Disposable Sensor Element PCB Retention Without Adhesives
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for detecting tissue damage through sub-epidermal moisture measurement lack efficient and secure methods for assembling printed circuit boards (PCBs) without the use of adhesives or protruding lips, which can compromise the reliability and durability of the devices.
Innovation Solution
A detachable element with a retention groove and alignment guide is used, featuring a retention feature and an electrical contactor with a cantilever element that engages with the PCB, allowing for secure and sliding contact without adhesives or protrusions, enabling reliable electrical connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive or lip retention methods are used to secure PCB in device frame, then PCB retention is achieved, but reliability and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention feature is divided into multiple discrete fingers that can independently engage with the PCB. This segmentation allows for reliable mechanical retention without requiring adhesives or protruding lips, as each finger provides independent retention force distributed across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention fingers are designed to be resilient and movable, allowing them to dynamically adapt to PCB positioning variations. This dynamic capability ensures reliable engagement while accommodating manufacturing tolerances, eliminating the need for precise alignment features or adhesive bonding.
2Shape
If protruding lips are used to retain PCB, then PCB is secured, but flush surface is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The retention fingers are nested within the device frame structure, with their engagement surfaces positioned to contact the PCB from within the frame boundaries. This nesting allows the retention mechanism to function without protruding beyond the frame's outer surface, maintaining a flush appearance while providing reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention mechanism transitions from a protruding lip structure (extending outward from the frame) to an internal finger structure that engages the PCB in a different spatial dimension. The fingers extend inward toward the PCB rather than outward from the frame, achieving retention without compromising the flush external surface.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If adhesive is used to secure PCB, then PCB is retained, but durability and reliability are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The retention fingers are self-actuating structures that automatically engage with the PCB through resilient deformation. When the PCB is inserted, the fingers naturally deflect and snap into engagement positions, providing automatic retention without requiring adhesive application or complex assembly procedures. The mechanism serves itself through elastic recovery.
Solution Approach 2:
The chemical bonding mechanism of adhesives is replaced with a purely mechanical retention system using resilient fingers. This substitution provides more durable retention through direct mechanical engagement rather than chemical bonding, while simplifying manufacturing by eliminating adhesive application steps and curing requirements.
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 solution provides a secure and reliable assembly method for medical devices, enhancing their durability and usability while maintaining a flush surface, thus improving the accuracy and consistency of sub-epidermal moisture measurements.
Implementation Method 1
the cantilever element is configured to slide along the contact surface as the detachable element is brought together with the reusable component
Data Source
AI summary
The construction of a medical device having a disposable element is disclosed. Detachable elements comprising a body having a retention feature, an electrical contactor, and sensors are also disclosed. Further disclosed are detachable elements comprising a body having a hole and a retention pocket, an electrical contactor, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCB) in contact with the innermost surface of the body that forms the retention pocket. Further disclosed are detachable elements comprising a body having an opening and a printed film comprising conductive elements, where the conductive elements comprise a sensor configured to be aligned with the opening to expose the sensor. Further disclosed are reusable components having matching retention features.