Separable Link for Body-Monitoring Microneedle Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body monitoring systems with microneedles face issues of microneedle tearing due to external forces, leading to pain and skin integrity concerns, and require easy and continuous monitoring without the need for invasive sampling.
Innovation Solution
A body analyte monitoring system with a separable link between modules, where the link disengages at a lower tearing threshold than the microneedles, preventing microneedle tearing from the skin, and featuring a reusable design with a patch and capsule configuration for secure attachment and data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the microneedles are held firmly on the skin to prevent tearing, then the reliability of monitoring is improved, but the risk of tearing the microneedles from the skin due to external forces increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separable modules: a first module containing attachment means and a second module containing the microneedles. This segmentation allows the microneedles to be isolated from external tearing forces while maintaining secure skin contact, resolving the contradiction between reliable monitoring and preventing microneedle tearing.
Solution Approach 2:
A separable link acts as an intermediary between the two modules, designed with a controlled tearing threshold. This intermediary element absorbs external forces through controlled detachment, protecting the microneedles from harmful tearing while allowing the system to maintain reliability during normal operation.
2Ease of operation
If the device is made portable and wearable on the wrist, then the ease of operation is improved, but the microneedles become vulnerable to external tearing forces
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device is segmented into separable modules connected by a controlled-link mechanism. This allows the device to maintain portability and ease of operation while protecting the microneedles from external forces through the separable connection that can detach under excessive stress.
Solution Approach 2:
The separable link is pre-designed with a specific tearing threshold that acts as a protective mechanism. Before external forces can damage the microneedles, the separable link is configured to fail first, providing beforehand protection against harmful tearing forces during portable use.
3Ease of manufacture
If the microneedles are made removable for replacement, then the ease of manufacture and maintenance are improved, but the risk of accidental tearing during handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The separable link serves as a protective intermediary during microneedle handling and replacement. It allows controlled separation and reconnection of modules, enabling easy manufacturing and maintenance while preventing accidental tearing through its designed detachment mechanism that only activates under excessive force.
Data Source
AI summary
A body-monitoring system (1), intended to be attached to a limb of a living being, having a first module (100) having fastening and clamping mechanisms (110) configured to hold and clamp the system (1) on a limb; a second module (200) having microneedles (210) configured to be inserted into the skin in order to sample and/or analyse a bodily fluid of the wearer of the body-monitoring system (1) when positioned on the limb, the two modules (100, 200) being able to be coupled together in position by a complementarity of shape. The first module (100) and the second module (200) are connected together by a separable link (300), the separable link being configured to be released when a tearing threshold is exceeded, the link also being reusable.