Transmitter Unit Contact Pins for Analyte Sensor Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte monitoring systems face challenges in securely coupling analyte sensors with transmitter units for continuous electrical connection, requiring accurate alignment and retention mechanisms to minimize data errors and facilitate easy deployment and removal.
Innovation Solution
The system employs a mechanism with transmitter unit contact pins made of metal components and a latch configuration with polymer pins and contact caps for improved electrical conductivity and secure sensor alignment, using protrusions and notches for precise positioning and a seal with concentric lead-in segments to ensure accurate electrode contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a separate base component or mounting unit is provided on the skin to mount the transmitter unit and establish signal communication with the analyte sensor, then the transmitter unit can be securely mounted and signal communication can be established, but the device complexity increases and the deployment process becomes more complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the base component and transmitter unit into a single integrated assembly. The transmitter unit is directly mounted on the base component with electrical contacts aligned to engage with the analyte sensor, eliminating the need for separate mounting steps and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining secure attachment and signal communication capabilities
2Reliability
If accurate positioning of the sensor through the skin and proper electrical connection between sensor electrodes and transmitter contact points are ensured, then data errors are minimized, but the deployment difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric design features including a keyhole-shaped aperture in the base component that accepts a corresponding protrusion on the transmitter unit, and non-circular electrical contacts with specific geometric shapes. This asymmetric geometry provides self-alignment during insertion, ensuring accurate positioning and proper electrical connection between sensor electrodes and transmitter contact points while simplifying the deployment process through automatic orientation
Solution Approach 2:
The analyte sensor and transmitter unit assembly incorporates self-aligning features where the sensor automatically positions itself relative to the base component and transmitter unit during insertion. The geometric constraints and flexible components enable the system to self-correct minor positioning errors, ensuring reliable electrical connection without requiring precise manual alignment by the operator
3Duration of action of moving object
If the transmitter unit is securely mounted to the patient for continuous monitoring over several days, then monitoring duration is extended, but the potential for connection errors and data quality issues increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates flexible electrical contacts and spring-loaded connection elements that can dynamically adapt to skin movement and positioning changes over time. These dynamic components maintain consistent electrical pressure and connection integrity throughout the monitoring period, preventing contact loss and data errors even as the patient moves or the adhesive properties of the skin-mounted base component change over several days
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for providing analyte sensor alignment and retention mechanism for improved connectivity with a transmitter unit for electrical connection, and further including transmitter unit contact pins with metal components to improve electrical conductivity with the analyte sensor in an analyte monitoring and management system is provided.