Patent Publication Number: US-2021186424-A1

Title: Systems for skin patch gravity resistance

Description:
FIELD 
     Embodiments of the subject matter described herein relate generally to medical devices, such as a skin patch for a physiological characteristic sensor assembly. More particularly, embodiments of the subject matter relate to systems that improve gravity resistance of a skin patch during storage to ensure that the skin patch remains ready for coupling to a user after a period of time. 
     BACKGROUND 
     Sensors may be employed in the treatment of or monitoring of various medical conditions. In one example, thin film electrochemical sensors are used to test analyte levels in patients or users. More specifically, thin film sensors have been designed for use in obtaining an indication of blood glucose (BG) levels and monitoring BG levels in a diabetic user, with the distal segment portion of the sensor positioned subcutaneously in direct contact with extracellular fluid. Such readings can be especially useful in adjusting a treatment regimen which typically includes regular administration of insulin to the user. 
     A glucose sensor of the type described above may be packaged and sold as a product, such as a continuous glucose monitor, which is adhered to the patient during use via an adhesive skin patch. In certain instances, the continuous glucose monitor may be packaged with a sensor introducer tool, which enables the implantation of the glucose sensor subcutaneously/transcutaneously. The sensor introducer tool contains a needle that is used to puncture the skin of a user at the same time as the sensor is introduced. The needle is then withdrawn, leaving the sensor in the skin of the user. 
     In instances where the continuous glucose sensor is packaged with the sensor introducer tool, the continuous glucose sensor may be positioned within the sensor introducer tool such that the skin patch is subjected to the effects of gravity. Gravity, when acting on the skin patch, may cause the skin patch to droop or sag within the sensor introducer tool. When the skin patch droops or sags within the sensor introducer tool, the skin patch may fold upon itself, and thus, may not adhere well to the user. 
     Accordingly, it is desirable to provide systems for improving gravity resistance of a skin patch, such as a skin patch coupled to a physiological characteristic sensor, for example, a glucose sensor or continuous glucose monitor, which inhibits the skin patch from drooping or sagging to ensure that the skin patch remains ready for coupling to a user after a period of time. Furthermore, other desirable features and characteristics will become apparent from the subsequent detailed description and the appended claims, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings and the foregoing technical field and background. 
     BRIEF SUMMARY 
     The techniques of this disclosure generally relate to systems that improve gravity resistance of an adhesive skin patch, such as an adhesive skin patch coupled to a medical device, such as a glucose sensor or continuous glucose monitor. 
     Provided according to various embodiments is a system for a physiological characteristic sensor deployed with a sensor inserter. The system includes an adhesive patch coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor. The adhesive patch is to couple the physiological characteristic sensor to an anatomy. The system also includes a gravity resistance system coupled to the adhesive patch and to be coupled to the sensor inserter. The gravity resistance system maintains the adhesive patch substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor inserter prior to deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor and is removable from the adhesive patch by the sensor inserter upon deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor. 
     Also provided is a system for a physiological characteristic sensor deployed with a sensor inserter. The system includes an adhesive patch coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor. The adhesive patch is to couple the physiological characteristic sensor to an anatomy. The system includes a gravity resistance system coupled to the adhesive patch and to the sensor inserter. The gravity resistance system includes at least one adhesive layer coupled between the adhesive patch and the sensor inserter. The at least one adhesive layer is coupled to a surface of the adhesive layer so as to be positioned about at least a portion of a perimeter of the adhesive patch. The gravity resistance system maintains the adhesive patch substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor inserter prior to deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor and is removable from the adhesive patch by the sensor inserter upon deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor. 
     Further provided is a system for a physiological characteristic sensor deployed with a sensor inserter. The system includes an adhesive patch coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor. The adhesive patch is to couple the physiological characteristic sensor to an anatomy. The system includes a gravity resistance system coupled to the adhesive patch and to the sensor inserter. The gravity resistance system includes at least one adhesive layer coupled between the adhesive patch and the sensor inserter. The at least one adhesive layer is coupled to a surface of the adhesive layer so as to be positioned about a perimeter of the adhesive patch. The at least one adhesive layer comprises a first tack adhesive on a first side and a second tack adhesive on an opposite side, and the second tack adhesive is less tacky than the first tack adhesive. The gravity resistance system maintains the adhesive patch substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor inserter prior to deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor and is removable from the adhesive patch by the sensor inserter upon deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor. 
     Also provided according to various embodiment is a system for a physiological characteristic sensor deployed with a sensor inserter. The system includes an adhesive patch coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor. The adhesive patch is to couple the physiological characteristic sensor to an anatomy. The system includes a gravity resistance system coupled to the adhesive patch and to be coupled to the sensor inserter. The gravity resistance system maintains the adhesive patch substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor inserter prior to deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor and the gravity resistance system is to be removable from the sensor inserter by the adhesive patch upon deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor. 
     Further provided is a system for a physiological characteristic sensor deployed with a sensor inserter. The system includes an adhesive patch coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor. The adhesive patch is to couple the physiological characteristic sensor to an anatomy. The system includes a gravity resistance system coupled to the adhesive patch and the sensor inserter. The gravity resistance system comprises a low tack adhesive paper that has a first surface positioned opposite a second surface by a fold. The first surface is coupled to the adhesive patch and the second surface is coupled to the sensor inserter. The gravity resistance system maintains the adhesive patch substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis of the sensor inserter prior to deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor and the gravity resistance system is removable from the sensor inserter by the adhesive patch upon deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor. 
     This summary is provided to introduce a selection of concepts in a simplified form that are further described below in the detailed description. This summary is not intended to identify key features or essential features of the claimed subject matter, nor is it intended to be used as an aid in determining the scope of the claimed subject matter. The details of one or more aspects of the disclosure are set forth in the accompanying drawings and the description below. Other features, objects, and advantages of the techniques described in this disclosure will be apparent from the description and drawings, and from the claims. 
    
    
     
       BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS 
       A more complete understanding of the subject matter may be derived by referring to the detailed description and claims when considered in conjunction with the following figures, wherein like reference numbers refer to similar elements throughout the figures. 
