Patent Description:
Preassembling the sensor wires within the monitoring device is a possibility. For example, proximate portions of the sensor wires can be soldered or welded to a printed circuit board within the monitoring device. Exposure of the sensor wires to such high localized temperatures associated with soldering and welding, however, may damage the sensor wires; especially, if the sensor wires have been coated with a membrane. Additionally, such approaches may result in sensor wires that are unsuitably rigid as a result of the soldering and/or welding.

In addition to the considerations above, the size of the monitoring device is a practical consideration for wearable devices. To accommodate the required sensing circuitry, power source, and the like to process the biological information, wearable monitoring devices may include multiple parts that are coupled together to form working devices. Not only does the use of multiple parts cause the devices to be bulky, but it also creates multiple areas for possible moisture ingress (e.g., seals between parts). <CIT>, according to its abstract, relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host, wherein 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. <CIT>, according to its abstract, relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host, more particularly to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host. <CIT>, according to its abstract, describes an electrical connector apparatus which includes an electrically insulating base, and a conductor extending through the base. The conductor may include a first electrical terminal located on a first side of the base and a second electrical terminal located on a second side of the base. The apparatus further includes at least three spaced apart guides on the first side of the base, all of the spaced apart guides being adjacent the first electrical terminal and being operable to guide a wire terminated to the first electrical terminal to extend in any direction between two adjacent guides.

One general aspect includes a support device for supporting a sensor cable, the support device, includes a rigid body defining a pair of openings. Each opening is sized and configured to receive a conductive puck. The rigid body is configured to support a proximal end of the sensor cable and electrically couple the sensor cable with sensing circuitry of a monitoring device. The support device also includes a set of rigid legs connected to the rigid body and extending away from bottom side of the rigid body. The support device also includes a first electrical trace electrically coupling a first opening of the pair of openings and a distal end of a first leg of the set of rigid legs. The support device also includes a second electrical trace electrically coupling a second opening of the pair of openings and a distal end of a second leg of the set of rigid legs.

Another general aspect includes a wearable monitoring device, including: a printed circuit board disposed in a housing having an exterior surface for positioning the wearable monitoring device on a person's skin. The wearable monitoring device also includes sensing circuitry including one or more electronic components connected to the printed circuit board. The wearable monitoring device also includes and a sensor holder system, including a body having a set of legs that extends from one side of the body. The sensor holder system is physically coupled to the printed circuit board via the set of legs. The body has a pair of conductive openings formed therein. The pair of conductive openings is electrically coupled to the printed circuit board. The sensor holder system also includes a sensor cable electrically coupled to the sensing circuitry and including a first portion in electrical contact with a first conductive opening of the pair of conductive openings to form a first electrical connection and a second portion in electrical contact with a second conductive opening of the pair of conductive openings to form a second electrical connection. The sensor holder system also includes a pair of pucks installed in the pair of conductive openings such that a first puck of the pair of pucks mechanically retains the first portion in electrical contact with the first conductive opening and a second puck of the pair of pucks mechanically retains the second portion in electrical contact with the second conductive opening.

Yet another general aspect includes an analyte monitoring system, including a sensor cable including a first portion insertable into skin of a person, the first portion including means for generating glucose information. The analyte monitoring system also includes a sensor holder system, including alignment means for physically aligning a second portion of the sensor cable. The sensor holder system also includes retaining means for physically retaining the second portion of the sensor cable. The sensor holder system also includes support means for physically supporting the alignment means and the retaining means. The sensor holder system also includes coupling means for electrically coupling the second portion of the sensor cable to circuitry disposed on a printed circuit board for determining an analyte level for the person.

Yet another general aspect includes a sensor cable support system, including a sensor cable support device. The sensor cable support device also includes a body having a pair of conductive openings. The sensor cable support device also includes a set of legs extending away from a bottom side of the body. The sensor cable support device also includes a pair of electrical traces extending between the pair of conductive openings and distal ends of a pair of legs of the set of legs. The sensor cable support system also includes a sensor cable including a first portion in electrical contact with a first conductive opening of the pair of conductive openings to form a first electrical connection. The sensor cable also includes a second portion in electrical contact with a second conductive opening of the pair of conductive openings to form a second electrical connection. The sensor cable support system also includes a pair of pucks installed in the pair of conductive openings such that a first puck of the pair of pucks mechanically retains the first portion in electrical contact with the first conductive opening and a second puck of the pair of pucks mechanically retains the second portion in electrical contact with the second conductive opening.

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated into and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate one or more certain examples and, together with the description of the example, serve to explain the principles and implementations of the certain examples.

Examples are described herein in the context of sensor cable support devices for use in continuous monitoring devices. Those of ordinary skill in the art will realize that the following description is illustrative only and is not intended to be in any way limiting. Reference will now be made in detail to implementations of examples as illustrated in the accompanying drawings. The same reference indicators will be used throughout the drawings and the following description to refer to the same or like items.

