Combined Sensor and Infusion System Single Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with diabetes face anxiety and discomfort due to the need for multiple insertions of both implantable glucose sensors and insulin infusion devices, which can cause pain and discomfort, especially when piercing the skin.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising an on-body assembly with a sensor and cannula, connected to a pump mechanism, allowing for simultaneous insertion and fluid communication to monitor analytes like glucose, lactate, and deliver infusates like insulin through a single point of entry, reducing the number of insertions required.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate insertion devices are used for glucose sensors and insulin infusion devices, then each device can be optimized for its specific function, but the number of insertions increases causing more pain and anxiety for users
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the glucose sensor and insulin infusion device into a single integrated system with a unified insertion mechanism. The insertion device simultaneously deploys both the sensor and infusion cannula through one skin penetration event, eliminating the need for separate insertions while maintaining the functional independence of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The single insertion device is designed to perform multiple functions: it both senses glucose levels and delivers insulin infusate through a single integration point. This universal device replaces the need for separate specialized devices, reducing the number of insertions required
2Ease of repair
If multiple separate devices are used for monitoring and infusion, then each device can be independently controlled and maintained, but the overall system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the control systems of the glucose sensor and insulin infusion device into a single integrated controller. This unified system manages both sensing and infusion functions through one control unit, reducing the overall number of devices while maintaining independent controllability of each function through software management
3Manufacturing precision
If separate insertion procedures are performed for sensor and infusion device, then each insertion can be precisely controlled, but the total insertion time and user burden increases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device is pre-configured with both the sensor and infusion cannula in ready-to-deploy positions before contact with the user. This preliminary arrangement allows both components to be inserted simultaneously in a single coordinated motion, eliminating the sequential time required for separate insertions while maintaining precise placement of each component
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
This system simplifies the process for users by minimizing anxiety and discomfort through a single insertion point for both sensor and infusion cannula, enabling continuous real-time monitoring and infusion, thereby improving user experience and reducing the complexity of managing diabetes.
Implementation Method 1
an electrochemical sensor
Implementation Method 2
a pump mechanism
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment a system to monitor an analyte and dispense an infusate is disclosed. The system includes an on-body assembly with a first piece and a second piece. The first piece contains a sensor and a cannula and the cannula is in fluid communication with a first piece fluid channel. The second piece contains a pump mechanism connected to a second piece fluid channel. When the first piece is coupled to the second piece, the first piece fluid channel is placed in fluid communication with the second piece fluid channel to establish fluid transport from the pump mechanism through the cannula.