Sensor Applicator Assembly With Magnetic Retention and Sharp Retraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in vivo analyte monitoring systems face issues with sensor malfunctions and mechanical failures due to improper handling, user error, and adverse conditions, leading to improper sensor insertion and ineffective analyte level monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The applicator system includes a housing with a sheath, a sharp carrier, and a sensor control device, featuring magnetic retention, a leaf spring retraction mechanism, and a connector assembly with an insulative pull-tab to enhance reliability and reduce mechanical failures.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a sensor applicator with sharp carrier is used for in vivo analyte monitoring, then sensor insertion capability is improved, but susceptibility to mechanical failure and improper insertion increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is pre-loaded into the applicator device in a sterile state before use. The sharp carrier is pre-positioned to guide the sensor during insertion, ensuring proper alignment and reducing the risk of improper insertion or mechanical failure during the procedure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sharp carrier acts as an intermediary component between the sensor and the insertion site. It provides a protective and guiding structure that facilitates safe insertion while protecting the sensor from damage, thereby improving both ease of operation and reliability.
2Strength
If magnetic retention mechanism is used to retain sensor control device, then retention strength is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The magnetic retention mechanism replaces traditional mechanical retention systems (such as clips, latches, or friction-based holders). By using magnetic fields instead of complex mechanical structures, the patent achieves strong retention force while simplifying the overall device design and reducing the number of moving parts.
3Extent of automation
If leaf spring retraction mechanism is used for sharp retraction, then automation level is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The leaf spring mechanism is designed to automatically retract the sharp carrier after sensor insertion without requiring additional power sources or complex control systems. The mechanical energy stored in the leaf spring during insertion is automatically converted to retract the sharp, providing self-service automation that reduces 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
The system improves sensor insertion reliability, reduces mechanical failures, and ensures proper sensor placement, enhancing the longevity and functionality of in vivo analyte monitoring devices.
Implementation Method 1
the sharp carrier can comprise one or more magnets, wherein the sensor control device further comprises one or more ferromagnetic components, and wherein the one or more magnets are configured to exert a magnetic force upon the ferromagnetic components in a proximate direction such that the sensor control device is retained in the sensor carrier
Implementation Method 2
a leaf spring coupled with a sharp, wherein the sharp is configured to position at least a portion of the analyte sensor under a skin surface when the housing is moved to the second position, and wherein the leaf spring is configured to retract the sharp into the applicator
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are various embodiments of sensor applicator assemblies for delivering sensor control devices, wherein the embodiments include features for improving the longevity of the sensor applicator or sensor control device, as well as reducing the likelihood of mechanical failure of certain components. Some embodiments include, for example, a pull-tab coupled with the sensor or battery, an adhesive liner for the sensor control device, one or more magnets for retaining the sensor control device in the sensor carrier, and a leaf spring retraction mechanism.