In the interest of clarity, not all of the routine features of the examples described herein are shown and described. It will, of course, be appreciated that in the development of any such actual implementation, numerous implementation-specific decisions must be made in order to achieve the developer's specific goals, such as compliance with application- and business-related constraints, and that these specific goals will vary from one implementation to another and from one developer to another.

In an illustrative example, a wearable glucose monitoring device (e.g., a body-mountable device such as a subcutaneous monitoring device) or system includes a glucose sensor that can be inserted into a person's skin for continuous monitoring of the person's glucose levels. While being worn, the wearable glucose monitoring device may be exposed to normal external forces resulting from clothing, bumping up against obstacles, and other external forces. To reduce the impact of these forces and to improve wearer comfort, the footprint and the profile of the glucose monitoring device may be reduced. As a way to do so, the glucose monitoring device described herein includes a sensor cable support device. The sensor cable support device has a unique shape that enables it to perform various functions, while also efficiently utilizing space in the glucose monitoring device. The unique shape is defined by a body that is supported by legs that extend from the body. The legs are connected to a printed circuit board ("PCB") below the body and function to space the body apart from the PCB. The height of the sensor cable support device holds the sensor cable off from the PCB. This allows for use of a longer sensor cable resulting in a more gentle radius of curvature as the sensor cable exits the wearable glucose monitoring device towards the person's skin. Components of the glucose monitoring device such as an integrated circuit and/or other sensing circuitry may be installed below the body, within a void formed under the body. In this manner, the sensor cable support device provides for efficient use of space in the glucose monitoring device (e.g., allows for stacking of components and reduces an overall footprint of the device).

The functions performed by the sensor cable support device include structurally supporting electrodes proximal of the glucose sensor included in the sensor cables, aligning sensor cables of the glucose sensor toward the person's skin, and electrically connecting the electrodes to the PCB. The sensor cable support device structurally supports the electrodes by way of a pair of electrically conductive elastomeric pucks or other similar mechanical connectors that are inserted into corresponding conductive holes in the body of the sensor cable support device. The conductive puck and hole approach for connecting the electrodes avoids potential damage to the electrodes from exposure to high heat. And unlike methods that rigidly attach the electrodes to the sensor cable support device, the puck and hole approach provides passive strain relief based on the elastomeric properties and geometry of the pucks as compared to the electrodes and the holes. The puck and hole approach also electrically connects the electrodes to conductive surfaces adjacent to and/or within the conductive holes. Each hole is electrically connected to the PCB by way of an electrical trace that extends from the hole, down a leg, and terminates at a distal end of the leg that is connected to the PCB. The sensor cable support device also aligns the sensor cables by way of a set of grooves that extend across the holes. For example, a first groove extending across a first hole is aligned with a second groove extending across a second hole. In this manner, a first and second coaxial electrode of a sensor cable can be held respectively in the first grove and the second groove. While the sensor cable support device is described herein with reference to a wearable glucose monitoring device, it is understood that the sensor cable support device may be implemented to support any suitable body-mountable electromechanical sensor (e.g., subcutaneous monitoring systems, deep brain stimulators, cochlear implants, cardiac pacemakers, bioelectric devices, and other similar devices).

In an example, a sensor cable support device is described. The sensor cable support device includes: a rigid body having a pair of openings, each opening is sized and configured to receive a conductive puck. The sensor cable support device also includes a set of legs attached to the rigid body and extending from one side of the rigid body. The set of legs may include one or more members that extend distally from a bottom portion of the rigid body. For example, proximal portions of the members can be connected to the rigid body on an underside of the rigid body. These members can extend away from the underside in substantially the same direction. When the sensor cable support device is mounted to a mounting surface (e.g., a printed circuit board of a monitoring device), the set of legs support the rigid body in an orientation that is spaced apart from the mounting surface. The set of legs can include members that are integral to the rigid body, members that external to the rigid body but connected or otherwise bonded to the rigid body, and other similar members that extend below the body and between the rigid body and the mounting surface. The sensor cable support device also includes a first electrical trace electrically coupling a first opening of the pair of openings and a distal end of a first leg of the set of legs. For example, the first opening can include a conductive ring within the opening and the first electrical trace can extend between the conductive ring and distal end of the first leg. In some examples, the first electrical trace is formed in the first leg using a laser direct structuring technique. In this manner, the first electrical trace may be visible at an exterior surface of the first leg. The sensor cable support device also includes a second electrical trace electrically coupling a second opening of the pair of openings and a distal end of a second leg of the set of legs. The second electrical trace may resemble the first electrical trace is design and function.