         FIG. 1  is a perspective view of an exemplary sensor introduction system that includes a sensor inserter and a physiological characteristic sensor assembly having an exemplary gravity resistance system according to various teachings of the present disclosure; 
         FIG. 2  is a cross-sectional view of the sensor introduction system of  FIG. 1 , taken along line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 3  is a top view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly including the exemplary gravity resistance system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 4  is a side view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly including the exemplary gravity resistance system of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 5  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary sensor introduction system that includes a sensor inserter and a physiological characteristic sensor assembly having an exemplary gravity resistance system according to various teachings of the present disclosure, taken from the perspective of line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 6  is a top view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly including the exemplary gravity resistance system of  FIG. 5 ; 
         FIG. 7  is a cross-sectional view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly including the exemplary gravity resistance system of  FIG. 6 , taken along line  7 - 7  of  FIG. 6 ; 
         FIG. 8  is a bottom view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly including the exemplary gravity resistance system of  FIG. 5 , in which an adhesive patch associated with the physiological characteristic sensor assembly is removed for clarity; 
         FIG. 9  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary sensor introduction system that includes a sensor inserter and a physiological characteristic sensor assembly having an exemplary gravity resistance system according to various teachings of the present disclosure, taken from the perspective of line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 10  is a top view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly including the exemplary gravity resistance system of  FIG. 9 ; 
         FIG. 11  is a cross-sectional view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly including the exemplary gravity resistance system of  FIG. 10 , taken along line  11 - 11  of  FIG. 10 ; 
         FIG. 12  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary sensor introduction system that includes a sensor inserter and a physiological characteristic sensor assembly having an exemplary gravity resistance system according to various teachings of the present disclosure, taken from the perspective of line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 ; 
         FIG. 13  is a top view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly including the exemplary gravity resistance system of  FIG. 12 ; 
         FIG. 14  is a cross-sectional view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly including the exemplary gravity resistance system of  FIG. 13 , taken along line  14 - 14  of  FIG. 13 ; and 
         FIG. 15  is a cross-sectional view of another exemplary sensor introduction system that includes a sensor inserter and a physiological characteristic sensor assembly having an exemplary gravity resistance system according to various teachings of the present disclosure, taken from the perspective of line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . 
     
    
    
     DETAILED DESCRIPTION 
     The following detailed description is merely illustrative in nature and is not intended to limit the embodiments of the subject matter or the application and uses of such embodiments. As used herein, the word “exemplary” means “serving as an example, instance, or illustration.” Any implementation described herein as exemplary is not necessarily to be construed as preferred or advantageous over other implementations. Furthermore, there is no intention to be bound by any expressed or implied theory presented in the preceding technical field, background, brief summary or the following detailed description. 
     Certain terminology may be used in the following description for the purpose of reference only, and thus are not intended to be limiting. For example, terms such as “top”, “bottom”, “upper”, “lower”, “above”, and “below” could be used to refer to directions in the drawings to which reference is made. Terms such as “front”, “back”, “rear”, “side”, “outboard”, and “inboard” could be used to describe the orientation and/or location of portions of the component within a consistent but arbitrary frame of reference which is made clear by reference to the text and the associated drawings describing the component under discussion. Such terminology may include the words specifically mentioned above, derivatives thereof, and words of similar import. Similarly, the terms “first”, “second”, and other such numerical terms referring to structures do not imply a sequence or order unless clearly indicated by the context. 
     As used herein, the term “axial” refers to a direction that is generally parallel to or coincident with an axis of rotation, axis of symmetry, or centerline of a component or components. For example, in a cylinder or disc with a centerline and generally circular ends or opposing faces, the “axial” direction may refer to the direction that generally extends in parallel to the centerline between the opposite ends or faces. In certain instances, the term “axial” may be utilized with respect to components that are not cylindrical (or otherwise radially symmetric). For example, the “axial” direction for a rectangular housing containing a rotating shaft may be viewed as a direction that is generally parallel to or coincident with the rotational axis of the shaft. Furthermore, the term “radially” as used herein may refer to a direction or a relationship of components with respect to a line extending outward from a shared centerline, axis, or similar reference, for example in a plane of a cylinder or disc that is perpendicular to the centerline or axis. In certain instances, components may be viewed as “radially” aligned even though one or both of the components may not be cylindrical (or otherwise radially symmetric). Furthermore, the terms “axial” and “radial” (and any derivatives) may encompass directional relationships that are other than precisely aligned with (e.g., oblique to) the true axial and radial dimensions, provided the relationship is predominantly in the respective nominal axial or radial direction. As used herein, the term “transverse” denotes an axis that crosses another axis at an angle such that the axis and the other axis are neither substantially perpendicular nor substantially parallel. 
     The following description relates to various embodiments of systems for adhesive skin patch gravity resistance. The systems described herein inhibit or mitigate the effects of gravity acting on an adhesive skin patch, during storage, for example, which ensures that the skin patch is properly adhered to a user. It should be noted that while the adhesive skin patch is described herein as being used with a glucose sensor, such as a glucose sensor associated with a continuous glucose monitor, it will be understood that the adhesive skin patch may be employed with a variety of other sensors, such as cardiac monitors, body temperature sensors, EKG monitors etc., medical devices, and/or other components that are intended to be affixed to the body of a user. Thus, while the non-limiting examples described below relate to a medical device used to treat diabetes (more specifically, an adhesive skin patch coupled to a continuous glucose monitor), embodiments of the disclosed subject matter are not so limited. 
     Generally, the glucose sensor employed with the adhesive patch is a continuous glucose sensor of the type used by diabetic users. For the sake of brevity, conventional aspects and technology related to glucose sensors and glucose sensor fabrication may not be described in detail here. In this regard, known and/or conventional aspects of glucose sensors and their manufacturing may be of the type described in, but not limited to: U.S. Pat. Nos. 6,892,085, 7,468,033 and 9,295,786; and United States patent application number 2009/0299301 (which are each incorporated by reference herein). 
     With reference to  FIG. 1 ,  FIG. 1  is a perspective view of a sensor introduction assembly  100 . In one example, the sensor introduction assembly  100  includes a physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  and a sensor inserter  104 . It should be noted that in certain embodiments, the sensor inserter  104  and the physiological characteristic sensor  108  may comprise the insertion device and the sensor transmitter assembly described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0290533 to Antonio, et al., the relevant portion of which is incorporated herein by reference. In this example, with additional reference to  FIG. 2 , the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  includes a physiological characteristic sensor  108 , an adhesive skin patch or adhesive patch  110  and a gravity resistance system  112 . Generally, the components of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  are coupled together as a single unit. The physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  and the sensor inserter  104  may be packaged together for use by a consumer. 
     Certain features, aspects, and characteristics of the sensor inserter  104 , the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and the adhesive patch  110  may be conventional and, as such, will not be described in detail here. Briefly, the physiological characteristic sensor  108  can be pre-connected as part of a sensor set, which could also include a sensor electronics module (not shown), such as a wireless transmitter that communicates with an infusion pump, a monitor device, or the like, which connects to the physiological characteristic sensor  108  after the insertion or deployment of a portion of the physiological characteristic sensor  108  in the body of the user. In one example, the physiological characteristic sensor  108  includes a glucose sensor  122  and a sensor base  124 . It should be noted that the physiological characteristic sensor  108  is not limited to a glucose sensor, but rather, various other physiological characteristic sensors may be employed. The glucose sensor  122  may be provided as an integral part of the sensor base  124 . The sensor base  124  gives structural support to the glucose sensor  122 , and facilitates entry of the glucose sensor  122  into the body of the user. The glucose sensor  122  is an electrochemical sensor that includes the glucose oxidase enzyme, as is well understood by those familiar with glucose sensor technology. The glucose oxidase enzyme enables the glucose sensor  122  to monitor blood glucose levels in a diabetic patient or user by effecting a reaction of glucose and oxygen. Again, although certain embodiments pertain to glucose sensors, the technology described here can be adapted for use with any one of the wide variety of sensors known in the art. Generally, the glucose sensor  122  is positionable in subcutaneous tissue of the user by an insertion needle  126  of the sensor inserter  104  to measure the glucose oxidase enzyme. 
