Integrated Analyte Sensor with Elastomeric Connector
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glucose monitoring systems are cumbersome, requiring complex sensor replacement and recharging processes, leading to gaps in monitoring and potential missed blood glucose spikes, with incompatible components and limited contact pads compromising data accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A single, compact sensing device with integrated transmitter and battery, featuring flexible thin film sensors and elastomeric connectors for secure contact, allowing for continuous glucose monitoring with visual indicators for easy data interpretation and reduced downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate sensor and transmitter components are used, then device functionality is achieved, but device complexity increases and monitoring continuity is disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the sensor and transmitter into a single integrated unit. The transmitter is positioned within the sensor housing, with the distal end of the transmitter extending through the proximal end of the sensor, creating a unified structure that eliminates separate components and enables continuous monitoring without disconnection or reconnection steps.
2Loss of time
If multiple separate components are required, then functional requirements are met, but loss of time occurs during replacement and recharging
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the transmitter within the sensor housing, the patent eliminates the need for separate replacement and recharging operations. The unified structure allows the entire assembly to be replaced as a single unit, eliminating downtime associated with disconnecting and reconnecting separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated sensor-transmitter assembly is designed as a disposable unit. The sensor portion is replaceable every 7-14 days, and the entire integrated assembly can be disposed of after use, eliminating the need for recharging and reducing downtime associated with maintaining separate components.
3Ease of operation
If thin film sensors are used, then flexibility and comfort are improved, but difficulty of detecting and measuring occurs during transcutaneous placement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an insertion device as an intermediary tool to facilitate proper sensor placement. This specialized device includes features to guide and secure the thin film sensor during transcutaneous insertion, ensuring reliable contact between sensor electrodes and body tissue while maintaining the flexibility and comfort advantages of thin film construction.
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 solution provides a user-friendly, continuous glucose monitoring system with reduced downtime and improved accuracy by integrating the sensor and transmitter, eliminating the need for separate components and recharging, and offering visual feedback for better patient management.
Implementation Method 1
electrochemical sensors have been developed for a range of applications, including medical applications for detecting and/or quantifying specific agents in a patient's blood and other body fluids
Implementation Method 2
The sensor may include an elastomeric connector to maintain contact with the circuit board
Data Source
AI summary
A simple, disposable sensing device for sensing an analyte is housed in a single case. The sensing device can transmit sensor data to monitoring device(s). The sensing device includes: a case having a lower major wall adapted to be mounted against a patient's skin, and an upper opposing major wall; a sensor extending from the case and having a distal end sensitive to the analyte to produce an electrical signal, and a proximal end within the case having electrical contacts; a printed circuit board assembly within the case supported by one of the major walls to receive the electrical signal via the electrical contacts; and an elastomeric pad disposed in the case and biased by the other major wall to urge the proximal end of the sensor into contact with the printed circuit board assembly and maintain an electrical connection between the electrical contacts and the printed circuit board assembly.