In another example, a wearable monitoring device is described. A wearable device may include any kind of device that may be worn by an individual; may be physically attached to the user, such as by an adhesive or mounting device such as a clip; may be partially or entirely embedded in a person, such as by insertion of a portion of the device into the wearer's skin (e.g., a sensor wire) or implanted entirely beneath their skin; etc. The wearable monitoring device includes: a printed circuit board disposed in a housing having an exterior surface for positioning the wearable monitoring device on skin of a person. The wearable monitoring device also includes sensing circuitry including one or more electronic components connected to the printed circuit board; and a sensor cable support system. The sensor cable support system includes a body having a set of legs that extends away from a bottom side of the body,. For example, the set of legs can be connected proximally at a bottom side surface of the body, with ends extending distally away from the bottom side surface. The set of legs can also be connected proximally at a perimeter of edge of the bottom side surface, at a perimeter edge of a top side surface, at a set of side walls of the body, and at any other suitable location on the body. In some examples, the body has a roughly rectangular shape and each leg of the set of legs is extends away from a bottom side a corner of the body. The sensor cable support device can be physically coupled to the printed circuit board via the set of legs. The body can have a pair of conductive openings formed therein. For example, the conductive openings can be holes that extend through the body (e.g., from a top side to a bottom side) and include conductive plating disposed within and around the perimeters of the holes. In some examples, a conductive ring is fitted within each opening. The pair of conductive openings can be electrically isolated from each other. Each conductive openings can be electrically coupled to the printed circuit board via an electrical trace that extends between the conductive opening and a distal end of one of the legs. The sensor cable support system also includes a sensor cable including two wires that are electrically coupled to the sensing circuitry via first and second electrically isolated electrical connections. The sensor cable includes a first portion of a first wire in electrical contact with a first conductive opening of the pair of conductive openings to form the first electrical connection and a second portion of a second wire in electrical contact with a second conductive opening of the pair of conductive openings to form the second electrical connection. The sensor holder system also includes a pair of conductive elastomeric pucks installed in the pair of conductive openings such that a first puck of the pair of pucks mechanically retains the first portion of the first wire in electrical contact with the first conductive opening and a second puck of the pair of pucks mechanically retains the second portion of the second wire in electrical contact with the second opening.

In another example, a glucose monitoring device is described. The glucose monitoring device includes: a sensor cable including a first distal portion insertable into skin of a person, the first distal portion including means for generating glucose information (e.g., distal portions of two or more wires including distal terminals); and a sensor cable support system. The sensor cable support system also includes alignment means for physically aligning a second portion of the sensor cable (e.g., proximal portions of the two or more wires). The sensor cable support system also includes retaining means for physically retaining the second portion of the sensor cable. The sensor cable support system also includes support means for physically supporting the alignment means and the retaining means. The glucose monitoring system also includes coupling means for electrically coupling the second portion of the sensor cable to circuitry disposed on a printed circuit board for determining a glucose level for the person.

In another example, a sensor cable support system is described. The sensor cable support system includes: a sensor cable support device, including: a body having a pair of conductive openings formed therein. The sensor cable support device also includes a set of legs extending away from a bottom side of the body. The sensor cable support device also includes a pair of electrical traces extending between the pair of conductive openings and distal ends of a pair of legs of the set of legs. The sensor holder system also includes a sensor cable including a first portion in electrical contact with a first conductive opening of the pair of conductive openings to form a first electrical connection; and a second portion in electrical contact with a second conductive opening of the pair of conductive openings to form a second electrical connection. The sensor cable support system also includes a pair of pucks installed in the pair of openings such that a first puck of the pair of pucks mechanically retains the first portion of the sensor cable in physical contact with the first conductive opening and a second puck of the pair of pucks mechanically retains the second portion of the sensor cable in physical contact with the second opening.

Turning now to the Figures, <FIG> respectively illustrate a perspective view of a monitoring device <NUM> and a partially, exploded view of the monitoring device <NUM> including a biosensor <NUM>, according to various examples. The monitoring device <NUM> may be a wearable monitoring device that is mounted to a body at an exterior surface (e.g., against a person's skin), held against the body at the exterior surface, implanted within the body (e.g., subcutaneously beneath the person's skin), or mounted in any other suitable manner. The monitoring device <NUM> includes a top enclosure <NUM>, bottom enclosure <NUM>, a moisture barrier seal area <NUM>, and the biosensor <NUM>.

The top enclosure <NUM> and the bottom enclosure <NUM> together form a housing that encloses the biosensor <NUM> therein. As described herein, a lower portion of the housing (e.g., the bottom enclosure <NUM>) has a substantially planar exterior surface adapted for positioning on a person's skin. An upper portion of the housing (e.g., the top enclosure <NUM>) includes a smooth exterior surface that faces outward from the person's skin. A smooth surface, free from sharp edges, may be desirable to decrease the potential for knocking the monitoring device <NUM> from the person's skin once mounted. For example, the monitoring device <NUM> may be worn under clothing (e.g., on the person's arm), and the smooth surface decreases the potential of the person's clothing snagging on the monitoring device <NUM>.