     The sensor base  124  is coupled to the sensor inserter  104  and is coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . The sensor base  124  is removably coupled to the sensor inserter  104 . The sensor base  124  may also feature electrical and physical interfaces and elements that accommodate the sensor electronics module, such as the wireless transmitter that communicates with the infusion pump, the monitor device, or the like. In certain embodiments the sensor base  124  is composed at least in part from a plastic material. For the embodiment described here, the bulk of the sensor base  124  is formed as a molded plastic component. In one example, the sensor base  124  is formed from acrylonitrile butadiene styrene, nylon, an acrylonitrile butadiene styrene polycarbonate blend, polyvinyl chloride, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), polypropylene, polyether ether ketone (PEEK), polycarbonate or the like. 
     The adhesive patch  110  is coupled to the sensor base  124  and affixes the sensor base  124 , and thus, the glucose sensor  122 , to an anatomy, such as the skin of the user. The adhesive patch  110  is contained within the sensor inserter  104  during packaging and shipping, and is exposed to the force of gravity G. The adhesive patch  110  may be composed of a flexible and breathable material with one or more adhesive layers, such as cloth, a bandage-like material, and the like. For example, suitable materials could include polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other polymers, to which one or more adhesive layers are applied. 
     The sensor inserter  104  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and is manipulatable by a user to couple the glucose sensor  122  to the user. With continued reference to  FIG. 2 , the sensor inserter  104  includes a housing  130 , a cradle or monitor support  132 , one or more biasing members or springs  134  and a lid or cover  136 . In one example, the housing  130  surrounds the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  and encloses the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  to enable sterilization of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102 , for example. The housing  130  may include one or more features, such as movable tabs, that cooperate with the monitor support  132  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. The monitor support  132  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108 , and is movable relative to the housing  130  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. For example, the application of a force to the housing  130  may bias the tabs to release the monitor support  132  to enable a spring  134  associated with the monitor support  132  to drive the monitor support  132  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. Once released, another spring  134   b  cooperates with the monitor support  132  to move a needle retractor  131  relative to the housing  130 . The cover  136  surrounds a circumferentially open end of the housing  130 , and encloses the housing  130 . Generally, the cover  136  is coupled to the housing  130  such that the adhesive patch  110  is unsupported by the cover  136 . As will be discussed, the gravity resistance system  112  inhibits or mitigates the force of gravity G from pulling down on the unsupported adhesive patch  110 , which in turn, inhibits or mitigates the drooping or sagging of the adhesive patch  110  within the sensor inserter  104  ensuring full contact is made between an entirety of the adhesive patch  110  and the anatomy of the user. 
     In one example, with reference to  FIG. 3 , the gravity resistance system  112  is shown in greater detail.  FIG. 3  is a top view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102 , which illustrates the gravity resistance system  112  coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . In this example, the gravity resistance system  112  is a low tack adhesive cast paper, which is coupled to the adhesive patch  110  and the monitor support  132  ( FIG. 2 ). The gravity resistance system  112  includes a first, top surface  140  and a second, bottom surface  142 , which are interconnected at a fold  144  ( FIG. 4 ). The gravity resistance system  112  is substantially annular, and defines an aperture  146 , which is sized to enable the gravity resistance system  112  to be positioned about a perimeter of the sensor base  124 . Generally, the gravity resistance system  112  surrounds an entirety of a circumference of the sensor base  124 , and may include a slit  148 . The slit  148  enables the removal of the gravity resistance system  112  from the adhesive patch  110 , if desired, by the user once the physiological characteristic sensor  108  is coupled to the anatomy. In this example, the slit  148  is defined at an end  150  of the gravity resistance system  112  that includes the fold  144 . The fold  144  may be configured such that the end  150  extends for a distance D 1 , which is different and less than a distance D 2  of an opposed end  152  of the gravity resistance system  112 . In this example, the gravity resistance system  112  is coupled to a surface  110   a  of the adhesive patch  110  along a perimeter  110   b  of the adhesive patch  110 , and extends for a distance D 3  from the perimeter of the adhesive patch  110  toward the sensor base  124 . Generally, the gravity resistance system  112  is spaced apart from the sensor base  124  by a fourth distance D 4 , which is different and less than the distance D 3 . 
     In this example, with reference to  FIG. 4 , the gravity resistance system  112  is composed of a base layer  112   a  to which a low tack adhesive  112   b  is applied. Generally, the low tack adhesive  112   b  is only applied to a single surface of the base layer  112   a , so that when folded, the top surface  140  and the bottom surface  142  include the low tack adhesive  112   b , but facing surfaces  154  remain uncoated with the low tack adhesive  112   b . In one example, the base layer  112   a  is composed of paper, poly-coated paper, polymers such as polyester film or HDPE film, etc.; and the low tack adhesive  112   b  is composed of silicone, acrylic, etc. The low tack adhesive  112   b  may be cast, coated, painted or otherwise coupled to the base layer  112   a . The low tack adhesive  112   b  along the bottom surface  142  is coupled or adhered to the surface  110   a  of the adhesive patch  110 , while the low tack adhesive  112   b  along the top surface  140  is coupled or adhered to a surface  132   a  of the monitor support  132  ( FIG. 2 ). As used herein, a “low tack” adhesive is an adhesive that has a bond weak enough to enable easy separation of the adhesive in its intended use (such as, separation of the liner from the adhesive patch either before or after insertion). As used herein, “high tack” adhesive is an adhesive in which the bond is intended to be permanent (i.e. no separation). For example, as used herein, a “low tack” adhesive has about 0.5 ounce per inch (oz/in.) to about 5 ounce per inch (oz/in.) peel force adhesion to stainless steel per ASTM D6862-11 Standard Test Method for 90 Degree Peel Resistance of Adhesives, and a “high tack” adhesive has greater than 5 ounce per inch (oz/in.) peel force adhesion to stainless steel per ASTM D6862-11 Standard Test Method for 90 Degree Peel Resistance of Adhesives. 
