Disposable SEM Sensor Assembly With Adhesive-Free PCB Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for measuring sub-epidermal moisture (SEM) face challenges in securely attaching printed circuit boards (PCBs) without using adhesives or protruding lips, which can compromise the reliability and durability of the measurements.
Innovation Solution
A detachable element with a retention groove and alignment guide, featuring a compliant contactor that slides along a planar contact surface, securely engages with a reusable component, ensuring a stable and adhesive-free attachment of the PCB, allowing for precise SEM measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If adhesive or lip retention methods are used to attach PCB to device frame, then the PCB is secured in place, but the measurement reliability and durability are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive-based chemical bonding with a mechanical retention groove system. The PCB edge is inserted into a retention groove formed in the device frame, creating a secure mechanical attachment that eliminates adhesive-related reliability issues while maintaining ease of manufacture through simple molding of the retention groove into the frame structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a lip structure as an intermediary element between the PCB and the retention groove. This lip engages with the retention groove to provide additional mechanical retention and alignment, enhancing the reliability of the attachment without requiring adhesives or complex assembly procedures.
2Shape
If protruding lips are used to retain PCB, then the PCB is held securely, but the surface flushness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of having the retention structure protrude outward from the frame surface, the patent inverts the approach by forming the retention groove within the frame body. The PCB edge inserts into this internal groove, allowing the outer surface of the frame to remain flush and smooth while the retention function is provided by the internal groove geometry.
3Ease of operation
If adhesive is used to attach PCB, then the PCB is fixed in place, but the assembly complexity and potential measurement interference increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces adhesive-based attachment with a pure mechanical retention system using a molded retention groove. The PCB is simply inserted into the groove and retained by the lip structure, eliminating the need for adhesive application, curing time, and potential adhesive-related measurement interference. This mechanical system provides both assembly simplicity and measurement durability.
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 reliable and durable attachment method for PCBs in medical devices, enhancing the accuracy and longevity of sub-epidermal moisture measurements while maintaining a flush surface design.
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
Implementation Method 2
the lower section is attached on its underside to a compressible spring
Data Source
Figure 1A~3
Figure 4~6
Figure 7A~7B
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.