Transcutaneous analyte sensors, applicators therefor, and associated methods

Abstract

The present embodiments relate generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present embodiments provide sensor applicators and methods of use with pushbutton activation that implant the sensor, withdraw the insertion needle, engage the transmitter with the housing, and disengage the applicator from the housing, all in one smooth motion. Some embodiments contemplate engagement of the transmitter with the housing after release of the applicator.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A device for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to skin of a host, the device comprising:
 a base configured to secure a housing, wherein the housing is configured to receive an electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit is configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from a sensor;   a sensor insertion mechanism configured to insert the sensor into the host; and   a trigger configured, in response to being activated, to cause the sensor insertion mechanism to insert the sensor into the host, to secure the electronics unit to the housing such that the sensor electrically contacts the electronics unit, and to cause the housing to detach from the base.   
     
     
         2 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the electronics unit is configured, in response to the trigger being activated and/or the electrical connection of the sensor to the electronics unit, to generate analyte information. 
     
     
         3 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the housing is configured such that the electronics unit cannot be removed from the housing while the housing is adhered to the skin of the host. 
     
     
         4 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the base is configured to draw the electronics unit into the housing. 
     
     
         5 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a standoff configured to limit an extent to which the electronics unit is inserted into the housing prior to sensor insertion. 
     
     
         6 . The device of  claim 5 , wherein the trigger is further configured, in response to being activated, to release the electronics unit from the standoff after sensor insertion, and wherein the electronics unit is configured, in response to being released from the standoff, to be secured to the housing such that the sensor electrically connects to one or more contacts on the electronics unit. 
     
     
         7 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein, in use, a time between sensor insertion into the host and the electronics unit securing to the housing is less than about 1 second. 
     
     
         8 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein at least one contact on the electronics unit is more rigid than the sensor, and wherein the electronics unit is configured such that, when fully secured to the housing, the at least one contact presses the sensor into an elastomeric seal such that the elastomeric seal is compressed and conforms to the sensor. 
     
     
         9 . The device of  claim 6 , the sensor is configured, after insertion into the host, to be surrounded by an elastomeric seal, and wherein the electronics unit is configured, in response to the electronics unit being released from a lock, to compress the elastomeric seal to secure the sensor and to form a seal around the sensor. 
     
     
         10 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the device is configured to disengage from the housing and from the electronics unit in response to the electronics unit being released from a lock. 
     
     
         11 . The device of  claim 6 , wherein the device is configured to provide one or more tactile, auditory, or visual indications that the electronics unit has been inserted into the housing to the extent permitted by a lock. 
     
     
         12 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a trigger lock configured to prevent activation of the trigger. 
     
     
         13 . The device of  claim 1 , wherein the sensor insertion mechanism is configured to insert the sensor into the host at a maximum velocity influenced by a centrifugal brake. 
     
     
         14 . The device of  claim 13 , wherein the sensor insertion mechanism comprises a tab protruding in an axial direction from a wheel and configured to rotate about a fixed point, wherein rotational movement of the tab translates into a linear movement of a needle carrier to insert the sensor into the host. 
     
     
         15 . The device of  claim 1 , further comprising a protective cover configured to cover the electronics unit and the housing after sensor insertion and to secure the electronics unit to the housing. 
     
     
         16 . A device for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to skin of a host, the device comprising:
 a base configured to secure a housing, wherein the housing is configured to receive a transmitter, and the transmitter is configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from a sensor; and   a mechanism configured to, in response to a single action by a user, cause the sensor to be inserted into the host, to secure the electronics unit to the housing such that the sensor electrically contacts the electronics unit, and to cause the housing to detach from the base.   
     
     
         17 . The device of  claim 16 , wherein the mechanism includes a trigger, and the single action comprises activating the trigger to release stored energy and set components within the device in motion. 
     
     
         18 . The device of  claim 17 , wherein the stored energy is stored in a torsion spring that, when released, is configured to cause a wheel to rotate. 
     
     
         19 . The device of  claim 18 , wherein rotation of the wheel is configured to induce linear motion in a needle carrier. 
     
     
         20 . A device for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to skin of a host, the device comprising:
 a base configured to secure a housing, wherein the housing is configured to receive an electronics unit, wherein the electronics unit is configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from a sensor;   a sensor insertion mechanism configured to insert the sensor into the host, and including a needle carrying the sensor, a rotatable wheel, and a linearly translatable needle carrier; and   a trigger configured, in response to being activated, to cause the rotatable wheel to rotate, which in turn causes the linearly translatable needle carrier to translate toward the host to implant the sensor, and subsequently to translate away from the host to withdraw the needle from the host.