The biosensor <NUM>, e.g., an analyte sensor, glucose sensor, or other electromechanical sensor for use in sensing biological information of a person, includes a sensor cable support device <NUM>, a sensor cable <NUM>, sensing circuitry <NUM>, a power source <NUM> such as a battery, a printed circuit board ("PCB") <NUM>, and an antenna <NUM>. The sensor cable <NUM> includes a proximal end portion 112a and a distal end portion 112b (see <FIG>). The proximal end portion 112a is supported by the sensor cable support device <NUM>. For example, the proximal end portion 112a may be disposed within a groove or channel of the sensor cable support device <NUM> and physically retained by pucks 122a, 122b. The proximal end portion 112a is also electrically connected to the PCB <NUM> via the sensor cable support device <NUM>. For example, as described in detail herein, the sensor cable support device <NUM> may include a set of electrical traces that extend proximate to a middle area of the sensor cable support device <NUM> toward the PCB <NUM>. The cable alignment structure may <NUM> may also be integrated into the sensor cable support device <NUM>. For example, an elongated cylindrical leg may be formed in the sensor cable support device <NUM> through which the sensor cable <NUM> may extend as it through the PCB <NUM>. When in use, the distal end portion 112b, which includes one or more electrodes, is injected into a person's skin to measure biological parameters (e.g., glucose levels) in the interstitial fluid of subcutaneous tissue beneath the skin.

The sensor cable <NUM> may include a curved portion that extends through a bottom opening <NUM> in the PCB <NUM> and the bottom enclosure <NUM>. As illustrated, a cable alignment structure <NUM> is included on the PCB <NUM> at a position adjacent to the bottom opening <NUM>. The cable alignment structure <NUM> may include a pair of tabs, a groove, or other structure capable of aligning the sensor cable <NUM> through the bottom opening <NUM>. The cable alignment structure <NUM> can be a component that is attached to the PCB <NUM> or may be integrated into the construction of the bottom enclosure <NUM> (e.g., formed at the same time and using the same approach as was used to form the bottom enclosure <NUM>). The top enclosure <NUM> includes a top opening <NUM> that is disposed above the bottom opening <NUM>. Through the top opening <NUM> may be inserted an insertion needle to inject the distal portion 112b of the sensor cable <NUM> underneath the person's skin. In some examples, the top opening <NUM> is formed from a deformable material that can reseal after the insertion needle has been inserted therethrough. In this manner, the sensor cable <NUM> can be injected without interrupting the moisture seal of the top enclosure <NUM>.

In some examples, the placing the insertion needle in the bottom opening <NUM>, with the monitoring device <NUM> pressed against the person's skin, may achieve the proper alignment for the insertion needle to insert the sensor cable <NUM> into the person's skin. In some examples, the bottom opening <NUM> includes a sensor guiding structure that may be used to guide the insertion needle through the monitoring device <NUM>.

The sensor cable support device <NUM> may be suitably rigid to support the sensor cable <NUM> and, in some example, provide structural support to the PCB <NUM>. For example, the sensor cable support device <NUM> may be formed from liquid crystal polymer. In some examples, the PCB <NUM> may be a flexible printed circuit board ("FPCB"). In this example, attaching the sensor cable support device <NUM> to the PCB <NUM> may add rigidity to the entire monitoring device <NUM>, in addition to the flexible PCB <NUM>.

The sensor cable support device <NUM> may be considered an interconnect device. For example, because the sensor cable support device <NUM> stands off from the PCB <NUM> and may stand above components (e.g., the sensing circuitry <NUM>, the power source <NUM>, etc.) disposed below it, the sensor cable support device <NUM> functions to save space within the monitoring device <NUM>. This may result in the monitoring device <NUM> having a smaller footprint. In addition, because of the configuration of the sensor cable support device <NUM> with respect to the PCB <NUM>, the PCB <NUM> may be placed close to the person's skin unlike other monitoring devices that include a standoff fixture. This provides for improved wearer comfort and less overall device bulk.

In some examples, the sensing circuitry <NUM> includes one or more electronic components configured for signal processing. For example, the sensing circuitry <NUM> may include a system on chip ("SOC") or system in package ("SIP") that includes any suitable combination components for digital signal processing, analog signal processing, mixed-signal processing, and/or the like that may be present on the surface of a PCB assembly or embedded. Such components may include, for example, a microcontroller, a memory, a timing source, one or more digital interfaces, one or more analog interfaces, clocks, voltage regulators, and/or any other suitable component. The sensing circuitry <NUM> may be configured to receive electrical signals from the sensor cable <NUM> (e.g., via the PCB <NUM> and the sensor cable support device <NUM>) and process the electrical signals to determine glucose levels of the person.

In some examples, the sensing circuitry <NUM> includes a processing device and a computer-readable medium, such as a random access memory ("RAM") coupled to the processing device. The processing device may execute computer-executable program instructions stored in memory, such as executing one or more computer programs. Such processing devices may comprise a microprocessor, a digital signal processor ("DSP"), an application-specific integrated circuit ("ASIC"), field programmable gate arrays ("FPGAs"), state machines, or other processing means for processing electrical signals received from electrodes the sensor cable <NUM> (e.g., see <FIG>). Such processing means may further include programmable electronic devices such as PLCs, programmable interrupt controllers ("PICs"), programmable logic devices ("PLDs"), programmable read-only memories ("PROMs"), electronically programmable read-only memories ("EPROMs" or "EEPROMs"), or other similar devices.

The processing device may include, or may be in communication with, media, for example computer-readable storage media, that may store instructions that, when executed by the processing device, cause the processing device to perform the steps described herein as carried out, or assisted, by a processing device. Examples of computer-readable media may include, but are not limited to a memory chip, ROM, RAM, ASIC, or any other storage means from which a processing device can read or write information.

