Disposable Sensor Element With Spring PCB Retention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current medical devices for detecting tissue damage through sub-epidermal moisture measurement face challenges in securely attaching printed circuit boards (PCBs) without using adhesives or protruding lips, which can affect the reliability and durability of the devices.

Innovation Solution

A detachable element with a retention feature and a compliant contactor is used to securely engage with a reusable component, allowing the PCB to be attached without adhesives or lips, ensuring a reliable electrical connection while maintaining a flush surface.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If adhesive or lip retention methods are used to attach PCB to device frame, then the PCB can be securely retained, but the reliability and durability of the device are compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice reliabilityVSAvoidPCB attachment method

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces traditional mechanical retention methods (adhesive bonds or lip captures) with a spring-loaded electrical contactor mechanism. The contactor applies mechanical force through its spring element to both retain the PCB in place and establish electrical connection, eliminating the need for separate adhesive or lip structures.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The electrical contactor serves dual functions: it provides mechanical retention for the PCB through the spring-loaded contact mechanism and simultaneously establishes the electrical connection between the PCB and device frame. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate retention and connection systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Stability of the object's composition

If protruding lips are used to capture PCB edge, then the PCB can be retained in the frame, but the surface flushness and device durability are affected

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesurface flushnessVSAvoidPCB retention structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the protruding lip mechanical retention structure with a spring-loaded contactor that applies retention force through electrical contact. This eliminates the need for lips that protrude beyond the frame surface, maintaining surface flushness while providing secure PCB retention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If adhesive is used to attach PCB, then the PCB can be securely fixed, but the device durability and electrical connection reliability are reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical connection reliabilityVSAvoiddevice durability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces adhesive bonding with a spring-loaded mechanical contactor system that provides both retention and electrical connection. The spring mechanism maintains consistent contact pressure, ensuring reliable electrical connection and durable mechanical retention without the degradation issues associated with adhesive aging.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The spring-loaded contactor introduces dynamic retention through its spring element, which can accommodate variations in PCB thickness and positioning while maintaining constant contact force. This dynamic mechanism ensures sustained electrical connection reliability and device durability over time, unlike static adhesive bonds.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 enhances the reliability and durability of the device by providing a secure attachment mechanism for the PCB, improving the electrical connection and maintaining a flush surface, thus enhancing the accuracy and longevity of tissue damage detection.

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

the contactor comprises a compliant element that is configured to touch the contact surface of the reusable element when the retention feature of the detachable element is engaged with the retention groove of the reusable component

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP4283799B1Device with disposable element

Publication Date: 2025.01.15 BRUIN BIOMETRICS LLC

Figure 1A~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7A~7B

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.