     In one example, with the physiological characteristic sensor  108  assembled and coupled to the adhesive patch  110  and the gravity resistance system  112  formed, the low tack adhesive  112   b  on the bottom surface  142  is coupled to the adhesive patch  110  so as to surround the sensor base  124 . The top surface  140  is folded at the fold  144  over the bottom surface  142 . With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  assembled, and the springs  134  and the monitor support  132  coupled to the housing  130 , with reference to  FIG. 3 , the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  is coupled to the sensor inserter  104  such that the low tack adhesive  112   b  is coupled to the surface  132   a  of the monitor support  132 . With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  coupled to the monitor support  132 , the cover  136  is coupled to the housing  130  to enclose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102 . The sensor inserter  104 , including the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102 , may be sterilized and shipped to an end user. 
     Once received, the user may remove the cover  136  to expose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102 . The user may manipulate the sensor inserter  104  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  onto the user. Once deployed, the low tack adhesive  112   b  on the top surface  140  enables the removal of the sensor inserter  104  from the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  without uncoupling the adhesive patch  110  from the user. With the sensor inserter  104  uncoupled from the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  and the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  deployed on the user, the user may pull the top surface  140  of the gravity resistance system  112  to remove the gravity resistance system  112  from the adhesive patch  110 , if desired. 
     By providing the low tack adhesive  112   b  on the top surface  140 , the sensor inserter  104  is removable from the physiological characteristic sensor  108  upon deployment without removing the adhesive patch  110  from the user. Thus, the gravity resistance system  112  is removable from the sensor inserter  104  by the adhesive patch  110  upon deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor  108 . In addition, the low tack adhesive  112   b  on the bottom surface  142  allows for the use of larger adhesive patches  110 , while inhibiting the drooping of the adhesive patch  110 . In this regard, the gravity resistance system  112  adds structure and rigidity to the portion of the adhesive patch  110  that extends beyond the sensor base  124  ( FIG. 3 ). Stated another way, the gravity resistance system  112  maintains the adhesive patch  110  substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA 1  of the sensor inserter  104 , which ensures the adhesive patch  110 , when deployed, is properly coupled to the user. The fold  144  also allows for removal of the gravity resistance system  112  by the user upon deployment, if desired. 
     It should be noted that in other embodiments, the gravity resistance system  112  may be configured differently to inhibit or mitigate the effects of gravity on the adhesive patch  110 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 5 , a sensor introduction assembly  200  is shown. As the sensor introduction assembly  200  includes the same or similar components as the sensor introduction assembly  100  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1-4 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar components.  FIG. 5  is a schematic cross-sectional view, taken from the perspective of line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . In this example, the sensor introduction assembly  200  includes a physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  and a sensor inserter  204 . In this example, the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  includes the physiological characteristic sensor  108 , the adhesive patch  110  and a gravity resistance system  212 . Generally, the components of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  102  are coupled together as a single unit. The physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  and the sensor inserter  204  may be packaged together for use by a consumer. 
     The physiological characteristic sensor  108  includes the glucose sensor  122  and the sensor base  124 . Generally, the glucose sensor  122  is positionable in subcutaneous tissue of the user by an insertion needle of the sensor inserter  204  to measure the glucose oxidase enzyme. The sensor base  124  is coupled to the sensor inserter  204  and is coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . The sensor base  124  is removably coupled to the sensor inserter  204 . The adhesive patch  110  is coupled to the sensor base  124  and affixes the sensor base  124 , and thus, the glucose sensor  122 , to the skin of the user. The adhesive patch  110  is contained within the sensor inserter  204  during packaging and shipping, and is exposed to the force of gravity G. 
     The sensor inserter  204  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and is manipulatable by a user to couple the glucose sensor  122  to the user. Briefly, the sensor inserter  204  includes a housing  230 , a monitor support  232  and a lid or cover  236 . In one example, the housing  230  surrounds the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  and encloses the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  to enable sterilization of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202 , for example. The housing  230  may include one or more features that cooperate with the monitor support  232  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. The monitor support  232  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108 , and is manipulated by the user to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108 . The cover  236  surrounds a circumferentially open end of the housing  230 , and encloses the housing  230 . Generally, the cover  236  is coupled to the housing  230  such that the adhesive patch  110  is unsupported by the cover  236 . As will be discussed, the gravity resistance system  212  inhibits or mitigates the force of gravity G from pulling down on the unsupported adhesive patch  110 , which in turn, inhibits or mitigates the drooping or sagging of the adhesive patch  110  within the sensor inserter  104  ensuring full contact is made between an entirety of the adhesive patch  110  and the anatomy of the user. 
     In one example, with reference to  FIG. 6 , the gravity resistance system  212  is shown in greater detail.  FIG. 6  is a top view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202 , which illustrates the gravity resistance system  212  coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . With reference to  FIGS. 6 and 8 , the gravity resistance system  212  includes a first, top surface  240  and a second, bottom surface  242  ( FIG. 8 ). In  FIG. 8 , the adhesive patch  110  is removed for clarity. The gravity resistance system  212  is substantially annular, and defines an aperture  246 , which is sized to enable the gravity resistance system  212  to be positioned about a perimeter of the sensor base  124 . Generally, the gravity resistance system  212  surrounds an entirety of a circumference of the sensor base  124 . In this example, with reference to  FIG. 7 , the gravity resistance system  212  is coupled to the surface  110   a  of the adhesive patch  110  along the perimeter  110   b  of the adhesive patch  110 , and extends for a distance D 5  from the perimeter of the adhesive patch  110  toward the sensor base  124 . Generally, the gravity resistance system  212  is spaced apart from the sensor base  124  by a sixth distance D 6 , which is different and less than the distance D 5 . 
     In this example, the gravity resistance system  212  is a double sided differential adhesive, which includes a high tack adhesive layer  250  coupled to a low tack adhesive layer  252 . The high tack adhesive layer  250  is coupled to the monitor support  232  ( FIG. 5 ), and the low tack adhesive layer  252  is coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . In this example, high tack adhesive  250   a  is coupled to or formed on opposed sides of a base layer. The base layer is composed of paper, poly-coated paper, polymers such as polyester film or HDPE film, etc. The top surface  240  of the gravity resistance system  212  is defined by one side  250   b  of the high tack adhesive layer  250 , which is coupled to or formed on the base layer. In one example, the high tack adhesive  250   a  is composed of silicone, acrylic, etc. The high tack adhesive  250   a  may be cast, coated, painted or otherwise coupled to the base layer. The opposed side  250   c  of the high tack adhesive layer  250  formed on the base layer is coupled or adhered to the low tack adhesive layer  252 . 
     In this example, low tack adhesive  252   a  is coupled to or formed on opposed sides of a second base layer. The bottom surface  242  of the gravity resistance system  212  is defined by one side  252   b  of the low tack adhesive layer  252 , which is coupled to or formed on the second base layer. The second base layer is composed of paper, poly-coated paper, polymers such as polyester film or HDPE film. In one example, the low tack adhesive  252   a  is composed of silicone, acrylic, etc. The low tack adhesive  252   a  may be cast, coated, painted or otherwise coupled to the second base layer. The opposed side  252   c  of low tack adhesive layer  252  formed on the second base layer is coupled or adhered to the side  250   c  of the high tack adhesive layer  250  to form the gravity resistance system  212 . Thus, the high tack adhesive  250   a  is a first tack adhesive, and the low tack adhesive  252   a  is a second tack adhesive, with the second tack adhesive different and less than the first tack adhesive. It should be noted that for ease of illustration, the base layer and the second base layer are not shown in the drawings as these paper or film layers have a predetermined nominal thickness. 