The antenna <NUM> may enable transmission of information from the monitoring device <NUM> (e.g., to one or more electronic devices). For example, a transceiver, included in the sensing circuitry <NUM> or otherwise, may use the antenna <NUM> to transmit real-time glucose readings monitored by the biosensor <NUM>. The transceiver may also use the antenna <NUM> to receive information from one or more other electronic devices (e.g., instructions to adjust settings of the biosensor <NUM>, updates to software or firmware of the biosensor <NUM>, etc.).

The top enclosure <NUM> and the bottom enclosure <NUM> may together form a housing for retaining the biosensor <NUM>, with the moisture barrier <NUM> being disposed between the top enclosure <NUM> and the bottom enclosure <NUM>. The housing may be compact in size for placing on a person's skin. The housing may be made of any suitable material for housing the biosensor <NUM>. Non-limiting examples of materials that may be suitable for the housing include silicone, polyethylene, polyvinyl chloride ("PVC"), polypropylene, nylon, polyurethane, polycarbonate, steel, aluminum, and other plastics and metals.

The bottom enclosure <NUM> may include a substantially planar surface to allow the monitoring device <NUM> to be placed against the person's skin. The monitoring device <NUM> may be secured to the skin using an adhesive, band, strap, or other securing means. In some examples, the monitoring device <NUM> may be worn for extended period of time (e.g., days, weeks, months, etc.). When assembled, the moisture barrier <NUM> may create a seal that keeps moisture from infiltrating the biosensor <NUM>. Additionally another seal may exist in between the bottom housing opening <NUM> and upper housing opening <NUM> which keeps moisture from infiltrating the biosensor. The seal may consist of an adhesive, elastomeric gasket, or other. When assembled, the top enclosure <NUM> encloses the biosensor <NUM> and mates with the bottom enclosure <NUM> (e.g., by way of a snap-fit, welded joint, or other). The top enclosure <NUM> may also be glued or otherwise bonded to the bottom enclosure <NUM>.

<FIG> respectively illustrate a top, perspective view of the sensor cable support device <NUM> and a bottom, perspective view of the sensor cable support device <NUM>, according to various examples. The sensor cable support device <NUM>, which is a type of molded interconnect device, may include a body <NUM> and a set of legs <NUM>. Generally, the body <NUM> includes a top side or top surface 302a and a bottom side or bottom surface 302b. When installed, the top side 302a faces the top enclosure <NUM> and the bottom side 302b faces the PCB <NUM>.

The top side 302a may include a substantially planar area (e.g., greater than <NUM>^<NUM>). This topside area may be suitable sized and suitably flat to allow a suction head of a robotic placement device (e.g., a pick and place device) to grasp the sensor cable support device <NUM>.

In some examples, the sensor cable support device <NUM> may have a height of about <NUM>, a width of about <NUM>, and a length of about <NUM>. In other examples, the height, width, and/or length of the sensor cable support device <NUM> may be respectively greater than or less than <NUM>, <NUM>, and/or <NUM>. The height of about <NUM> may be selected to be less than the height of the power source <NUM>. The height of about <NUM> may also provide a suitable separation between the proximal end portion 112a of the sensor cable <NUM> and the sensing circuitry <NUM> and other electronic components attached to or otherwise disposed on or within the PCB <NUM>.

The set of legs <NUM> extend from one side of the body <NUM>, extend below the body <NUM>, and, in some examples, include a corresponding set of feet <NUM>. For example, the body <NUM> may be oriented in a first plane and the set of feet <NUM> may be oriented in a second, different plane. The set of legs <NUM> may extend between the first plane and the second plane to connect the body <NUM> to the set of feet <NUM>. The body <NUM> may be oriented in the first plane when a substantial portion of the body <NUM> is located in the first plane. The set of feet <NUM> (e.g., distal ends of the set of legs <NUM>) may be oriented in the second plan when substantial portions of the set of feet <NUM> is located in the second plane. In some examples, the set of feet <NUM> may include conductive pads <NUM>. The sensor cable support device <NUM> may be electrically and structurally attached to the PCB <NUM> or other structure using the conductive pads <NUM>. In some examples, the feet <NUM> are connected to the PCB <NUM> using surface mount technology.

Within the body <NUM> may be formed a pair of conductive openings <NUM>. The conductive openings <NUM> may extend through the body <NUM> from the top side 302a to the bottom side 302b. In some examples, the conductive openings <NUM> are defined as cavities which do not extend through the body <NUM>. In any event, the conductive openings <NUM> may be sized and configured to receive the pucks <NUM>. With respect to sizing, the conductive openings <NUM> may have a rectangular cross section, but it is understood that any other cross sectional shape may be used (e.g., square, circular, oval, etc.). With respect to configuration, the conductive openings <NUM> may include geometric features that correspond to those of the pucks <NUM> such that the pucks <NUM>, when installed, retain the sensor cable <NUM> in contact with the body <NUM>.

