Integrated Sensor Introducer Mechanism for CGM
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Solution Overview
Problem
Continuous glucose monitoring systems face challenges in minimizing physical contact with sharp sensor introducers, ensuring sanitary handling, and reducing patient discomfort during sensor insertion, while maintaining accurate data collection over extended periods.
Innovation Solution
An integrated sensor introducer mechanism within the transmitter assembly that can be triggered by a single depression and automatically returns to its original position after deployment, eliminating the need for manual handling of the sharp introducer and ensuring it remains retained within the assembly during monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If a separate sharp sensor inserter is used to deploy the sensor through the skin, then the sensor can be accurately positioned in fluid contact with interstitial fluid, but the inserter requires careful handling and disposal to prevent damage to other skin areas and minimize biological fluid exposure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the sensor inserter mechanism directly into the transmitter assembly, combining two previously separate components (sensor and inserter) into a single integrated unit. This merging eliminates the need for separate handling of the sharp inserter, as it becomes an integral part of the transmitter that remains contained within the assembly after sensor deployment, thereby reducing biological fluid exposure risk while maintaining positioning accuracy
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor is nested within the inserter mechanism during deployment, and the inserter itself is retained within the transmitter assembly after use. This nested configuration allows the sharp inserter to be contained within the housing structure, preventing external exposure and eliminating the need for separate disposal handling, thus resolving the contradiction between accurate positioning and safety
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the sharp inserter is discarded after sensor insertion, then the patient is not exposed to ongoing risks, but the patient must handle the cumbersome and potentially dangerous sharp microneedle during the insertion process
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the inserter with the transmitter into a single integrated assembly, the patent eliminates the need for the patient to separately handle and dispose of the sharp inserter. The integrated design allows the patient to handle only the external transmitter portion, while the sharp inserter remains contained within the assembly, thus improving ease of operation while maintaining safety
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter housing acts as an intermediary container that holds the sharp inserter mechanism. This intermediary structure mediates between the patient's hand and the sharp inserter, allowing the patient to operate the device without direct contact with the sharp components, thereby resolving the contradiction between safety and ease of operation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the inserter is retained within the integrated assembly during monitoring, then handling and disposal risks are minimized, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the inserter mechanism with the transmitter housing into a single integrated assembly. This consolidation, while increasing structural complexity, eliminates the need for separate inserter disposal and reduces biological fluid exposure risks. The integrated design allows the sharp inserter to be contained within the housing throughout the monitoring period, resolving the contradiction between safety and device simplicity through functional integration
Data Source
AI summary
Method and apparatus for inserting at least a portion of a sensor into a patient is provided.