Guard rings for on-body analyte sensors
Inventors
Mitchell, Steven T. • Fujimoto, Frank David • Cho, Hyun Brian
Assignees
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Publication Number
US-12635913-B2
Publication Date
2026-05-26
Expiration Date
Abstract
On-body analyte sensors may be designed for extended wear to provide ongoing measurement of physiological analyte levels. However, on-body analyte sensors may be susceptible to damage or dislodgment during wear due to routine interactions that occur with one's surroundings. Guard rings may be adapted to protect on-body analyte sensors from such interactions. Guard rings may comprise an annular body comprising an inner perimeter face, an outer perimeter face, a top edge, and a bottom face adapted for contacting a tissue surface. The inner perimeter face is shaped to circumferentially surround a sensor housing of an on-body analyte sensor. At least a portion of the outer perimeter face defines a chamfered surface extending between the top face and the bottom face. Adhesive pads or strips may further be engaged with the guard rings and aid in securing the guard rings to a surface, such as skin.
Core Innovation
The invention relates to an in vivo analyte monitoring system that includes a sensor housing containing a sensor module, where the sensor housing is adapted for adhering to a tissue surface and at least a portion of the sensor module is adapted for penetrating the tissue surface. The system further includes a guard ring circumferentially surrounding the sensor housing, with the guard ring comprising an annular body having an inner perimeter face, an outer perimeter face, a top face, and a bottom face. One or more adhesive pads or strips are placed on at least a portion of the guard ring for securing the guard ring upon the tissue surface.
The guard ring is configured so that the one or more adhesive pads or strips are secured within at least a portion of the annular body. The disclosed guard ring construction includes guard-ring surface and edge features that support safe contact during routine wear, including chamfered or sloped and/or rounded perimeter surfaces that promote glancing contact and tapered/rounded edges that reduce catching and dislodgment risk. The annular guard ring can include recesses on the inner perimeter face and bottom-face grooves to discourage fluid entrapment and promote drainage and air circulation.
The disclosed system architecture integrates the guarded in vivo sensor with an analyte monitoring system that includes a sensor/reader arrangement, including a reader device and a remote terminal. The document describes an example in which the sensor housing and guarded configuration are used with sensors penetrating tissue, including dermal glucose sensors, and the guard ring supports maintaining sensor placement and reducing damage or dislodgment during routine wear.
Claims Coverage
The partial content provides two independent claims. Across these claims, the inventive structure centers on an in vivo analyte monitoring system that combines a tissue-adhering, penetrating sensor housing with a circumferential guard ring that is secured using adhesive pads or strips retained within an annular guard-ring body.
Guard ring circumferentially surrounding a tissue-adhering penetrating sensor housing with internal adhesive
An in vivo analyte monitoring system comprising a sensor housing containing a sensor module, the sensor housing being adapted for adhering to a tissue surface and at least a portion of the sensor module being adapted for penetrating the tissue surface; and a guard ring circumferentially surrounding the sensor housing, the guard ring comprising an annular body comprising an inner perimeter face, an outer perimeter face, a top face, and a bottom face; and one or more adhesive pads or strips placed on at least a portion of the guard ring for securing the guard ring upon the tissue surface, wherein the one or more adhesive pads or strips are secured within at least a portion of the annular body.
Top edge as an intersection defining annular guard ring with internal adhesive securing
An in vivo analyte monitoring system comprising a sensor housing containing a sensor module, the sensor housing configured to adhere to a tissue surface and the sensor module comprising a sensor configured to penetrate the tissue surface; and a guard ring circumferentially surrounding the sensor housing, the guard ring comprising an annular body comprising an inner perimeter face, an outer perimeter face, a top face, and a bottom face, the top face being a top edge that defines an intersection between the inner perimeter face and the outer perimeter face; and one or more adhesive pads or strips placed on at least a portion of the guard ring for securing the guard ring upon the tissue surface, wherein the one or more adhesive pads or strips are secured within at least a portion of the annular body.
Both independent claims require an in vivo analyte monitoring system with a tissue-adhering sensor housing and a circumferential guard ring around the housing, where the guard ring uses one or more adhesive pads or strips secured within the annular body to secure the guard ring upon the tissue surface.
Stated Advantages
Reduce sensor damage or dislodgment during routine wear.
Promote glancing contact via a chamfered/specified outer perimeter surface.
Prevent catching/dislodgment risk by using tapered/rounded edges.
Discourage fluid entrapment and promote drainage and air circulation via bottom-face grooves.
Enable replaceability/avoid pullout by providing guard ring configurations that can be replaced (replaceable/engaged adhesive pads or strips).
Documented Applications
In vivo analyte monitoring system for sensors penetrating tissue, including dermal glucose sensors, integrated with a reader device and remote terminal.
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