Transcutaneous analyte sensors, applicators therefor, and associated methods
The present embodiments relate generally to applicators of on-skin sensor assemblies for measuring an analyte in a host, as well as their method of use and manufacture. In some aspects, an applicator for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to a skin of a host is provided. The applicator includes an applicator housing, a needle carrier assembly comprising an insertion element configured to insert a sensor of the on-skin sensor assembly into the skin of the host, a holder releasably coupled to the needle carrier assembly and configured to guide the on-skin sensor assembly while coupled to the needle carrier assembly, and a drive assembly configured to drive the insertion element from a proximal starting position to a distal insertion position, and from the distal insertion position to a proximal retraction position.
1. An applicator for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to a skin of a host, the applicator comprising:
a housing including a distal surface;
an on-skin sensor assembly including an aperture and a sensor, the sensor configured to measure an analyte concentration of a host;
a needle carrier assembly comprising a needle configured to insert the sensor of the on-skin sensor assembly into a skin of the host, wherein the needle comprises a portion configured to extend from the aperture through the skin of the host;
a cap configured to be secured to the distal surface of the housing;
a sensor retention element coupled to the cap, wherein at least a distal portion of the sensor and at least a distal portion of the needle are retained within the sensor retention element; and
wherein the sensor retention element is configured to be removed with the cap prior to activation of the applicator,
wherein the aperture is offset from a center of the on-skin sensor assembly.
2. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the needle comprises an open side configured to receive the sensor.
3. The applicator of claim 2 , wherein the needle has a C-shaped, U-shaped, or V-shaped cross section.
4. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the needle hub is coupled to the needle by heat staking, snap-fit, friction-fit, clamshell, or insert molding.
5. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the on-skin sensor assembly comprises an electronics unit.
6. The applicator of claim 5 , wherein the electronics unit is configured to communicate analyte data to a receiver.
7. The applicator of claim 6 , wherein the electronics unit includes a power source, signal processing components, data storage components, and a communication module.
8. The applicator of claim 6 , wherein the sensor is connected to the electronics unit in the applicator housing.
9. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the on-skin sensor assembly includes an adhesive patch configured to secure the on-skin sensor assembly to a skin of a host.
10. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the needle is configured to be inserted into the skin a predetermined depth.
11. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the analyte concentration comprises glucose.
12. The applicator of claim 1 , further comprising an inner applicator housing.
13. The applicator of claim 1 , further comprising a retraction spring configured to drive the needle from distal insertion position to a proximal retracted position.