     In one example, with the physiological characteristic sensor  108  assembled and coupled to the adhesive patch  110  and the gravity resistance system  212  formed, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the low tack adhesive layer  252  on the bottom surface  242  is coupled to the adhesive patch  110  so as to surround the sensor base  124 . With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  assembled and the monitor support  232  coupled to the housing  230 , the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  is coupled to the sensor inserter  204  such that the high tack adhesive layer  250  is coupled to the surface  232   a  of the monitor support  232 . With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  coupled to the monitor support  232 , the cover  236  is coupled to the housing  230  to enclose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202 . The sensor inserter  204 , including the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202 , may be sterilized and shipped to an end user. 
     Once received, the user may remove the cover  236  to expose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202 . The user may manipulate the sensor inserter  204  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  onto the user. Once deployed, the high tack adhesive layer  250  on the top surface  240  retains the gravity resistance system  212  on the sensor inserter  204 , and the low tack adhesive layer  252  enables the removal of the gravity resistance system  212  from the adhesive patch  110  without uncoupling the adhesive patch  110  from the user. Thus, the gravity resistance system  212  is removable from the adhesive patch  110  by the sensor inserter  204  upon deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor  108 . The differential adhesive of the gravity resistance system  212  enables the sensor inserter  204  to be uncoupled from the physiological characteristic sensor  108  when the physiological characteristic sensor  108  is coupled to the user with the adhesive patch  110  without uncoupling the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and the adhesive patch  110  from the user. 
     By providing the high tack adhesive layer  250  on the top surface  240  and the low tack adhesive layer  252  on the bottom surface  242 , the gravity resistance system  212  is retained on the sensor inserter  204  and is removable from the physiological characteristic sensor  108  upon deployment without removing the adhesive patch  110  from the user. In addition, the low tack adhesive layer  252  on the bottom surface  242  allows for the use of larger adhesive patches  110 , while inhibiting the drooping of the adhesive patch  110 . In this regard, the gravity resistance system  212  adds structure and rigidity to the portion of the adhesive patch  110  that extends beyond the sensor base  124 . Stated another way, the gravity resistance system  212  maintains the adhesive patch  110  substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA 2  of the sensor inserter  204 , which ensures the adhesive patch  110 , when deployed, is properly coupled to the user. 
     It should be noted that in other embodiments, the gravity resistance system  112  may be configured differently to inhibit or mitigate the effects of gravity on the adhesive patch  110 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 9 , a sensor introduction assembly  300  is shown. As the sensor introduction assembly  300  includes the same or similar components as the sensor introduction assembly  100  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1-4  and the sensor introduction assembly  200  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 5-8 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar components.  FIG. 9  is a schematic cross-sectional view, taken from the perspective of line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . In this example, the sensor introduction assembly  300  includes a physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  and the sensor inserter  204 . In this example, the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  includes the physiological characteristic sensor  108 , the adhesive patch  110  and a gravity resistance system  312 . Generally, the components of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  are coupled together as a single unit. The physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  and the sensor inserter  204  may be packaged together for use by a consumer. 
     The physiological characteristic sensor  108  includes the glucose sensor  122  and the sensor base  124 . The sensor base  124  is coupled to the sensor inserter  204  and is coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . The sensor base  124  is removably coupled to the sensor inserter  204 . The adhesive patch  110  is coupled to the sensor base  124  and affixes the sensor base  124 , and thus, the glucose sensor  122 , to the skin of the user. The adhesive patch  110  is contained within the sensor inserter  204  during packaging and shipping, and is exposed to the force of gravity G. 
     The sensor inserter  204  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and is manipulatable by a user to couple the glucose sensor  122  to the user. Briefly, the sensor inserter  204  includes the housing  230 , the monitor support  232  and the lid or cover  236 . In one example, the housing  230  surrounds the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  and encloses the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  to enable sterilization of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302 , for example. The housing  230  may include one or more features that cooperate with the monitor support  232  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. The monitor support  232  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108 , and is manipulated by the user to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108 . The cover  236  surrounds the circumferentially open end of the housing  230 , and encloses the housing  230 . Generally, the cover  236  is coupled to the housing  230  such that the adhesive patch  110  is unsupported by the cover  236 . As will be discussed, the gravity resistance system  312  inhibits or mitigates the force of gravity G from pulling down on the unsupported adhesive patch  110 , which in turn, inhibits or mitigates the drooping or sagging of the adhesive patch  110  within the sensor inserter  204  ensuring full contact is made between an entirety of the adhesive patch  110  and the anatomy of the user. 
     In one example, with reference to  FIG. 10 , the gravity resistance system  312  is shown in greater detail.  FIG. 10  is a top view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302 , which illustrates the gravity resistance system  312  coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . With reference to  FIGS. 10 and 11 , the gravity resistance system  312  includes a first, top surface  340  and a second, bottom surface  342  ( FIG. 11 ). The gravity resistance system  312  is substantially annular, and defines an aperture  346 , which is sized to enable the gravity resistance system  312  to be positioned about a perimeter of the sensor base  124  ( FIG. 10 ). Generally, the gravity resistance system  312  surrounds an entirety of a circumference of the sensor base  124 . In this example, with reference to  FIG. 11 , the gravity resistance system  312  is coupled to the surface  110   a  of the adhesive patch  110  along the perimeter  110   b  of the adhesive patch  110 , and extends for a distance D 7  from the perimeter of the adhesive patch  110  toward the sensor base  124 . Generally, the gravity resistance system  312  is spaced apart from the sensor base  124  by an eighth distance D 8 , which is different and less than the distance D 7 . 
     In this example, the gravity resistance system  312  is a single layer double sided differential adhesive, which includes a high tack adhesive  350  on a first side  312   a  and a low tack adhesive  352  on a second side  312   b . The high tack adhesive  350  is coupled to the monitor support  332  ( FIG. 9 ), and the low tack adhesive  352  is coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . In this example, high tack adhesive  350  and the low tack adhesive  352  are each coupled to or formed on opposed sides of a base layer. The base layer is composed of paper, poly-coated paper, polymers such as polyester film or HDPE film. The top surface  340  of the gravity resistance system  312  is defined by the high tack adhesive  350  and the bottom surface  342  of the gravity resistance system  312  is defined by the low tack adhesive  352 , which are coupled to or formed on opposed sides of the base layer. In one example, the high tack adhesive  350  is composed of synthetic rubber adhesives, acrylic, etc. The high tack adhesive  350  may be cast, coated, painted or otherwise coupled to the base layer. The low tack adhesive  352  is coupled to or formed on a second, opposed side of the base layer. In one example, the low tack adhesive  352  is composed of silicone, acrylic, etc. The low tack adhesive  352  may be cast, coated, painted or otherwise coupled to the base layer. It should be noted that for ease of illustration, the base layer is not shown in the drawings as this paper or film layer has a predetermined nominal thickness. 
