Integrated Sensor Holder Structure for Moisture-Resistant Biosensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Invasive biosensors, such as wearable glucose monitoring devices, face performance issues due to moisture exposure and bulkiness, which affect calibration and increase noise levels, and are exacerbated by multiple parts that create moisture ingress points and bulkiness.

Innovation Solution

A sensor holder device with a rigid body, legs, sensor guiding structure, and electrical traces that structurally support and electrically connect sensor wires, reducing moisture ingress and device bulkiness by using a unique shape that efficiently utilizes space and aligns wires for optimal performance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts are used to accommodate sensing circuitry and power source, then the device can process biological information, but the device becomes bulky and creates multiple areas for moisture ingress

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiological information processing capabilityVSAvoiddevice structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the sensor wire, electrical connections, and support structure into a single integrated sensor holder device. The rigid body with integrated legs and electrical traces eliminates the need for separate housing and mounting components, reducing the number of parts while maintaining full functionality for glucose sensing and signal processing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor holder device performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support for the sensor wire, establishes electrical connections through integrated traces, guides the sensor wire during insertion, and protects against moisture. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate specialized components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple parts with seals are used to house sensing circuitry, then the device can process biological information, but moisture can still ingress through seal areas

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvebiological information processing capabilityVSAvoidmoisture protection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the electrical connections directly into the sensor holder device structure, the patent eliminates multiple separate sealed compartments and interfaces. The single-piece construction with built-in electrical traces removes the seal interfaces that would otherwise be vulnerable to moisture ingress.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If a compact design is implemented, then wearer comfort is improved, but space for electrical connections and circuitry is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvewearer comfortVSAvoidelectrical connection space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connections are arranged in a planar configuration on the rigid body surface, utilizing two-dimensional space efficiently. The electrical traces are distributed across the surface area rather than requiring three-dimensional volume, enabling compact design while maintaining adequate connection space.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Data Source

PatentEP4728975A2Sensor holder device for invasive biosensors
Publication Date: 2026.04.22 DEXCOM INC
  • EP4728975A2 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4728975A2 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4728975A2 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A sensor interposer device (102) is provided, comprising: a body (126) that is supported by a set of legs (128) that extend from the body (126) to form a void below the body (126); a sensor guiding structure (138) defining a guiding hole (140) or a guiding opening (151); retaining means (132) for physically retaining a portion (106a) of a sensor (104); and coupling means for electrically coupling the sensor (104) to circuitry.