Transcutaneous Sensor Applicator Force Profiling for Low-Trauma Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcutaneous analyte measurement systems face issues such as mechanical fatigue, unpredictable slingshotting, and tissue trauma due to large springs, leading to inaccurate sensor placement and discomfort during application.
Innovation Solution
A sensor applicator system with a predetermined force profile, using a combination of drive components like a crank slider, rack and pinion, and barrel cam, along with a torsion spring, to insert and retract a sensor wire with a controlled force, minimizing slingshotting and tissue trauma, and ensuring consistent deployment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Force
If a single large spring is used to accommodate all motion required in insertion and retraction, then the spring can provide sufficient force, but it causes tissue trauma due to forceful insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the single large spring into multiple smaller springs (first spring and second spring). The first spring provides force during insertion while the second spring provides force during retraction. This segmentation allows each spring to be optimized for its specific phase, reducing the forceful insertion that causes tissue trauma while maintaining sufficient force for both insertion and retraction movements.
2Ease of operation
If a spring is maintained in a compressed or extended condition between manufacture and activation, then it is ready for immediate use, but it undergoes mechanical fatigue and causes mechanical creep
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-loads the first spring in a compressed condition and the second spring in an extended condition during manufacturing, so that both springs are ready to provide force immediately upon activation. The first spring is compressed to provide insertion force, while the second spring is extended to provide retraction force. This preliminary action ensures readiness for use without requiring the springs to maintain extreme conditions that would cause mechanical fatigue or creep during storage.
3Device complexity
If seals are subjected to slingshotting during insertion movements, then the insertion mechanism can be simple, but the sensor wire placement becomes inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the insertion mechanism into distinct phases handled by different springs: the first spring handles the insertion phase while the second spring handles the retraction phase. This segmentation prevents the seals from being subjected to unpredictable slingshotting forces, as each spring is optimized to provide controlled force in its respective phase. The separation of concerns between insertion and retraction mechanisms improves sensor wire placement accuracy while maintaining reasonable device complexity.
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
The system provides consistent and rapid sensor insertion and retraction, reducing pain, tissue damage, and sensor variability, enabling more reliable analyte monitoring with reduced factory calibration and predictable signal trends.
Implementation Method 1
a torsion spring, to insert and retract a sensor wire with a controlled force
Implementation Method 2
a combination of drive components like a crank slider, rack and pinion, and barrel cam
Implementation Method 3
a combination of drive components like a crank slider, rack and pinion, and barrel cam
Implementation Method 4
a combination of drive components like a crank slider, rack and pinion, and barrel cam
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present embodiments provide sensor applicators and methods of use with activation that implant the sensor, withdraw the insertion needle, engage the transmitter with the housing, and disengage the applicator from the housing. Systems and methods according to present principles allow for such steps to occur without significant loss of spring force, and without deleterious effects such as seal slingshotting.