     In one example, with the physiological characteristic sensor  108  assembled and coupled to the adhesive patch  110  and the gravity resistance system  312  formed, with reference to  FIG. 9 , the low tack adhesive  352  on the bottom surface  342  is coupled to the adhesive patch  110  so as to surround the sensor base  124 . With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  assembled and the monitor support  232  coupled to the housing  230 , the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  is coupled to the sensor inserter  204  such that the high tack adhesive  350  is coupled to the surface  232   a  of the monitor support  232 . With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  coupled to the monitor support  232 , the cover  236  is coupled to the housing  230  to enclose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302 . The sensor inserter  204 , including the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302 , may be sterilized and shipped to an end user. 
     Once received, the user may remove the cover  236  to expose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302 . The user may manipulate the sensor inserter  204  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  302  onto the user. Once deployed, the high tack adhesive  350  on the top surface  340  retains the gravity resistance system  312  on the sensor inserter  204 , and the low tack adhesive  352  enables the removal of the gravity resistance system  312  from the adhesive patch  110  without uncoupling the adhesive patch  110  from the user. Thus, the differential adhesive of the gravity resistance system  312  enables the sensor inserter  204  to be uncoupled from the physiological characteristic sensor  108  when the physiological characteristic sensor  108  is coupled to the user with the adhesive patch  110  without uncoupling the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and the adhesive patch  110  from the user. 
     By providing the high tack adhesive  350  on the top surface  340  and the low tack adhesive  352  on the bottom surface  342 , the gravity resistance system  312  is retained on the sensor inserter  204  and is removable from the physiological characteristic sensor  108  upon deployment without removing the adhesive patch  110  from the user. Thus, the gravity resistance system  312  is removable from the adhesive patch  110  by the sensor inserter  204  upon deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor  108 . In addition, the low tack adhesive  352  on the bottom surface  342  allows for the use of larger adhesive patches  110 , while inhibiting the drooping of the adhesive patch  110 . In this regard, the gravity resistance system  312  adds structure and rigidity to the portion of the adhesive patch  110  that extends beyond the sensor base  124 . Stated another way, the gravity resistance system  312  maintains the adhesive patch  110  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA 2  of the sensor inserter  204 , which ensures the adhesive patch  110 , when deployed, is properly coupled to the user. 
     It should be noted that in other embodiments, the gravity resistance system  112  may be configured differently to inhibit or mitigate the effects of gravity on the adhesive patch  110 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 12 , a sensor introduction assembly  400  is shown. As the sensor introduction assembly  400  includes the same or similar components as the sensor introduction assembly  100  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1-4  and the sensor introduction assembly  200  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 5-8 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar components.  FIG. 12  is a schematic cross-sectional view, taken from the perspective of line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . In this example, the sensor introduction assembly  400  includes a physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402  and the sensor inserter  204 . In this example, the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402  includes the physiological characteristic sensor  108 , the adhesive patch  110  and a gravity resistance system  412 . Generally, the components of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402  are coupled together as a single unit. The physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402  and the sensor inserter  204  may be packaged together for use by a consumer. 
     The physiological characteristic sensor  108  includes the glucose sensor  122  and the sensor base  124 . The sensor base  124  is coupled to the sensor inserter  204  and is coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . The sensor base  124  is removably coupled to the sensor inserter  204 . The adhesive patch  110  is coupled to the sensor base  124  and affixes the sensor base  124 , and thus, the glucose sensor  122 , to the skin of the user. The adhesive patch  110  is contained within the sensor inserter  204  during packaging and shipping, and is exposed to the force of gravity G. 
     The sensor inserter  204  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and is manipulatable by a user to couple the glucose sensor  122  to the user. Briefly, the sensor inserter  204  includes the housing  230 , the monitor support  232  and the lid or cover  236 . In one example, the housing  230  surrounds the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  and encloses the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202  to enable sterilization of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  202 , for example. The housing  230  may include one or more features that cooperate with the monitor support  232  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. The monitor support  232  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108 , and is manipulated by the user to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. The cover  236  surrounds the circumferentially open end of the housing  230 , and encloses the housing  230 . Generally, the cover  236  is coupled to the housing  230  such that the adhesive patch  110  is unsupported by the cover  236 . As will be discussed, the gravity resistance system  412  inhibits or mitigates the force of gravity G from pulling down on the unsupported adhesive patch  110 , which in turn, inhibits or mitigates the drooping or sagging of the adhesive patch  110  within the sensor inserter  204  ensuring full contact is made between an entirety of the adhesive patch  110  and the anatomy of the user. 
     In one example, with reference to  FIG. 13 , the gravity resistance system  412  is shown in greater detail.  FIG. 13  is a top view of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402 , which illustrates the gravity resistance system  412  coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . In this example, the gravity resistance system  412  includes a plurality of adhesive strips  414 , which are spaced apart about a perimeter of the sensor base  124 . The plurality of adhesive strips  414  is also spaced apart about a perimeter or circumference of the adhesive patch  110 . In this example, the gravity resistance system  412  includes four adhesive strips  414 , but it should be understood that the gravity resistance system  412  may include any number of adhesive strips  414 . 
     Each of the adhesive strips  414  includes a first, top surface  440  and a second, bottom surface  442  ( FIG. 14 ). Each of the adhesive strips  414  is rectangular, with rounded edges. It should be noted, however, that the adhesive strips  414  may have any desired shape, and further, one or more of the adhesive strips  414  may have a different shape. In this example, each of the adhesive strips  414  has a length L 1  and a width W 1 . The length L 1  and width W 1  are each predefined to ensure that the adhesive strips  414  provide rigidity to the adhesive patch  110 , while also ensuring that the adhesive strips  414  do not interfere with the removal of the adhesive patch  110  from the sensor inserter  204 , as will be discussed below. In one example, the length L 1  is about 100 micrometers (μm) to about 1.0 millimeters (mm); and the width W 1  is about 100 micrometers (μm) to about 5.0 millimeters (mm). Generally, the adhesive strips  414  are sized and located to interface with the monitor support  232 . Each of the adhesive strips  414  is positioned a distance D 9  from the perimeter  110   b  of the adhesive patch  110 , and distance D 10  from a perimeter of the sensor base  124 . In one example, the distance D 9  is about equal to or the same as the distance D 10 , and is about 0 millimeters (mm) to about 10 millimeters (mm). 
