Disposable Medical Sensor Assembly With Adhesive-Free PCB Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current medical devices for detecting tissue damage through sub-epidermal moisture measurement lack efficient and secure methods for assembling printed circuit boards (PCBs) within device frames, often relying on adhesives or protruding lips which can be cumbersome and unreliable.
Innovation Solution
A detachable element with a retention groove and alignment guide, featuring a cantilever element that engages with a planar contact surface, allowing for secure and sliding electrical contact without the need for adhesives or protruding lips, enabling a flexible and reliable PCB assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive or protruding lip methods are used to retain PCB in device frame, then PCB retention is achieved, but assembly complexity and reliability are worsened due to cumbersome and unreliable retention mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from complex adhesive or lip-based mechanisms and concentrates it into a simple groove feature in the reusable component. The detachable element's retention feature simply engages with this groove, eliminating the need for adhesives or protruding lips while improving reliability and reducing assembly complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The retention groove and retention feature design allows the components to self-retain through their own geometric features without requiring external adhesives or additional retention mechanisms. The cantilever element's engagement with the planar contact surface creates a self-aligning, self-retaining assembly that is both simple and reliable.
2Reliability
If adhesive methods are used for PCB assembly, then retention is achieved, but manufacturing cleanliness and reliability are worsened due to adhesive residue and assembly complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent completely removes adhesive from the assembly process by using a mechanical retention groove and retention feature system. The detachable element engages with the reusable component through geometric interlocking features, eliminating adhesive residue concerns and simplifying manufacturing while improving assembly reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the chemical bonding mechanism (adhesive) with a mechanical retention system consisting of a retention groove and retention feature. This mechanical engagement provides reliable retention without the contamination and complexity associated with adhesives, making the manufacturing process cleaner and more reliable.
3Reliability
If protruding lips are used to capture PCB edge, then retention is achieved, but device simplicity and manufacturing precision are worsened due to additional structural features
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the retention function from complex protruding lip structures and implements it through a simple groove feature in the reusable component. The detachable element's retention feature engages with this groove, providing reliable retention while eliminating the need for protruding lips and reducing structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using protruding lips that extend outward to capture the PCB edge, the patent inverts the approach by creating a groove that receives and retains the retention feature. This inverted geometry achieves the same retention function with simpler, more integrated structures that reduce overall device complexity.
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 provides a secure, adhesive-free, and reliable method for assembling PCBs in medical devices, enhancing the accuracy and durability of sub-epidermal moisture measurements for tissue damage detection.
Implementation Method 1
the cantilever element is configured to slide along the contact surface as the detachable element is brought together with the reusable component
Data Source
AI summary
The construction of a medical device having a disposable element is disclosed. Detachable elements comprising a body having a retention feature, an electrical contactor, and sensors are also disclosed. Further disclosed are detachable elements comprising a body having a hole and a retention pocket, an electrical contactor, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCB) in contact with the innermost surface of the body that forms the retention pocket. Further disclosed are detachable elements comprising a body having an opening and a printed film comprising conductive elements, where the conductive elements comprise a sensor configured to be aligned with the opening to expose the sensor. Further disclosed are reusable components having matching retention features.