Skin-Mountable Module Snap Connector for Low-Force Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing skin-mountable medical devices suffer from assembly failures due to breakage of latches during module insertion, leading to potential loss and unnoticed detachment.
Innovation Solution
A snap connector with a release flap that projects outwardly from the mounting plate, allowing unimpeded movement and avoiding skin contact, combined with a latch that engages with the medical module and a chamfered inlet for guided insertion, reducing the force required for assembly and providing a secure connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the release flap is positioned close to the skin surface, then the device profile is minimized, but the flap movement is restricted and may contact the skin causing excessive force application
Solution Approach 1:
The release flap is oriented at an acute angle (at least 5°, preferably at least 10°) relative to the skin surface, changing the dimensional relationship from a parallel configuration to an angled one. This angular orientation provides vertical clearance for flap movement while maintaining a compact horizontal footprint, resolving the contradiction between minimized profile and unimpeded movement.
2Reliability
If the latches are configured as hook-like protrusions for snap-fitting, then the connection is secure, but the latches are susceptible to breakage during insertion
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting plate includes a chamfered inlet edge that guides the medical module into proper alignment before the latches engage. This preliminary guiding action prevents misalignment and reduces insertion force requirements, allowing the hook-like latches to engage securely without experiencing excessive stress that could cause breakage.
3Stability of the object's composition
If movable parts of the snap connector contact the skin, then the device feels stable, but excessive force may be applied leading to material failure
Solution Approach 1:
The release flap is extracted from the skin-contact plane, positioning its outer portion at a clearance distance of at least 2 mm, preferably at least 5 mm above the skin surface. This extraction eliminates the risk of skin contact during flap actuation, preventing excessive force application while maintaining device stability through the angled configuration.
4Ease of operation
If the release flap is allowed to move freely, then user interaction is improved, but the mounting plate may bend or deform
Solution Approach 1:
The release flap is configured to move in an angular path relative to the skin surface rather than parallel to it. This dimensional change in movement trajectory allows the flap to achieve sufficient travel distance for easy actuation while the angular orientation distributes forces more favorably, preventing bending or deformation of the mounting plate.
Data Source
AI summary
A skin-mountable medical device having a mounting plate having a bottom side attachable to the skin of a user and a medical module, in particular, an analyte sensing device or a drug administration pump. A snap connector releasably attaches the medical module on the upper side of the mounting plate. The snap connector has a release flap that can be actuated by the user to detach the medical module, and the release flap projects outwardly from the mounting plate and at its bottom side maintains a clearance to avoid an interfering skin contact in use.