The conductive surfaces 314a, 314b, shown in the FIGS. by hatching, are disposed within the conductive openings <NUM>. The conductive surface 314a, which may include a conductive material that has been applied or otherwise deposited on the inward and outward facing surfaces of the conductive opening 312a, may be electrically coupled to an electrical trace 316a. The electrical trace 316a extends from the conductive surface 314a, along the leg 304a, and connects with the conductive pad 310a. Similarly, the conductive surface 314b, which may include a conductive material that has been applied or otherwise deposited on the inward and outward facing surfaces of the conductive opening 312b, may be electrically coupled to an electrical trace 316b. The electrical trace 316b extends from the conductive surface 314b, along the leg 304b, and connects with the conductive pad 310b. In this manner, the conductive surface 314a and the electrical trace 316a are electrically isolated from the conductive surface 314b and the electrical trace 316b. The electrical traces <NUM> may extend along an outside surface of the sensor cable support device <NUM> and/or may be disposed within the sensor cable support device <NUM>.

To further electrically isolate the conductive surface 314a from the conductive surface 314b, an electrical guard structure <NUM> may be formed within the body <NUM>. The purpose of the electrical guard structure <NUM> is to minimize current leakage between the conductive openings 312a, 312b. The electrical guard structure <NUM> can be any suitable cavity, channel, hole, opening, or structure that is disposed between two electrically isolated contacts. In some examples, electrical guard structure <NUM> functions like a guard trace to minimize crosstalk between two traces.

In some examples, the electrical guard structure <NUM> includes a channel or hole in the top side 302a, an opening that extends from the top side 302a to the bottom side 302b, and/or a guard trace <NUM>. The guard trace <NUM>, as illustrated in <FIG>, may extend from the top side 302a to the bottom side 302b, along a back side (as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>), and along one or more legs <NUM> (e.g., 304c, 304d). Like the electrical traces <NUM>, the guard trace <NUM> may terminate at one or more conductive pads <NUM> (e.g., 310c, 310d), by which the guard trace <NUM> may be electrically coupled to the PCB <NUM>.

A groove <NUM> can be formed in the top side 302a of the body <NUM> of the sensor cable support device <NUM>. The groove <NUM> can span the two conductive openings <NUM>. In some examples, the groove <NUM> is defined to include groove parts 322a-<NUM>, 322a-<NUM>, 322b-<NUM>, and 322b-<NUM>. The groove parts 322a correspond to the conductive opening 312a and extend through at least a portion of the conductive surface 314a and a portion of the top side 302a adjacent to the conductive opening 312a. Likewise the groove parts 322b correspond to the conductive opening 312b and extend through at least a portion of the conductive surface 314b and a portion of the top side 302a adjacent to the conductive opening 312b. The groove <NUM> is sized to correspond to the sensor cable <NUM>. In particular, the groove parts 322a are sized to correspond to a first portion of the sensor cable <NUM> (e.g., a first electrode having a first cross sectional area) and the groove parts 322b are sized to correspond to a second portion of the sensor cable <NUM> (e.g., a second electrode having a second cross sectional area). In some examples, the groove <NUM> has a consistent shape and size. The groove parts 322a and 322b can be aligned in a coaxial manner such that an elongate straight sensor cable <NUM> can contact all groove parts 322a and 322b.

Use of the groove <NUM> may enable one or more independent electrical contact points between the sensor cable <NUM> and the conductive surface <NUM> (e.g., at the groove parts 322a-<NUM>, 322a-<NUM>, 322b-<NUM>, and 322b-<NUM>). Additionally, when the pucks <NUM> are also conductive, the number of contacts points increases even more. For example, the pucks <NUM> may physically contact one or more interior faces of the conductive openings <NUM> where the conductive surface <NUM> is disposed, forming more surfaces for electrical contact.

The sensor cable support device <NUM> may also include an orientation structure <NUM>. The orientation structure <NUM> may be used to orient and/or align the sensor cable support device <NUM> during assembly and/or to align the top enclosure <NUM> with the bottom enclosure <NUM>.

The sensor cable support device <NUM> may be formed in any suitable manner including, for example, injection molding, or other suitable techniques. The sensor cable support device <NUM> may be formed as a single piece including at least the body <NUM>, the legs <NUM>, and/or the feet <NUM>. The sensor cable support device <NUM> may be formed from any suitable material including, for example, liquid crystal polymer (e.g., RTP <NUM>-<NUM> X <NUM> A sold by RTP Co. , VECTRA® E840i LDS sold by Ticon, etc.), high-temperature nylon, polyetheretherketone ("PEEK"), and other similar materials. In some examples, the material selected for the sensor cable support device <NUM> may be non-conductive, have low moisture absorption properties, have low water vapor transmission rates, and may be easily moldable into very thin walls. In some examples, the material selected for the sensor cable support device <NUM> may be capable of LDS processing. The rigidity of the sensor cable support device <NUM> may depend on one or both of the sensor cable support device's <NUM> thickness and the material forming the sensor cable support device <NUM>. For example, the sensor cable support device's <NUM> thickness may be inversely proportional to the density of the material (e.g., a denser material may allow for a thinner sensor cable support device <NUM> while a less dense material may require a thicker sensor cable support device <NUM>).

