Preinstalled Sensor Applicator Assembly for Easier CGM Attachment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous glucose monitoring systems require complex user operations for attaching the sensor module to the skin, and the separate transmitter is often disposable, leading to inefficiency and potential contamination issues.
Innovation Solution
A sensor applicator assembly with a preinstalled sensor module and built-in battery, allowing easy attachment to the skin via a simple applicator operation, and a semi-permanent transmitter connected to the sensor module for continuous use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sensor module and applicator are provided as separate components requiring user assembly, then the system allows flexible replacement and maintenance, but the user operation becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module is preinstalled in the applicator to form an integrated sensor applicator assembly. This merging of components allows the user to simply operate the applicator to attach the sensor module to the skin, eliminating the need for separate assembly steps and reducing operational complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor module is preinstalled in the applicator during manufacturing before reaching the user. This preliminary action of assembling the components beforehand eliminates the need for users to perform complex assembly operations, thereby improving ease of operation
2Reliability
If the transmitter is made disposable along with the sensor module, then the system ensures complete replacement of potentially contaminated components, but the economic cost increases and resource waste occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into disposable components (sensor module and applicator) and reusable components (transmitter). This segmentation allows the transmitter to be separated from the disposable parts, enabling it to be reused while the potentially contaminated sensor module and applicator are discarded, thus reducing waste and economic cost
Solution Approach 2:
Different parts of the system have different disposal characteristics: the sensor module and applicator are designed as disposable for safety, while the transmitter is designed as reusable for economy. This local quality differentiation optimizes both reliability and resource utilization
3Manufacturing precision
If multiple user tasks are required for attaching the sensor module to the skin, then the system allows precise control over the attachment process, but the time required for operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor module and applicator are merged into a single integrated assembly with pre-installed components including the needle, adhesive patch, and electrical connections. This merging eliminates multiple user tasks for assembly while maintaining precise attachment through the designed integration of all components
Solution Approach 2:
All necessary components (sensor module, needle, adhesive patch, electrical connections) are preliminarily assembled and positioned correctly during manufacturing. This preliminary action ensures precise attachment is achieved automatically when the user simply operates the applicator, eliminating time-consuming manual assembly steps
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor applicator assembly for a continuous glucose monitoring system and provides a sensor applicator assembly for a continuous glucose monitoring system, which is manufactured with a sensor module assembled inside an applicator, thereby minimizing additional work by a user for attaching the sensor module to the body and allowing the sensor module to be attached to the body simply by operating the applicator, and thus can be used more conveniently. A battery is built in the sensor module and a separate transmitter is connected to the sensor module so as to receive power supply from the sensor module and be continuously used semi-permanently, thereby making the assembly economical. The sensor module and the applicator are used as disposables, thereby allowing accurate and safe use and convenient maintenance.