Transcutaneous Glucose Sensor Keyed Modular Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) methods for diabetes management are uncomfortable and inconvenient, leading to infrequent measurements and delayed detection of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions, which can result in dangerous side effects.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous analyte sensor system comprising a sensor inserted into the host's tissue, a housing for external placement, and an electronics unit with a key mechanism for secure connection, allowing for continuous glucose monitoring and providing calibrated data for a predetermined time period.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) methods are used, then measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the measurement frequency is low and timing is delayed due to discomfort and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical finger-pricking method with a transcutaneous sensor system that uses electrochemical detection through the skin. The sensor continuously monitors glucose levels in interstitial fluid without requiring physical penetration of the skin surface, thereby eliminating the discomfort and inconvenience of conventional SMBG while enabling continuous high-frequency measurements.
2Productivity
If transcutaneous sensor is inserted for continuous monitoring, then measurement frequency and timeliness are improved, but device complexity increases due to sensor-housing-electronics unit system with key mechanism
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into distinct functional modules: a transcutaneous sensor unit for glucose detection, a housing unit for secure mounting on the patient's body, and a separate electronics unit containing processing and power components. These modular units connect via a key mechanism, allowing independent manufacturing, testing, and replacement of each component while maintaining overall system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The key mechanism serves as an intermediary component that physically and electrically connects the sensor unit to the housing and electronics unit. This keyed interface ensures proper alignment, secure attachment, and electrical contact between components while preventing improper assembly, thereby managing system complexity through a standardized connection protocol.
3Ease of manufacture
If sensor is made reusable with electronics unit attachment, then cost is reduced, but reliability decreases due to potential connection errors and operational issues
Solution Approach 1:
The keyed connection mechanism employs asymmetric geometry where the key on the sensor unit fits into a corresponding recess in the housing/electronics unit assembly. This asymmetric design ensures that only the correct orientation and matching components can be connected, preventing improper assembly while enabling reliable reusable connections between sensor and electronics units.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.