Sensor Pedestal Recess for Single-Handed Introducer Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glucose sensors face challenges in safe packaging and easy removal of sensor introducers, particularly when inserted at unconventional sites like the upper arm, due to the difficulty in handling the needle during removal.
Innovation Solution
A pedestal is designed to be coupled to the glucose sensor assembly, providing a mechanism for safe packaging and enabling single-handed removal of the sensor introducer by applying a holding force to the sensor base, facilitating insertion at hard-to-reach locations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the sensor introducer is packaged with the glucose sensor, then the sensor can be conveniently shipped and stored, but the needle may pose safety risks to users during removal from packaging
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging system is segmented into distinct functional zones: a protective recess that isolates the needle during shipping, and a removal mechanism that separates the introducer from the sensor after implantation. This segmentation allows the needle to be safely contained during transport while enabling clean separation afterward.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal acts as an intermediary structure between the sensor introducer and the external environment. It provides a protected interface where the needle is concealed during shipping, and where controlled removal can occur after sensor implantation, mediating the transition from safe storage to safe deployment.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor is inserted at unconventional sites like the upper arm, then monitoring flexibility is improved, but removing the sensor introducer becomes difficult without assistance
Solution Approach 1:
The removal mechanism is designed to be self-service capable at any insertion site. The pedestal provides structural support and the recess offers a grasping interface that allows users to independently remove the introducer from difficult-to-reach locations like the upper arm, without requiring assistance from another person.
Solution Approach 2:
The pedestal extends vertically from the sensor base, creating a new spatial dimension for interaction. This vertical extension brings the removal interface within reach of the user's fingers even when the sensor is implanted at unconventional locations, solving the accessibility problem through dimensional adaptation.
3Ease of operation
If the pedestal includes a recess for applying force to the sensor base, then single-handed removal is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pedestal serves multiple functions: it provides structural support for the sensor assembly, contains the recess for force application, and acts as the removal interface. By consolidating these functions into a single component, the design achieves multi-functionality without proportionally increasing complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The removal mechanism is merged with the pedestal structure itself rather than being a separate component. The recess is integrated into the pedestal body, combining the support function and the force application interface into one unified structure, reducing overall system complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A pedestal for a physiological characteristic sensor assembly and a physiological characteristic sensor assembly is provided. The pedestal includes a first side opposite a second side. The pedestal includes a sidewall that interconnects the first side and the second side. The pedestal also includes a first end opposite a second end. The pedestal includes at least one post that extends from the first side adjacent to the first end to couple the pedestal to a physiological characteristic sensor of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly. The pedestal also includes a recess defined in the sidewall at the second end. The recess has a first portion in communication with a second portion. The first portion has a first length that is less than a second length of the second portion along a perimeter of the sidewall, and the second portion is positionable to apply a force to the physiological characteristic sensor.