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 activation that implant the sensor, withdraw the insertion needle, engage the transmitter with the housing, and disengage the applicator from the housing. Systems and methods according to present principles allow for such steps to occur without significant loss of spring force, and without deleterious effects such as seal slingshotting.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . An applicator for applying an on-skin sensor assembly to skin of a host, the applicator comprising:
 an applicator housing operatively coupled to a disposable housing, the disposable housing being configured to receive an electronics unit, the electronics unit being configured to generate analyte information based on a signal from a sensor;   an insertion assembly comprising an insertion member, the insertion member being configured to insert the sensor into the skin of the host;   a resistance member releasably coupled to the insertion assembly;   a first drive assembly containing a first amount of stored energy, the first drive member being configured to drive the insertion member in a distal direction to an inserted position; and   a second drive assembly containing a second amount of stored energy, the second drive member being configured to drive the insertion member in a proximal direction,   wherein the second amount of stored energy is sufficient to decouple the resistance member from the insertion assembly.   
     
     
         2 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the first drive assembly is configured to drive the insertion member in the proximal direction after the insertion member reaches the inserted position. 
     
     
         3 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the second amount of stored energy is sufficient to decouple the resistance member from the insertion assembly and drive the insertion member in a proximal direction to a retracted position. 
     
     
         4 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal direction and the distal direction extend along an axis of the insertion member. 
     
     
         5 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the proximal direction and the distal direction extend at an angle to a plane of the disposable housing. 
     
     
         6 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance member is operatively coupled to the disposable housing. 
     
     
         7 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance member is frictionally engaged with the insertion assembly. 
     
     
         8 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance member is slidably coupled with the insertion assembly. 
     
     
         9 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance member comprises an elastomer. 
     
     
         10 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance member comprises a seal. 
     
     
         11 . The applicator of  claim 1 , further comprising a carrier operatively coupled to the disposable housing, the resistance member being operatively coupled to the carrier. 
     
     
         12 . The applicator of  claim 11 , wherein the carrier is movably coupled to the disposable housing. 
     
     
         13 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion member comprises a needle. 
     
     
         14 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion assembly comprises a cannula. 
     
     
         15 . The applicator of  claim 14 , wherein the insertion member is configured to travel through the cannula as the insertion member moves distally. 
     
     
         16 . The applicator of  claim 14 , wherein the resistance member is releasably coupled to the cannula. 
     
     
         17 . The applicator of  claim 14 , wherein the cannula is fixed relative to the disposable housing as the insertion member moves distally. 
     
     
         18 . The applicator of  claim 17 , wherein the cannula is disposed between the first and second seal components. 
     
     
         19 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the resistance member is coupled directly to the insertion member. 
     
     
         20 . The applicator of  claim 1 , wherein the insertion assembly comprises a support configured to inhibit proximal movement of the sensor, at least after the insertion assembly reaches the inserted position.