Medical Sensor Transmitter Bayonet Interface for Stable Attachment

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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, complicating user operation and stability.

Innovation Solution

A medical sensor device with a sensor assembly and transmitter assembly that uses a bayonet-style mechanical interface for secure attachment, allowing axial movement and rotation, featuring snap arms for tactile feedback and self-tightening properties to ensure robust connection and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Duration of action of moving object

If a durable insertion device is used for sensor implantation, then the device can be reused, but the device complexity increases and requires disinfection procedures

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice reuse capabilityVSAvoidinsertion device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of moving objectVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a disposable introducer needle that is discarded after single use, eliminating the need for complex durable devices and their associated disinfection protocols. This disposable approach resolves the contradiction by providing adequate functionality without the complexity and maintenance requirements of reusable devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

2Quantity of substance

If a multiple-use durable insertion device is used, then cost may be reduced, but the ease of operation decreases due to complex use models requiring fine motor skills

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice costVSAvoidinsertion operation simplicity
Core Design Contradiction:
Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable introducer needle simplifies operation by eliminating complex assembly and disinfection steps, making the procedure accessible to users without requiring fine motor skills or extensive training, while the low cost of disposable items offsets the need for expensive durable devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The introducer needle is pre-assembled and pre-packaged in a sterile state, eliminating the need for users to perform complex assembly or disinfection procedures during the insertion process, thereby greatly simplifying the operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Duration of action of stationary object

If durable insertion devices are used, then long-term stability may be improved, but reliability decreases due to wear and damage

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice longevityVSAvoiddevice performance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The disposable introducer needle eliminates wear and damage issues by being replaced after each use, ensuring that every insertion is performed with a fresh, undamaged device, thereby maintaining high reliability without the degradation problems inherent in reusable devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Data Source

PatentEP3439555B1Sensor and transmitter product
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC
  • EP3439555B1 patent drawingFigure 1A~1B
  • EP3439555B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP3439555B1 patent drawingFigure 3A~3C

AI summary

A medical sensor device comprises: a sensor assembly having an underside surface for attachment against the skin of a patient, a sensor portion to detect a characteristic of the patient, and sensor assembly contacts which in operation carry signals representing the detected characteristic; a transmitter assembly removably engageable with the sensor assembly and having circuitry to take the signals from the sensor assembly contacts and to transmit readings of the detected characteristic to external equipment; characterized in that the medical sensor has mechanical interface components on the sensor assembly and the transmitter assembly which allow the transmitter assembly to be brought into abutment with the sensor assembly at a first angular position via relative axial movement between them, and then allows a relative rotation of the assemblies with respect to one another towards a second angular position and presents axial separation of the assemblies in the second angular position.