Wearable Analyte Monitor Base Unit With Replaceable Battery
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous analyte monitoring systems, such as continuous glucose monitoring (CGM), face challenges due to the limited lifespan of wearable device power sources, leading to increased costs and potential interruptions in monitoring.
Innovation Solution
The system incorporates a reusable transmitter unit paired with a replaceable base unit, where the base unit contains a power source that interfaces with the transmitter unit, providing a fresh power supply with each replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of stationary object
If a rechargeable battery is used in the wearable device, then the device can be reused multiple times, but fire hazards arise and the lifespan is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable alkaline batteries instead of rechargeable batteries in the base unit. These single-use batteries eliminate fire hazards associated with rechargeable batteries while providing sufficient power for the monitoring period. The base unit is replaced along with the battery, ensuring continuous safe operation without the risks of battery recharging.
Solution Approach 2:
The wearable device is divided into two separable components: a reusable transmitter unit and a replaceable base unit containing the battery. This segmentation allows the battery to be replaced independently when depleted, eliminating the need for recharging the entire device and associated fire hazards, while maintaining the longevity of the transmitter unit.
2Duration of action of moving object
If the base unit is replaced with a fresh power source, then continuous monitoring is enabled without recharging, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into a transmitter unit and a base unit that can be easily separated and reattached. This modular design enables simple replacement of the base unit with a fresh battery without complex recharging procedures, maintaining continuous monitoring while managing the added structural complexity through straightforward mechanical connection and disconnection interfaces.
3Ease of manufacture
If a reusable transmitter unit is used, then manufacturing costs are reduced, but power supply limitations arise
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the transmitter unit from the power source in the base unit, the transmitter can be manufactured and reused multiple times without power supply constraints. The base unit with its disposable battery is replaced when depleted, allowing the expensive transmitter unit to be manufactured once and reused, significantly reducing overall manufacturing costs while providing uninterrupted power supply through fresh batteries.
Solution Approach 2:
The use of inexpensive disposable alkaline batteries in the base unit provides sufficient power for the monitoring period without requiring expensive rechargeable battery systems. This approach reduces the cost of the replaceable component while enabling continuous operation, and the economic benefit is realized through the longevity and reusability of the transmitter unit.
Data Source
AI summary
A base unit of a wearable device for continuous analyte monitoring includes a cup configured to receive a power source. A first power source contact is at least partially located in the cup and configured to electrically contact a first terminal of the power source in response to the power source being received in the cup. At least one base contact is electrically coupled to the first power source contact, the at least one base contact configured to electrically contact at least one transmitter contact of a transmitter unit in response to the transmitter unit and the base unit being coupled together. Numerous other embodiments are provided.