The coupling tool includes a carrier that holds the electronics unit and a release mechanism that facilitates attachment to the base unit, simplifying the manual coupling process and reducing the time required.
Solution Approach 2:
The electronics unit is pre-loaded into the carrier of the coupling tool before the coupling operation. This preliminary positioning and securing of the electronics unit in the carrier prepares the system for rapid attachment to the base unit, reducing the overall coupling time and operational complexity.
2Ease of manufacture
If reusable electronics units are frequently coupled and decoupled from disposable base units, then cost can be reduced through reuse, but the complexity of the coupling process increases
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling tool serves as a mediator that simplifies the interaction between the reusable electronics unit and disposable base unit. By providing a standardized interface and automated release mechanism, it enables frequent coupling and decoupling operations without increasing the perceived complexity for the user.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling mechanism is designed to be self-aligning and self-latching, reducing the need for complex manual manipulation. The release mechanism automatically engages and disengages components, allowing users to perform coupling and decoupling operations easily while maintaining the ability to reuse electronics units.
3Reliability
If the electronics unit is retained securely in the carrier, then reliable retention is achieved, but the release mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The release mechanism is extracted as a separate functional component within the coupling tool, distinct from the retention structure. This allows the retention mechanism to focus on secure holding through simple geometric interlocking, while the release function is handled by a separate actuator that triggers disengagement, reducing overall complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling tool acts as an intermediary that houses both the retention and release functions. The carrier provides reliable retention through its structural design, while the activator mechanism provides controlled release, separating these functions into distinct components that work together through a standardized interface.
Data Source
AI summary
A coupling tool for coupling together an electronics unit and a base unit of a wearable device for continuous analyte monitoring includes a carrier comprising a receiving feature and a carrier retention device, the carrier retention device configured to retain an electronics unit adjacent the receiving feature. The coupling tool also includes an activator including: a first member at least partially receivable in the receiving feature and a contact member configured to release the electronics unit from the carrier retention device in response to movement of the activator relative to the carrier. The coupling tool is in a locked configuration when the carrier retention device is configured to retain the electronics unit, and the coupling tool is in an unlocked configuration when the carrier retention device is configured to release the electronics unit from the carrier retention device. Other embodiments and methods are also disclosed.