Sensor Inserter Assembly

Abstract

An analyte monitor includes a sensor, a sensor control unit, and a display unit. The sensor control unit typically has a housing adapted for placement on skin and is adapted to receive a portion of an electrochemical sensor. The sensor control unit also includes two or more conductive contacts disposed on the housing and configured for coupling to two or more contact pads on the sensor. A transmitter is disposed in the housing and coupled to the plurality of conductive contacts for transmitting data obtained using the sensor. The display unit has a receiver for receiving data transmitted by the transmitter of the sensor control unit and a display coupled to the receiver for displaying an indication of a level of an analyte, such as blood glucose. An inserter having a retractable introducer is provided for subcutaneously implanting the sensor in a predictable and reliable fashion.

1 . (canceled) 
     
     
         2 . A method of applying an on-skin sensor assembly to a host, comprising:
 attaching an applicator to a skin of a host, the applicator comprising a sensor insertion mechanism, a trigger, and a base;   a housing secured to the applicator, wherein the housing is configured to receive an electronics unit;   activating the trigger, thereby causing the sensor insertion mechanism to insert a sensor into the host and to cause the housing to detach from the base;   removing the applicator from the skin of the host, whereby the housing and the inserted sensor remain on the skin of the host; and   inserting the electronics unit into the housing, wherein the electronics unit is configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from the sensor, and wherein the electronics unit is secured to the housing such that the sensor electrically contacts the electronics unit, whereby an on-skin sensor assembly comprising the housing, the electronics unit, and the inserted sensor is obtained.   
     
     
         3 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein a time between the sensor insertion into the host and the electronics unit securing the sensor is less than about 1 second. 
     
     
         4 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the sensor assembly further comprises a trigger lock configured to prevent activation of the trigger. 
     
     
         5 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the housing is configured to adhere to a host's skin, wherein, in use, the sensor is configured to extend through the housing and into the host's skin; and
 wherein the electronics unit is configured to operably connect to the sensor and generate analyte information based on a signal from the sensor when the electronics unit is secured within the housing, wherein operable connection of the electronics unit to the sensor comprises pressing the sensor against one or more electrical contacts of the electronics unit, and wherein the sensor is configured to be held in the assembly with a retention force.   
     
     
         6 . The method of  claim 5 , wherein the sensor is configured such that connection of the electronics unit to the sensor causes the sensor to bend, whereby the sensor is configured to conform to the shape of the one or more electrical contacts. 
     
     
         7 . The method of  claim 2 , wherein the electronics unit is inserted into the housing after the applicator is removed from the skin of the host.