On-Body Sensor Segmentation for Glucose Monitoring Comfort
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
On-body continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) devices cause skin irritation, discomfort, and malfunctions due to micro-motion and design issues, leading to inaccurate glucose readings and user discomfort during extended wear.
Innovation Solution
An on-body device with a flexible cover and telescoping stabilizer, made of fabric, that reduces skin irritation, allows for user movement, and minimizes needle micro-motion, while housing electronics in a hard cover with a soft bumper for comfort and protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If a rigid housing is used to protect electronics, then device protection is improved, but skin irritation and discomfort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device housing is divided into two distinct segments: a rigid inner core for electronics protection and a soft outer layer for skin comfort. This segmentation allows each part to fulfill its specific function without compromise - the rigid core provides structural protection while the soft outer layer eliminates skin irritation during extended wear.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing employs a composite structure combining rigid materials (for electronic component protection) with soft, biocompatible materials (for skin contact). This composite approach resolves the contradiction by integrating materials with complementary properties - the rigid portion ensures device durability while the soft portion prevents skin irritation and discomfort.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made flexible to allow movement, then user comfort is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to micro-motion
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a flexible wearable portion and a rigid sensor housing portion. The flexible portion (adhesive layer and soft housing) accommodates body movement and skin contours, while the rigid sensor housing maintains stable positioning of the needle and optical components, thereby preserving measurement precision during user activity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the device have different mechanical properties tailored to their functions: the adhesive interface and outer housing are flexible to match skin movement, while the internal sensor chamber and needle assembly are rigid to maintain precise optical alignment and measurement stability. This local differentiation of material properties resolves the contradiction between flexibility and precision.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the device profile is reduced to improve comfort, then skin irritation is reduced, but device complexity increases to maintain functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The device employs a nested configuration where the needle assembly, optical components, and electronics are compactly arranged within a small housing. The adhesive layer, soft bumper, and rigid core are layered concentrically, maximizing space utilization. This nesting allows the device to maintain a low profile for comfort while containing all necessary functional components without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
An on-body sensor (OBS) (5610) having a continuous monitoring (CGM) device is disclosed for use in identifying an analyte, such as glucose in blood or interstitial fluid (ISF), using a biomaterial, such as glucose binding protein (GBP), that is brought into contact with the analyte. The on-body sensor (5610) incorporating the CGM device includes a housing (5625') which provides protection to the CGM device while providing comfort to a user wearing the device. The OBS also includes an adhesive structure that provides a comfortable, discreet and secure user experience.