Disposable Analyte Sensor Base With Battery and Sealed Contacts
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte sensor systems face challenges in maintaining consistent power supply for continuous glucose monitoring, particularly in wearable devices, due to battery life limitations and the need for efficient energy management to extend the operational life of components like wireless communication circuits.
Innovation Solution
The proposed analyte sensor system incorporates a reusable sensor electronics module with a wireless transceiver that couples to a disposable base containing a battery, utilizing a sealing member to ensure moisture protection and a securement feature for reliable electrical contact, along with a supercapacitor to reduce battery strain during high-load periods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a battery is integrated into the disposable base to power the sensor and wireless transceiver, then the operational duration of the sensor system is extended, but the device complexity increases due to additional power management components and sealing requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into a reusable sensor electronics module and a disposable base containing the battery. This segmentation allows the complex battery-powered components to be isolated in the disposable portion, extending operational duration without permanently increasing complexity in the reusable module.
Solution Approach 2:
The battery is integrated into the disposable base rather than the reusable sensor module. This allows the battery to be replaced with each new sensor strip, extending the operational duration of the reusable module while containing the complexity and cost of power management in the disposable portion.
2Reliability
If a sealing member is added to protect electrical contacts from moisture, then the reliability of electrical contact is improved, but the device complexity increases due to additional sealing components and assembly steps
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing member integrates multiple functions: it seals the electrical contacts from moisture, provides structural support for the connector interface, and maintains the disposable nature of the base. By combining these functions into a single component, reliability is improved without proportionally increasing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing member serves multiple purposes within the connector interface: protecting contacts from moisture ingress, providing mechanical alignment between the sensor strip and reader, and maintaining the integrity of the disposable base structure. This multi-functionality improves reliability while minimizing additional complexity.
3Power
If a supercapacitor is added to reduce battery strain during high-load periods, then the power delivery capability is improved, but the device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a hybrid power architecture where the supercapacitor handles high-current transient demands during wireless transmission, while the battery provides steady-state power. This parameter-based division of labor improves power delivery capability without requiring the entire system to be oversized for peak demands.
Solution Approach 2:
The supercapacitor is integrated into the disposable base rather than the reusable sensor module. This allows the power management complexity to be contained in the disposable portion, improving power delivery capability while preventing long-term complexity accumulation in the reusable system.
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 configuration ensures consistent analyte monitoring by extending battery life, reducing power consumption, and maintaining reliable wireless communication, thereby enhancing the operational efficiency and durability of the sensor system.
Implementation Method 1
The base includes an analyte sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of an analyte concentration level of the host, a battery, and a first plurality of contacts
Implementation Method 2
a first sealing member configured to provide a seal around the first and second plurality of contacts within a first cavity
Implementation Method 3
along with a supercapacitor to reduce battery strain during high-load periods
Data Source
AI summary
An analyte sensor system is provided. The system includes a base configured to attach to a skin of a host. The base includes an analyte sensor configured to generate a sensor signal indicative of an analyte concentration level of the host, a battery, and a first plurality of contacts. The system includes a sensor electronics module configured to releasably couple to the base. The sensor electronics module includes a second plurality of contacts, each configured to make electrical contact with a respective one of the first plurality of contacts, and a wireless transceiver configured to transmit a wireless signal based at least in part on the sensor signal. The system includes a first sealing member configured to provide a seal around the first and second plurality of contacts within a first cavity. Related analyte sensor systems, analyte sensor base assemblies and methods are also provided.