Flexible Sensor Assembly for Shallow Subdermal Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
The insertion of sensors for continuous glucose monitoring and artificial pancreas systems into subdermal space is challenging due to variability in insertion depth, comfort, and reliability, leading to potential discomfort and increased risk of sensor pullout.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a piercing member and a flexible sensor that includes a flex at the distal end, allowing the sensor to be securely inserted and maintained at a shallow depth within the subdermal space, while the piercing member is retracted, ensuring reliable placement and minimizing discomfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is inserted to a greater depth to ensure reliable placement, then the reliability of sensor placement is improved, but the discomfort and risk of sensor pullout increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the piercing member during insertion, allowing the sensor to be securely positioned at a shallow depth while the piercing member provides additional protection and stability. The sensor's flex portion is inserted through the piercing member's beveled tip and retained within the piercing member's interior, creating a nested configuration that ensures reliable placement without requiring deep insertion.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing member acts as an intermediary tool that facilitates secure sensor placement at shallow depths. The beveled tip of the piercing member guides the sensor's flex portion through the skin while the interior of the piercing member provides a retaining space that secures the sensor in place, mediating between the need for shallow insertion and the requirement for reliable sensor placement.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the sensor insertion depth is increased to prevent sensor pullout, then the stability of sensor placement is improved, but the ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the piercing member, allowing stable placement at shallow depths. The flex portion of the sensor is inserted through the beveled tip and retained within the piercing member's interior, providing stability without requiring deep insertion that would reduce ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing member is pre-configured with a beveled tip and interior retaining space that facilitates easy insertion of the sensor's flex portion. The preliminary design of the piercing member includes features that guide the sensor through the skin and secure it in place, making the insertion process easier while ensuring stable placement.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor is inserted at a shallow depth to improve comfort, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of sensor placement deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is nested within the piercing member, allowing shallow insertion for comfort while the piercing member's interior provides a retaining space that ensures reliable sensor placement. The flex portion of the sensor is secured within the piercing member, preventing pullout even at shallow depths.
Solution Approach 2:
The piercing member serves as an intermediary that enables shallow, comfortable insertion while simultaneously providing a retaining mechanism for reliable sensor placement. The beveled tip facilitates easy penetration, while the interior space secures the sensor, mediating between comfort and reliability.
4Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor insertion depth is varied to accommodate different users, then the adaptability is improved, but the manufacturing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The flex portion of the sensor provides dynamic adaptability, allowing the sensor to conform to varying insertion depths and tissue characteristics. The flexibility enables the sensor to be inserted at different depths while maintaining proper positioning and contact with the tissue, accommodating different users without compromising manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The flex portion of the sensor allows changes in the insertion depth parameter while maintaining functional integrity. The flexibility of the flex portion enables the sensor to adapt to different insertion depths, providing versatility across different users and tissue types without requiring precise manufacturing control of insertion depth.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor assembly is disclosed. The sensor assembly includes a piercing member with an interior and exterior. Also included within the sensor assembly is a sensor that is formed on a flexible substrate. The sensor includes a proximal end and a distal end where the distal end includes a flex that is terminated at a terminal end. The terminal end of the sensor being located within the interior of the piercing member.