Integrated Analyte Sensor Assembly for One-Handed Subcutaneous Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analyte monitoring systems require a separate deployment mechanism with a sharp needle inserter that needs careful handling and disposal, and there is a need for a simpler and more accurate method to position analyte sensors for continuous monitoring without increasing the number of components or steps.

Innovation Solution

An integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly that includes a disposable introducer with a sharp tip, where the introducer is retained within the housing after piercing the skin, allowing for one-handed operation and reducing the need for separate inserter devices, with a protective guard to prevent accidental contact and contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a separate deployment mechanism with sharp needle inserter is used, then the sensor can be inserted through the skin for fluid contact, but the device complexity increases and handling becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling of inserter deviceVSAvoidnumber of separate components

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the data processing unit, analyte sensor, and introducer mechanism into a single integrated disposable assembly. The introducer is disposed within the housing of the data processing unit, and the analyte sensor is coupled to both the introducer and data processing unit, eliminating the need for separate inserter devices and reducing handling complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Manufacturing precision

If a separate introducer is used for sensor insertion, then the sensor can be positioned accurately, but the quantity of components increases and disposal becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor positioning accuracyVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The introducer, analyte sensor, and data processing unit are merged into a single integrated disposable assembly, reducing the number of separate components while maintaining accurate sensor positioning capability through the integrated introducer mechanism.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The entire assembly including the introducer, analyte sensor, and data processing unit is designed as a single disposable unit that is discarded after use, eliminating the need for separate disposal procedures for multiple components and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the introducer is discarded after use, then safety is improved by removing sharp objects, but the loss of time occurs during disposal procedures

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveskin damage from sharp inserterVSAvoidtime for handling and disposal

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the introducer with the data processing unit and analyte sensor into a single disposable assembly, the patent eliminates separate handling and disposal steps for multiple components, reducing the time required while maintaining safety through complete disposal of the sharp introducer along with the other components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The entire assembly is designed as a disposable unit that is discarded after a single use, eliminating the need for separate disposal procedures and reducing the time required for handling multiple components while ensuring the sharp introducer is properly disposed of.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 simplifies and streamlines the sensor deployment process, reducing handling complexity and minimizing data errors by integrating the sensor, introducer, and data processing unit into a single disposable assembly, enabling accurate subcutaneous placement and reducing material and packaging costs.

Implementation Method 1

a first portion having a sharp distal end configured for piercing through a skin layer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

the first portion of the analyte sensor is configured for transcutaneous placement so as to be in fluid contact with an interstitial fluid

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical detection:

Implementation Method 3

the second portion of the analyte sensor is in electrical contact with the data processing unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentUS10362972B2Method and system for providing an integrated analyte sensor insertion device and data processing unit

Publication Date: 2019.07.30 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC

AI summary

Method and apparatus for providing an integrated analyte sensor and data processing unit assembly is provided.