The electrical traces <NUM>, <NUM> and the conductive surfaces <NUM> (and any other conductive pathways or surface) may be formed in the sensor cable support device <NUM> using any suitable technique. Examples of such techniques include LDS processing and corresponding techniques for depositing a conductive material such as copper, nickel, gold, etc. in a circuit pattern. Such techniques may include electroless copper plating. For example, such techniques may include those using Enplate® LDS AG-<NUM> as sold by Enthone®. The electrical traces <NUM>, <NUM> and the conductive surfaces <NUM> may have a thickness of about <NUM> micron. In some examples, the electrical traces <NUM>, <NUM> and the conductive surfaces <NUM> have a thickness of less than <NUM> micron (e.g., <NUM> microns to <NUM> microns). In some examples, the electrical traces <NUM>, <NUM> and the conductive surfaces <NUM> may be formed using other plating techniques.

<FIG> and <FIG> respectively illustrate a top, exploded perspective view of a sensor holder system <NUM> and a bottom, perspective view of the sensor holder system <NUM>, according to various examples. The sensor holder system <NUM>, in this example, is defined to include the sensor cable support device <NUM>, the sensor cable <NUM>, and the pucks <NUM>.

The sensor cable <NUM> may include one or more electrodes, chemicals, or other means for generating biological information. For example, the sensor cable <NUM> may be a coaxial sensor and include two electrodes 502a, 502b that are inserted into the person's skin to expose the electrodes 502a, 502b to the interstitial fluid in the person's subcutaneous tissue. In some examples, the sensor cable <NUM> may include two or more separate wires that are not included in the same coating. The electrode 502b includes at least a portion of the sensor cable <NUM> made of platinum or having a platinum coating and electrode 502a includes a silver/silver-chloride ("Ag/AgCl") material that covers a part of electrode 502b. The electrodes 502b, 502a may be used to generate glucose information about the person by generating electrical signals corresponding to an amount of glucose present within the interstitial fluid. In some examples, a reactive material, such as glucose oxidase ("GOX"), may also be coated on a distal end of the electrode 502b to create reaction products with glucose present in the interstitial fluid. When a voltage is applied to the electrodes 502b, 502a, an electrical current is generated based on the amount of these reaction products generated by the glucose/GOX reaction. The electrical current is routed through the sensor cable <NUM> to the sensing circuitry <NUM>. The sensing circuitry <NUM> may use the strength of the current to determine glucose information such as the person's glucose levels. Although glucose level measurements are described in this example, the biosensor <NUM> may be configured to measure other biological parameters without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. Similarly, while the chemical materials applied onto the sensor cable <NUM> to form the electrodes 502b, 502a and the reactive material coated onto the electrodes 502b, 502a may be suitable for a glucose sensor, other material may be used according to other examples, based on the application of the biosensor <NUM>.

The sensor cable's <NUM> length may allow the sensor cable <NUM> to extend from beneath the person's skin to the sensor cable support device <NUM> with allowance for the person's movement. For example, the sensor cable <NUM> may be between approximately <NUM> millimeters to <NUM> millimeters long. The sensor cable's <NUM> thickness, or gauge, may be selected to allow the sensor cable <NUM> to remain injected into the skin during this period with minimal discomfort. In some examples, the sensor cable <NUM> includes an outer diameter of approximately <NUM>-<NUM> microns for portions of the cable coated with the electrode 502a and an outer diameter of approximately <NUM> microns for the electrode 502b. In additional examples, the sensor cable <NUM> generally may have a maximum outer diameter approximately between <NUM> microns and <NUM> microns. In some examples, however, the sensor cable <NUM> may have an outer diameter of about <NUM> microns.

Referring back to <FIG>, in some examples, a first dimensional measurement (e.g., a width, a depth, a cross-sectional area, etc.) taken laterally across the groove <NUM> taken at the groove parts 322a may be different from a second dimensional measurement taken laterally across the groove <NUM> taken at the groove parts 322b. These differences may be included in the groove <NUM> to accommodate the electrodes 502a, 502b. As described herein, the electrodes 502a, 502b may be of different sizes (e.g., have different diameters). The different lateral measurements may be selected based on the respective widths of the proximate end 112a of the sensor cable at different locations. For example, one portion of the proximate end of the sensor cable <NUM> may be an exposed platinum electrode 502b, which may have a narrower gauge than another portion which includes the platinum wire coated with a silver/silver-chloride electrode 502a.

<FIG> illustrates the sensor holder system <NUM> in a disassembled state, e.g., the pucks <NUM> and the sensor cable <NUM> are illustrated as being removed from the conductive openings <NUM>. <FIG> illustrates the sensor holder system <NUM> in a coupled state, e.g., the sensor cable <NUM> is illustrated as being held within the groove <NUM> and the pucks <NUM> are illustrated as being installed in the conductive openings <NUM>.

