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:
an applicator housing;
a needle hub coupled to an insertion element, the needle hub comprising:
a base, and
an anti-rotation feature extending from the base, the anti-rotation feature comprising a key; and
an on-skin sensor assembly comprising:
a sensor, the sensor configured to measure an analyte concentration of a host, and
an aperture extending from a top surface of the on-skin sensor assembly, wherein the key is configured to be at least partially disposed in the aperture of the on-skin sensor assembly; and
wherein the anti-rotation feature is configured to prevent rotation of the base within the aperture.
2. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the insertion element comprises a needle.
3. The applicator of claim 2 , wherein the needle comprises an open side configured to receive the sensor.
4. The applicator of claim 3 , wherein the needle has a C-shaped, U-shaped, or V-shaped cross section.
5. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the needle hub is coupled to the insertion element by heat staking, snap-fit, friction-fit, clamshell, or insert molding.
6. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the on-skin sensor assembly comprises an electronics unit.
7. The applicator of claim 6 , wherein the electronics unit is configured to communicate analyte data to a receiver after the on-skin sensor assembly is applied to a skin of the host.
8. The applicator of claim 7 , wherein the electronics unit includes a power source, signal processing components, data storage components, and a communication module.
9. The applicator of claim 7 , wherein the sensor is connected to the electronics unit in the applicator housing.
10. 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.
11. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the insertion element is configured to be inserted into the skin a predetermined depth.
12. The applicator of claim 1 , wherein the analyte concentration comprises glucose.
13. The applicator of claim 1 , further comprising an inner applicator housing.
14. The applicator of claim 1 , further comprising a retraction spring configured to drive the insertion element from distal insertion position to a proximal retracted position.
15. An applicator for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to a skin of a host, the applicator comprising:
an applicator housing;
a needle hub coupled to a needle, wherein the needle comprises a portion configured to extend through the skin of the host, wherein the needle hub comprises a base, wherein the base comprises an anti-rotation key; and
an on-skin sensor assembly comprising:
a sensor configured to measure an analyte concentration of a host; and
an aperture extending from a top surface of the on-skin sensor assembly; and
wherein the anti-rotation key is configured to be at least partially disposed in the aperture of the on-skin sensor assembly; and
wherein the anti-rotation key is configured to prevent rotation of the needle hub with respect to the on-skin sensor assembly.
16. The applicator of claim 15 , wherein the needle comprises an open side configured to receive the sensor.
17. The applicator of claim 15 , wherein the needle hub is coupled to the insertion element by heat staking, snap-fit, friction-fit, clamshell, or insert molding.
18. The applicator of claim 15 , wherein the on-skin sensor assembly comprises an electronics unit.
19. The applicator of claim 18 , wherein the electronics unit is configured to communicate analyte data to a receiver after the on-skin sensor assembly is applied to a skin of the host.
20. The applicator of claim 19 , wherein the electronics unit includes a power source, signal processing components, data storage components, and a communication module.
21. The applicator of claim 18 , wherein the sensor is connected to the electronics unit in the applicator housing.
22. The applicator of claim 18 , wherein the needle is configured to be inserted through the electronics unit.