Sensor Insertion Assembly With Slider Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing in vivo analyte monitoring devices face challenges in consistently inserting electrochemical sensors at a preferred depth within a subject, leading to decreased sensor life expectancy and spurious noise in signal performance.
Innovation Solution
An insertion assembly with a slider mechanism that detachably couples a sensor assembly to an electronics assembly, utilizing energy storage to ensure consistent placement and support during insertion, preventing sensor deformation and optimizing sensor depth.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the sensor is inserted without support during the insertion process, then the insertion process is simpler, but the sensor may be deformed such as bending or kinking
Solution Approach 1:
A support element is introduced as an intermediary component between the insertion device and the sensor. This support element provides mechanical protection and structural integrity to the sensor during the insertion process, preventing bending or kinking while allowing the insertion procedure to remain relatively simple. The support element is temporarily present during insertion and is subsequently removed or reconfigured.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor is not placed at the desired depth, then the insertion process is easier, but the sensor life expectancy decreases and spurious noise is introduced into the sensor signal
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device incorporates feedback mechanisms, such as depth sensors or positional detection systems, that provide real-time information about the sensor's placement depth. This feedback allows the system to automatically adjust the insertion depth to achieve the optimal position, ensuring both ease of operation and extended sensor life expectancy without requiring complex manual control.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs preliminary actions to ensure proper sensor placement depth before the sensor is activated. This may include pre-positioning mechanisms, depth verification steps, or guided insertion features that automatically position the sensor at the correct depth, thereby preventing premature failure and signal noise while maintaining operational simplicity.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor is not inserted at the preferred depth, then the insertion process is simpler, but spurious noise is introduced into the sensor signal
Solution Approach 1:
The insertion device incorporates feedback mechanisms, such as depth sensors or positional detection systems, that provide real-time information about the sensor's placement depth. This feedback allows the system to automatically adjust the insertion depth to achieve the optimal position, ensuring both ease of operation and extended sensor life expectancy without requiring complex manual control.
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, an insertion assembly is disclosed that includes an electronics assembly. The electronics assembly includes a base and a housing and the housing has an enclosed portion and a mating portion. The insertion assembly further includes a sensor assembly that is detached from the electronics assembly. The sensor assembly includes a sensor and at least one mating feature. The sensor assembly is detachably coupled to a slider in a first position. The slider is coupled to an energy storage system. When the slider transitions to a second position, the sensor assembly is coupled to the electronics assembly to define an on-body assembly. The transition to the second position loads the energy storage system and upon actuation, the energy storage system is unloaded to transition the slider to the first position and the on-body assembly is positioned to decouple from the slider.