Sensor Terminal Layout for Low-Friction Insertion and Secure Holding
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Solution Overview
Problem
In blood glucose measurement systems, friction between the measurement device and sensor leads to damage of terminals and inadequate holding force, causing the sensor to potentially fall due to uneven friction distribution.
Innovation Solution
The measurement system employs a dual terminal group configuration within the insertion port, where the first terminal group experiences lower static frictional forces and the second group experiences higher forces, with the second group supporting the sensor's weight to prevent falling, and each terminal is designed with varying deflection amounts and configurations to manage normal forces effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If the holding force of the terminal is weakened to reduce friction between the terminal and sensor contact surface, then friction damage to wiring and plating is reduced, but the sensor cannot be sufficiently held in the measurement device and may fall
Solution Approach 1:
The terminals are divided into a first terminal group and a second terminal group, with each group serving a distinct function. The first terminal group is designed with lower static frictional forces to minimize damage during insertion, while the second terminal group is designed with higher static frictional forces to provide reliable holding. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve low friction damage and high holding reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the contact surface are assigned different functional characteristics. The first terminal group contacts a region optimized for low friction during insertion, while the second terminal group contacts a region optimized for high friction for holding. This local differentiation of properties enables the system to resolve the contradiction between reducing friction damage and ensuring adequate holding force.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conductive terminal portions are added to measure multiple components (glucose, hematocrit), then measurement capability is enhanced, but friction between terminals and sensor increases causing damage
Solution Approach 1:
The multiple terminals are segmented into two functional groups with different friction characteristics. This allows the system to accommodate multiple conductive terminal portions for enhanced measurement capability while distributing the friction load differently across the groups, thereby reducing overall friction damage compared to a uniform terminal design.
Solution Approach 2:
The contact surface is differentiated into regions corresponding to different terminal groups, with each region optimized for its specific function. This local quality differentiation allows multiple terminals to be present without uniformly increasing friction damage, as each terminal group operates in its optimized friction environment.
3Ease of operation
If the terminal design is modified to reduce friction, then insertion smoothness is improved, but the sensor may fall due to insufficient holding force
Solution Approach 1:
The terminal system is segmented into two groups with different friction characteristics. The first terminal group provides smooth insertion with lower friction, while the second terminal group ensures reliable holding with higher friction. This segmentation allows the system to simultaneously achieve ease of operation and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the terminal-sensor interface are optimized for different operational phases. The region contacted by the first terminal group is optimized for smooth insertion, while the region contacted by the second terminal group is optimized for secure holding. This local quality differentiation resolves the contradiction between insertion smoothness and holding stability.
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 configuration reduces terminal damage and ensures reliable sensor holding by optimizing frictional forces and normal forces, preventing sensor fall and enhancing measurement device functionality.
Implementation Method 1
the plural terminals receive static frictional forces from the contact surface by pressing the contact surface
Implementation Method 2
the terminals slide on a contact surface at which the sensor faces the terminals during a period from start of insertion to completion of insertion
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A measurement system (3) including a sensor (2) and a measurement device (1) including an insertion port (1b) for the sensor (2), wherein the measurement device (1) measures a measurement target component at the sensor (2) and includes plural terminals contacting the sensor (2), and the terminals slide on a contact surface (2g) of the sensor (2), the contact surface (2g) has a first electrode group (10) on a rear end side and a second electrode group (20) on a distal end side, the plural terminals receive static frictional forces from the contact surface (2g) and include a first terminal group (30) contacting the first electrode group (10) on a side closer to the insertion port (1b) than a side on which a second terminal group (40) contacting the second electrode group (20), and a sum (F1) of static frictional forces that the first terminal group (30) receives from the contact surface (2g) is smaller than a sum (F2) of static frictional forces that the second terminal group (40) receives from the contact surface (2g).