     In this example, each of the adhesive strips  414  comprises a differential double sided adhesive, which includes a high tack adhesive  450  on the top surface  440  and a low tack adhesive  452  on the bottom surface  442 . The high tack adhesive  450  on the top surface  440  is coupled to the monitor support  232  ( FIG. 12 ), and the low tack adhesive  452  on the bottom surface  442  is coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . The top surface  440  of the gravity resistance system  412  is defined by the high tack adhesive  450  and the bottom surface  442  of the gravity resistance system  412  is defined by the low tack adhesive  452 . In this example, high tack adhesive  450  and the low tack adhesive  452  are each coupled to or formed on opposed sides of a base layer. The base layer is composed of paper, poly-coated paper, polymers such as polyester film or HDPE film. In one example, the high tack adhesive  450  is composed of synthetic rubber adhesive, acrylic, etc. The high tack adhesive  450  may be cast, coated, painted or otherwise coupled to the base layer. The low tack adhesive  452  is coupled to or formed on a second, opposed side of the base layer. In one example, the low tack adhesive  452  is composed of silicone, acrylic, etc. The low tack adhesive  452  may be cast, coated, painted or otherwise coupled to the base layer. It should be noted that for ease of illustration, the base layer is not shown in the drawings as this paper or film layer has a predetermined nominal thickness. 
     In one example, with the physiological characteristic sensor  108  assembled and coupled to the adhesive patch  110  and the gravity resistance system  412  formed, with reference to  FIG. 5 , the adhesive strips  414  are coupled to the adhesive patch  110  (via the low tack adhesive  452  on the bottom surface  442 ) so as to be spaced apart about the perimeter  110   b  of the adhesive patch  110 . With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402  assembled and the monitor support  232  coupled to the housing  230 , the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402  is coupled to the sensor inserter  204  such that the high tack adhesive  450  on the top surface  440  is coupled to the surface  232   a  of the monitor support  232 . With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402  coupled to the monitor support  232 , the cover  236  is coupled to the housing  230  to enclose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402 . The sensor inserter  204 , including the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402 , may be sterilized and shipped to an end user. 
     Once received, the user may remove the cover  236  to expose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402 . The user may manipulate the sensor inserter  204  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  402  onto the user. Once deployed, the high tack adhesive  450  on the top surface  440  retains the gravity resistance system  412  on the sensor inserter  204 . Thus, the gravity resistance system  412  is removable from the adhesive patch  110  by the sensor inserter  204  upon deployment of the physiological characteristic sensor  108 . The gravity resistance system  412  enables the sensor inserter  204  to be uncoupled from the physiological characteristic sensor  108  when the physiological characteristic sensor  108  is coupled to the user with the adhesive patch  110  without uncoupling the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and the adhesive patch  110  from the user. 
     By providing the adhesive strips  414  with the high tack adhesive layer  250  on the top surface  440  and the low tack adhesive  452  on the bottom surface  442 , the gravity resistance system  412  is retained on the sensor inserter  204  and is removable from the physiological characteristic sensor  108  upon deployment without removing the adhesive patch  110  from the user. In addition, the gravity resistance system  412  allows for the use of larger adhesive patches  110 , while inhibiting the drooping of the adhesive patch  110 . In this regard, the gravity resistance system  412  adds structure and rigidity to the portion of the adhesive patch  110  that extends beyond the sensor base  124 . Stated another way, the gravity resistance system  412  maintains the adhesive patch  110  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA 2  of the sensor inserter  204 , which ensures the adhesive patch  110 , when deployed, is properly coupled to the user. 
     It should be noted that in other embodiments, the gravity resistance system  112  may be configured differently to inhibit or mitigate the effects of gravity on the adhesive patch  110 . For example, with reference to  FIG. 15 , a sensor introduction assembly  500  is shown. As the sensor introduction assembly  500  includes the same or similar components as the sensor introduction assembly  100  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1-4  and the sensor introduction assembly  200  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 5-8 , the same reference numerals will be used to denote the same or similar components.  FIG. 15  is a schematic cross-sectional view, taken from the perspective of line  2 - 2  of  FIG. 1 . In this example, the sensor introduction assembly  500  includes a physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  and a sensor inserter  504 . In this example, the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  includes the physiological characteristic sensor  108 , an adhesive skin patch or adhesive patch  510  and a gravity resistance system  512 . Generally, the components of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  are coupled together as a single unit. The physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  and the sensor inserter  504  may be packaged together for use by a consumer. 
     The physiological characteristic sensor  108  includes the glucose sensor  122  and the sensor base  124 . Generally, the glucose sensor  122  is positionable in subcutaneous tissue of the user by an insertion needle of the sensor inserter  504  to measure the glucose oxidase enzyme. The sensor base  124  is coupled to the sensor inserter  504  and is coupled to the adhesive patch  110 . The sensor base  124  is removably coupled to the sensor inserter  204 . 
     The adhesive patch  510  is coupled to the sensor base  124  and affixes the sensor base  124 , and thus, the glucose sensor  122 , to the skin of the user. The adhesive patch  510  is contained within the sensor inserter  504  during packaging and shipping, and is exposed to the force of gravity G. The adhesive patch  510  may be composed of a flexible and breathable material with one or more adhesive layers, such as cloth, a bandage-like material, and the like. For example, suitable materials could include polyurethane, polyethylene, polyester, polypropylene, polytetrafluoroethylene (PTFE), or other polymers, to which one or more adhesive layers are applied. In this example, the adhesive patch  510  includes an electrically charged surface or first charged surface  510   a . The first charged surface  510   a  is opposite the surface  510   b , which is coupled to the user. In one example, the first charged surface  510   a  has a positive electric charge, which cooperates with a negatively charged surface of the sensor inserter  504 , as will be discussed. In other examples, the first charged surface  510   a  may have a negatively charged surface, which cooperates with a corresponding positively charged surface of the sensor inserter  504 . The first charged surface  510   a  may be charged using contact-induced charge separation, charge-induced charge separation, etc. For contact-induced charge separation, the amount of charge applied, and the polarity of the charge depends on the materials and surface roughness. 
     The sensor inserter  504  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and is manipulatable by a user to couple the glucose sensor  122  to the user. Briefly, the sensor inserter  504  includes the housing  230 , a monitor support  532  and the lid or cover  236 . In one example, the housing  230  surrounds the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  and encloses the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  to enable sterilization of the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502 , for example. The housing  230  may include one or more features that cooperate with the monitor support  532  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. The monitor support  532  is coupled to the physiological characteristic sensor  108 , and is manipulated by the user to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. In this example, the monitor support  532  includes an electrically charged surface or second charged surface  532   a . The second charged surface  532   a  faces the adhesive patch  110 . In one example, the second charged surface  532   a  has a negative electric charge, which cooperates with the first charged surface  510   a  of the adhesive patch  510 . The second charged surface  532   a  may be charged using contact-induced charge separation, charge-induced charge separation, etc. For contact-induced charge separation, the amount of charge applied, and the polarity of the charge depends on the materials and surface roughness. 
