Integrated Sensor-Transmitter Assembly for Simplified Disposable Insertion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current durable insertion devices for glucose sensors are complex, prone to wear and damage, require multiple components, and need disinfection, making them cumbersome for users, while typical side-by-side sensor and transmitter arrangements face issues with stability, robustness, and comfort.
Innovation Solution
A sensor assembly with a transmitter assembly positioned on top, connected via a rotating motion, featuring a sensor base with interfaces for a sensor stack and a transmitter cap with electrical contacts, and a mounting base for skin adherence, along with a flexible connector and lockout mechanisms to ensure compatibility and stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a durable insertion device is used for sensor insertion, then the sensor can be inserted multiple times, but the device becomes complex, prone to wear and damage, and requires disinfection
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate components: a reusable transmitter and disposable sensor assemblies. The sensor assembly includes an integrated single-use insertion device with the sensor, eliminating the need for a separate durable insertion device. This segmentation reduces complexity by removing the need for cleaning and maintenance of the insertion device while maintaining reusability through the transmitter.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor assembly with its integrated insertion device is designed as a disposable unit. The insertion device is discarded after single use, eliminating wear and damage issues. This approach trades the cost of replacing the sensor assembly for the benefits of simplicity, reliability, and elimination of disinfection requirements.
2Device complexity
If the sensor and transmitter are placed side by side, then the assembly is simple, but the connection stability and robustness are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The transmitter and sensor assembly are merged into an integrated unit where the transmitter is positioned directly on top of the sensor assembly. This merging provides mechanical stability and robust connection through direct contact and structural integration, while the electrical connections remain simple through contact pads and conductive adhesive.
Solution Approach 2:
The transmitter is nested on top of the sensor assembly, creating a compact stacked configuration. This nesting arrangement provides stable mechanical connection while maintaining simple electrical interfaces through contact pads that extend from the sensor assembly to the transmitter.
3Reliability
If multiple components are used for sensor insertion, then the insertion device can be durable and reusable, but the number of components increases and user convenience decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device is merged with the sensor into a single integrated assembly. This combination eliminates the need for users to handle separate insertion devices and sensors, significantly improving ease of operation. The integrated design maintains reliability by ensuring the insertion device is always sterile and ready for use.
Solution Approach 2:
The insertion device is pre-assembled with the sensor and packaged in a sterile, ready-to-use configuration. This preliminary assembly eliminates the need for users to perform multiple steps of assembly and reduces the cognitive load and manual dexterity required during insertion.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a durable insertion device is used, then reusability is achieved, but the device requires disinfection and cleaning in a clinical setting
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor assembly with integrated insertion device is designed as a disposable unit that is discarded after single use. This eliminates all disinfection and cleaning requirements for the insertion device, simplifying clinical workflow. The cost of replacing the disposable assembly is outweighed by the elimination of infection control procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system segments the reusable transmitter from the disposable sensor assembly. This segmentation allows the transmitter to remain sterile and reusable while the sensor assembly with its insertion device is discarded, eliminating the need for disinfection of the insertion device.
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure generally relates to medical devices that include a sensor transmitter assembly that includes a sensor assembly including a sensor module where a first sensor including a first sensor head having at least one first sensor contact pad is combined with a second sensor including a second sensor head having at least one second sensor contact pad. The sensor transmitter assembly also includes a transmitter assembly positioned on a top of the sensor assembly to form a single unit, the transmitter assembly having at least one transmitter contact disposed on a base of the transmitter assembly, where the first sensor contact pad(s) and the second sensor form a connection path with the transmitter contact(s).