Telescoping Sensor Inserter for Precise Pain-Minimizing Skin Placement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing transcutaneous analyte sensors face challenges with unreliable, painful, and cumbersome insertion methods, leading to incomplete or improper sensor placement, which can result in discomfort and delayed glucose level monitoring in diabetic patients.
Innovation Solution
A sensor inserter assembly with a telescoping mechanism and adhesive base for reliable, pain-minimizing transcutaneous insertion of analyte sensors, featuring a telescoping assembly with a sensor module and base, and a needle release mechanism for controlled sensor application.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional finger pricking methods are used for glucose monitoring, then measurement can be obtained, but user comfort and convenience deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical finger pricking system with a transcutaneous sensor system that uses electrochemical sensing through the skin. The sensor module with working, reference, and counter electrodes substitutes the mechanical lancet, enabling continuous glucose monitoring without repeated punctures, thereby improving user comfort while maintaining monitoring reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transcutaneous sensor system between the user and the glucose measurement process. Instead of direct finger pricking, the sensor module acts as an intermediary that penetrates the skin minimally and continuously measures glucose in interstitial fluid, transmitting data wirelessly to a receiver, thus improving comfort while ensuring reliable monitoring
2Ease of operation
If transcutaneous sensor insertion is performed manually, then sensor application is possible, but insertion reliability and precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a dynamic insertion mechanism where the sensor module is advanced through the skin using a controlled pushing motion. The sensor applicator allows manual operation while incorporating dynamic elements such as a push button that translates user action into precise sensor insertion, ensuring proper placement depth and angle without requiring complex automated systems
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary positioning features in the sensor applicator that prepare the sensor module for accurate insertion before contact with the skin. The applicator includes alignment guides and positioning structures that ensure the sensor is correctly oriented and positioned prior to insertion, thereby improving insertion precision while maintaining simple manual operation
3Device complexity
If sensor insertion depth is not controlled, then application process is simplified, but sensor placement reliability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a controlled insertion mechanism that regulates the penetration depth parameter of the sensor module. The applicator design includes a stop mechanism or predetermined travel distance that ensures the sensor reaches the appropriate depth in the subcutaneous tissue without requiring complex active control systems, thereby maintaining placement reliability while limiting device complexity
Data Source
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AI summary
Systems for applying a transcutaneous monitor to a person can include a telescoping assembly, a sensor, and a base with adhesive to couple the sensor to skin. The sensor can be located within the telescoping assembly while the base protrudes from a distal end of the system. The system can be configured to couple the sensor to the base by compressing the telescoping assembly.