     In the example of contact-induced charge separation, the first charged surface  510   a  of the adhesive patch  510  is composed of a material that is more negatively charged in the triboelectric series, such as a polyurethane film. The second charged surface  532   a  of the monitor support  532  is composed of a material that is more positively charged in the triboelectric series than the material of the first charged surface  510   a  of the adhesive patch  510 , such as a nylon. The contact between the first charged surface  510   a  and the second charged surface  532   a  results in adhesion between the two surfaces  510   a ,  532   a  as the electrons are exchanged and are attracted to one another by opposite charge build up on each surface, which inhibits the drooping of the adhesive patch  510 . It should be noted that the materials selected herein are merely examples, as any materials that are separated along the triboelectric series relative to one another may be used for the adhesive patch  510  and the monitor support  532  so long as the contact between the first charged surface  510   a  and the second charged surface  532   a  results in adhesion between the two surfaces  510   a ,  532   a  due to electron exchange and attraction due to opposite charge build up on the respective surfaces  510   a ,  532   a . It should be noted that an entirety of the monitor support  532  may be composed of the predetermined material, or merely a surface of the monitor support  532 , such as the second charged surface  532   a , may be formed of the predetermined material. 
     In the example of charge-induced charge separation, the first charged surface  510   a  may be initially composed of an electrically neutral material such as polyester that has been electrically grounded to have a net neutral charge. A negatively charged object may be brought near the first charged surface  510   a , to induce a positive charge on the first charged surface  510   a  as the positive electrons associated with the first charged surface  510   a  move toward the negatively charged object. Similarly, the second charged surface  532   a  may be composed of an electrically neutral material such as polycarbonate that has been electrically grounded to have a net neutral charge. A positively charged object may be brought near the second charged surface  532   a , to induce a negative charge on the second charged surface  532   a  as the negative electrons associated with the first charged surface  510   a  move toward the positively charged object. When the physiological characteristic sensor  108  is coupled to the sensor inserter  504 , the negatively-charged second charged surface  532   a  attracts the positively-charged first charged surface  510   a , which inhibits the drooping of the adhesive patch  510 . 
     The cover  236  surrounds the circumferentially open end of the housing  230 , and encloses the housing  230 . Generally, the cover  236  is coupled to the housing  230  such that the adhesive patch  510  is unsupported by the cover  236 . As discussed, the gravity resistance system  512  inhibits or mitigates the force of gravity G from pulling down on the unsupported adhesive patch  510 , which in turn, inhibits or mitigates the drooping or sagging of the adhesive patch  510  within the sensor inserter  204  ensuring full contact is made between an entirety of the adhesive patch  510  and the anatomy of the user. 
     In one example, with the physiological characteristic sensor  108  assembled and coupled to the adhesive patch  510  and the gravity resistance system  512  formed, the first charged surface  510   a  is charged to have the respective electric charge, in this example, a positive electric charge. The second charged surface  532   a  of the monitor support  532  is charged to have the respective electric charge, in this example, a negative electric charge. With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  assembled and the monitor support  532  coupled to the housing  230 , the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  is coupled to the sensor inserter  504  such that the first charged surface  510   a  of the adhesive patch  510  is electrically attracted to the second charged surface  532   a  of the monitor support  532 . With the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  coupled to the monitor support  532 , the cover  236  is coupled to the housing  230  to enclose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502 . The sensor inserter  504 , including the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502 , may be sterilized and shipped to an end user. 
     Once received, the user may remove the cover  236  to expose the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502 . The user may manipulate the sensor inserter  504  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502  onto the user. The weak attractive force between the first charged surface  510   a  and the second charged surface  532   a  enables the sensor inserter  504  to be removed from the physiological characteristic sensor assembly  502 . Thus, the gravity resistance system  512  enables the sensor inserter  504  to be uncoupled from the physiological characteristic sensor  108  when the physiological characteristic sensor  108  is coupled to the user with the adhesive patch  510  without uncoupling the physiological characteristic sensor  108  and the adhesive patch  510  from the user. Further, by providing the attractive force between the first charged surface  510   a  and the second charged surface  532   a , the gravity resistance system  512  allows for the use of larger adhesive patches  110 , while inhibiting the drooping of the adhesive patch  510 . In this regard, the attractive force between the first charged surface  510   a  and the second charged surface  532   a  maintains the adhesive patch  510  substantially perpendicular to a longitudinal axis LA 5  of the sensor inserter  504 , which ensures the adhesive patch  510 , when deployed, is properly coupled to the user. Stated another way, the adhesive patch  510  includes a first electrically charged surface or the first charged surface  510   a  having a first electric charge, which in this example is a positive electric charge, the sensor inserter  504  includes a second electrically charged surface or the second charged surface  532   a  having a second electric charge, which in this example is a negative electric charge, and the first electric charge is different than the second electric charge to maintain the adhesive patch  510  substantially perpendicular to the longitudinal axis LA 5  of the sensor inserter  504 . 
     It should be noted that the sensor inserter  104 ,  204 ,  504  described and illustrated herein is merely exemplary, as any device may be employed with the gravity resistance system  112 ,  212 ,  312 ,  412 ,  512  to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. For example, an exemplary sensor inserter may include merely a monitor support, such as the monitor support  232 ,  532 , which is manually manipulated by a user to deploy the physiological characteristic sensor  108  into the anatomy. Moreover, it should be noted that the sensor inserter  204 ,  504  may comprise the sensor inserter  104  discussed with regard to  FIGS. 1-4  or the insertion device described in commonly assigned U.S. Patent Publication No. 2017/0290533 to Antonio, et al., the relevant portion of which was previously incorporated herein by reference. 
     While at least one exemplary embodiment has been presented in the foregoing detailed description, it should be appreciated that a vast number of variations exist. It should also be appreciated that the exemplary embodiment or embodiments described herein are not intended to limit the scope, applicability, or configuration of the claimed subject matter in any way. Rather, the foregoing detailed description will provide those skilled in the art with a convenient road map for implementing the described embodiment or embodiments. It should be understood that various changes can be made in the function and arrangement of elements without departing from the scope defined by the claims, which includes known equivalents and foreseeable equivalents at the time of filing this patent application. 
     It should be understood that various aspects disclosed herein may be combined in different combinations than the combinations specifically presented in the description and accompanying drawings. It should also be understood that, depending on the example, certain acts or events of any of the processes or methods described herein may be performed in a different sequence, may be added, merged, or left out altogether (e.g., all described acts or events may not be necessary to carry out the techniques). In addition, while certain aspects of this disclosure are described as being performed by a single module or unit for purposes of clarity, it should be understood that the techniques of this disclosure may be performed by a combination of units or modules associated with, for example, a medical device.