Sensor Terminal Layout for Low-Friction Measurement Insertion

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing blood glucose measurement systems experience friction-induced damage to conductive terminal portions due to sensor insertion, leading to potential damage and inefficiencies.

Innovation Solution

A measurement device design with distinct terminal groups, where the first terminal group has a shorter deflection distance and receives lower normal forces, reducing friction and damage during sensor insertion.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple conductive terminal portions are added to measure multiple components (glucose, hematocrit), then measurement functionality is improved, but friction and damage during sensor insertion increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement functionalityVSAvoidfriction damage
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The conductive terminals are divided into two separate groups: a first conductive portion group extending in the insertion direction, and a second conductive portion group extending in a direction intersecting the insertion direction. This segmentation allows different terminal groups to serve different measurement functions while distributing the friction impact during insertion, preventing concentration of stress on a single terminal structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Different terminal groups are positioned and oriented to have different contact characteristics with the sensor surface during insertion. The first terminal group (extending in insertion direction) experiences different friction conditions than the second terminal group (extending perpendicular to insertion direction), allowing each to be optimized for its specific measurement function while minimizing overall damage.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Reliability

If sensor is inserted into measurement device, then electrical connection is established, but wiring and plating on terminal surfaces are damaged by friction

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrical connectionVSAvoidterminal surface integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing terminals into two groups with different orientations, the insertion friction is distributed across multiple terminal contact points rather than concentrated on a single path. This reduces the frictional stress on any individual terminal surface, protecting the plating and wiring integrity while still establishing reliable electrical connections for multiple measurements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

The design minimizes terminal surface damage and friction, ensuring reliable and efficient measurement by optimizing the distribution of normal forces across the terminal groups.

Implementation Method 1

friction inevitably occurs between a terminal included on a measurement device side and a sensor surface from an insertion start position to an insertion completion position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectFriction: Friction

Implementation Method 2

a measurement target component contained in a liquid sample attached to the sensor is measured in a state in which the sensor is inserted into the insertion port

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP4332560B1Measurement device
Publication Date: 2026.01.28 ARKRAY INC
  • EP4332560B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4332560B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP4332560B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

A measurement device (1) including an insertion port (1b) into which a sensor (2) is inserted and plural terminals that contacts the sensor (2), wherein the terminals slide on a contact surface (2g) of the sensor (2) at which a measurement target component is measured, a first electrode group (10) located on a rear end side and a second electrode group (20) located on a farther distal end side are provided on the contact surface (2g), the plural terminals receive normal forces from the contact surface (2g) and include a first terminal group (30) that contacts the first electrode group (10) on a side closer to the insertion port (1b) than a side on which a second terminal group (40) contacts the second electrode group (20), and a sum (F1) of normal forces that the first terminal group (30) receives from the contact surface (2g) is smaller than a sum (F2) of normal forces that the second terminal group (40) receives from the contact surface (2g).