Sensor Insertion Device with Automated Connection Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional sensor inserting devices require manual connection of the sensor and signal processor, which can be cumbersome and painful, especially for self-insertion in areas like the abdomen or arms, due to the need for precise operation and visibility challenges.

Innovation Solution

A sensor inserting device with a movement mechanism that automatically positions and connects the sensor and signal processor, using a dwelling member and spring-based mechanism to support the sensor and insertion needle, allowing for easy insertion and connection without manual operation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual connection of sensor and signal processor is required, then the device structure can be simple, but the operation becomes troublesome and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidoperation convenience
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor inserting device automatically connects the sensor to the signal processor through its own movement mechanism without requiring external manual intervention. The device performs the connection operation by itself, eliminating the need for users to manually connect components after insertion.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent combines the sensor insertion function and the connection function into a single integrated device. The movement mechanism that inserts the sensor also automatically establishes the electrical connection between the sensor and signal processor, merging multiple operations into one unified system.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Volume of moving object

If manual connection operation is required, then the device can be compact, but the operating time increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice sizeVSAvoidoperating time
Core Design Contradiction:
Volume of moving objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The movement mechanism continuously performs both the insertion and connection operations in sequence without interruption. The sensor is inserted and connected in a continuous automated process, eliminating the time loss associated with manual disconnection and reconnection steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

Solution Approach 2:

The device automatically completes the connection operation immediately after insertion without requiring the user to pause for manual connection, thereby reducing the total time required for the procedure while maintaining a compact form factor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Device complexity

If manual connection is required, then the device structure remains simple, but patient suffering increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoidpatient pain
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The automated movement mechanism eliminates the need for manual manipulation near the insertion site, reducing patient discomfort and pain during the connection process. The device performs all operations automatically, minimizing patient involvement and associated suffering.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

4Loss of time

If automatic connection is implemented, then operation time is reduced, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating timeVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of timeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The movement mechanism is designed to perform multiple functions: it both inserts the sensor and establishes the electrical connection. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate dedicated components for each operation, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity while achieving automatic connection.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the insertion mechanism and connection mechanism into a single integrated movement mechanism, reducing the total number of components needed for automatic operation compared to having separate independent systems for each function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 reduces the time and discomfort associated with sensor insertion and dwelling, enabling stable and continuous biological information detection by simplifying the operation and ensuring firm connection of the sensor and signal processor.

Implementation Method 1

a movement mechanism which moves the sensor (12) and the insertion needle (32) toward a distal end direction of the device body (18)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSpring: Spring

Data Source

PatentEP2754392B1Sensor insertion device
Publication Date: 2021.01.06 TERUMO KK
  • EP2754392B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2754392B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2C
  • EP2754392B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The sensor inserting device (10) includes a device body (18), a movement mechanism (20) which inserts a detector (14) and an insertion needle (32) into a body of a patient by moving a sensor (12) with the insertion needle (32), and a dwelling member (24) which is arranged on a moving path of the sensor (12) and attached to the sensor (12) by movement of the sensor (12) caused by the movement mechanism (20). The dwelling member (24) is allowed to dwell on the skin of the patient with the sensor (12) and the transmitter (16) connected at a location in which the detector (14) is inserted into the body of the patient.