On-Skin Glucose Sensor Applicator With Controlled Insert-Retract Motion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for applying on-skin glucose sensors are uncomfortable and infrequent, leading to inadequate monitoring of glucose levels in diabetic patients, often resulting in delayed detection of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions.
Innovation Solution
An applicator system with a needle carrier assembly and drive assembly is used to efficiently insert and retract an on-skin sensor assembly, featuring various drive mechanisms such as rotating drive elements, torsion springs, and linkage elements to facilitate secure and comfortable attachment of the sensor to the skin.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional finger pricking methods are used for glucose monitoring, then the measurement can be obtained, but the comfort and convenience deteriorate leading to infrequent monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical finger pricking system with a transcutaneous sensor system that uses a needle carrier assembly and drive assembly to insert the sensor through the skin. This substitution eliminates the need for repeated finger pricks while enabling continuous monitoring, thus improving both comfort and monitoring frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an on-skin sensor assembly as an intermediary device that continuously measures glucose levels through the skin without requiring direct blood contact. This mediator enables frequent monitoring while maintaining patient comfort by avoiding repeated painful pricks.
2Ease of manufacture
If on-skin sensor assembly is inserted manually, then the sensor can be applied, but the application process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the needle carrier assembly, holder, and drive assembly into an integrated applicator system. This merging of components simplifies the application process by providing a single unified device that automatically performs sensor insertion, reducing the complexity of manual application steps.
Solution Approach 2:
The applicator system is pre-configured with the needle carrier assembly and holder in ready positions before application. The drive assembly is pre-loaded with the sensor, allowing for rapid deployment without complex assembly steps during the actual application process.
3Manufacturing precision
If the needle carrier assembly is held securely during insertion, then the sensor insertion precision is improved, but the retraction mechanism becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The holder is designed with dynamic retention features that securely hold the needle carrier assembly during insertion but automatically release during retraction. This dynamic behavior maintains insertion precision while simplifying the retraction mechanism through automatic rather than manual release.
Solution Approach 2:
The holder includes pre-configured release features that are activated during the retraction phase to counteract the retention forces. This preliminary anti-action mechanism is built into the holder structure, allowing secure holding during insertion while enabling straightforward retraction without adding significant 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 applicator system enables frequent and comfortable application of on-skin sensors, allowing for continuous glucose monitoring, thereby reducing the risk of dangerous glycemic events by providing timely glucose level data.
Implementation Method 1
a spring configured to, upon activation of the drive assembly, rotate the rotating drive element in a single rotational direction thereby driving the insertion element from the proximal starting position to the distal insertion position, and from the distal insertion position to the proximal retraction position
Implementation Method 2
The deflectable feature is configured to provide resistance to activation
Data Source
AI summary
The present embodiments relate generally to applicators of on-skin sensor assemblies for measuring an analyte in a host, as well as their method of use and manufacture. In some aspects, an applicator for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to a skin of a host is provided. The applicator includes an applicator housing, a needle carrier assembly comprising an insertion element configured to insert a sensor of the on-skin sensor assembly into the skin of the host, a holder releasably coupled to the needle carrier assembly and configured to guide the on-skin sensor assembly while coupled to the needle carrier assembly, and a drive assembly configured to drive the insertion element from a proximal starting position to a distal insertion position, and from the distal insertion position to a proximal retraction position.