Transcutaneous Sensor Applicator Assembly With Automatic Adhesive Release
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcutaneous sensors require multiple steps and additional work for attachment to the skin, including peeling off protective covers and manually separating needles, which complicates the process and may lead to inaccuracies in glucose measurement.
Innovation Solution
An applicator assembly that integrates the sensor unit in an assembled state, allowing for automatic separation of protective sheets and adhesive layers, simplifying the insertion process by using an applicator with a carriage mechanism to move the sensor and protective sheet, and a plunger to insert the needle.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If a transcutaneous sensor is used to obtain interstitial fluid for analyte measurement, then continuous monitoring capability is improved, but skin irritation and discomfort increase due to prolonged wear
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separate functional modules: a reusable pump unit and disposable sensor strips. This segmentation allows the sensor contact area to be replaced frequently while the pump mechanism remains intact, reducing skin irritation through regular sensor replacement while maintaining continuous monitoring capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable sensor strips that are used for limited periods and then discarded. These single-use sensors minimize skin irritation by eliminating the need to reuse sensors that may cause irritation over time, while the reusable pump unit maintains continuous monitoring functionality across multiple sensor replacements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple components are integrated into a transcutaneous sensor system, then functionality is improved, but device complexity increases making it harder to manufacture and maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into distinct functional components: a reusable pump unit housing the motor, reservoir, and control electronics, and disposable sensor strips containing the analyte detection elements. This segmentation simplifies manufacturing by allowing each component to be optimized and produced independently, while maintaining versatile functionality through the integration of these specialized parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The reusable pump unit serves multiple functions: it houses the fluid reservoir, operates the micropump mechanism, controls fluid flow to the sensor, and contains the user interface. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, simplifying the overall system while maintaining comprehensive functionality for analyte monitoring.
3Manufacturing precision
If a micropump is used to deliver fluid to the sensor, then fluid delivery precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical pump systems with a simpler micropump mechanism that uses capillary action and controlled pressure differentials to deliver fluid. This substitution maintains precise fluid delivery to the sensor while significantly reducing mechanical complexity and manufacturing difficulty compared to traditional mechanical pump designs.
Solution Approach 2:
The micropump system utilizes pneumatic pressure control to regulate fluid delivery to the sensor. By using controlled pressure differentials and gas pressure regulation rather than complex mechanical linkages, the system achieves precise fluid delivery with simpler components that are easier to manufacture and maintain.
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
Minimizes user effort in attaching the sensor, maintains adhesive integrity, and ensures accurate placement, reducing the risk of measurement inaccuracies and improving convenience.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor strip may be charged positively to attract negatively charged analytes through the skin and into the interstitial fluid
Data Source
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AI summary
An applicator for inserting a sensor for biometric information measurement into a user's skin, according to the present invention, comprises: an applicator body which has a bottom portion capable of coming into contact with the user's skin; an insertion unit which is provided in the applicator body to move a sensor unit from a first position where the sensor unit is spaced apart from the user's skin to a second position where the sensor is inserted into the user's skin, the sensor unit comprising the sensor, a sensor unit housing in which the sensor is mounted, an adhesive layer provided on the sensor unit housing, and a protective sheet covering the adhesive layer; a carriage to which a part of the protective sheet is coupled and which is provided in the applicator body to move in the direction away from the sensor unit housing in order to release the protective sheet from the adhesive layer; and an operation member which is provided in the applicator body to be able to operate the carriage through the user's operation.