The pucks <NUM>, when installed, retain the sensor cable <NUM> in physical contact with the sensor cable support device <NUM> and electrically couple the electrodes <NUM> of the sensor cable <NUM> with the conductive surface(s) <NUM> in the conductive openings <NUM>. As described herein, the pucks <NUM> may be formed from an electrically conductive elastomer material (e.g., silicon elastomer with carbon added or other similar material). The pucks <NUM> may be molded, extruded, stamped, or otherwise formed using any suitable technique.

Each puck <NUM> may include a pair of legs <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM> separated by a slit <NUM>. The slit <NUM> may be sized sufficiently large to receive the proximate end portion 112a of the sensor cable <NUM>. In some examples, the slit <NUM> is less than <NUM> in width. The slit <NUM> may also be larger or smaller than <NUM>. The slit <NUM> may also include a portion that corresponds in shape to an outer diameter of the sensor cable <NUM>. For example, the slit <NUM> may include a cylindrical cutout at the top of the slit <NUM> corresponding to the sensor cable <NUM>. In some examples, the slits <NUM> may be sized to accommodate the different diameters of the sensor cable <NUM>.

The pucks <NUM> may be sized and configured to be installed within the conductive openings <NUM>. In some examples, the pucks <NUM> are formed from a deformable conductive material that can be pressed or otherwise forced into the conductive openings <NUM>. Once within the conductive openings, the deformable material of the pucks <NUM> (e.g., the pair of legs <NUM>) expands and uses friction to hold the pucks <NUM> in place. In some examples, whether using deformable material or not, the legs <NUM> may include retaining structures <NUM>-<NUM>, <NUM>-<NUM>. As illustrated in <FIG>, the retaining structures <NUM> may spring outwards once the pucks <NUM> have been installed into the conductive openings <NUM> such that the retaining structures <NUM> engage with the bottom side 302b. In this manner, the pucks <NUM> may be "snapped" into the conductive openings <NUM>.

The pucks <NUM> may be installed manually and/or in an automated fashion. The <NUM> pucks may be installed from the top side 302a or from the bottom side 302b. When installed from the bottom side 302b, the sensor cable <NUM> and the grooves <NUM> may be disposed on the bottom side 302b. In this arrangement, the pucks <NUM> may be installed into the conductive openings <NUM> before the sensor cable support device <NUM> is connected to the PCB <NUM>. When the pucks <NUM> are installed from the top side 302a, the sensor cable <NUM> may be connected to the sensor cable support device <NUM> before or after the sensor cable support device <NUM> has been connected to the PCB <NUM>.

In some examples, top sides of the pucks <NUM> may include a substantially planar area (e.g., greater than <NUM>^<NUM>). This topside area may be suitable sized and suitably flat to allow a suction head of a robotic placement device (e.g., a pick and place device) to grasp the pucks <NUM> and place the pucks into the conductive openings <NUM> and thereby physically support and electrically couple the sensor cable <NUM> to the electrical traces <NUM>.

<FIG> illustrates a top view of a sensor cable support device <NUM>, according to at least one example. The sensor cable support device <NUM> includes a pair of conductive openings 712a, 712b. Within the conductive openings 712a, 712b are a pair of pucks 722a, 722b. In the example illustrated by <FIG>, the pucks <NUM> have been installed from the bottom side of the sensor cable support device <NUM>. Thus, slits 724a, 724b are visible in the view presented in <FIG>. The sensor cable support device <NUM> also includes alignment grooves 726a, 726b. The alignment grooves <NUM> may be used to align the pucks <NUM> during installation into the conductive openings <NUM>. In some examples, the alignment grooves <NUM> help retain the pucks <NUM> after installation. The sensor cable support device <NUM> also includes electrical traces 716a, 716b, which are respectively connected to the conductive openings 712a, 712b. The sensor cable support device <NUM> also includes an electrical guard structure <NUM> disposed between the conductive openings <NUM> and guard traces 720a, 720b. In some examples, the electrical guard structure <NUM> may be a recessed channel and/or may be a through hole. In any event the electrical guard structure <NUM> may function to minimize leakage between the conductive conductive openings <NUM>. The guard traces 720a, 720b may perform a similar function as the electrical guard structure <NUM>.

<FIG> and <FIG> respectively illustrate a top view and a top, perspective view of a sensor cable support device <NUM>, according various examples. The sensor cable support device <NUM> includes a pair of conductive openings 812a, 812b. The conductive openings <NUM>, which include a portion thereof coated in conductive material, are electrically coupled to electrical traces 816a, 816b. As illustrated, in some examples, only a portion of the conductive openings <NUM> includes conductive material. The sensor cable support device <NUM> also includes alignment grooves 826a, 826b. The alignment grooves <NUM> may be used to align pucks during installation into the conductive openings <NUM>. In some examples, the alignment grooves <NUM> help retain the pucks after installation. The sensor cable support device <NUM> also includes an electrical guard structure <NUM> and a guard trace <NUM>. In this example, the guard trace <NUM> may include a more intricate pattern that includes at least two individual traces that extend between the conductive openings <NUM>. The guard trace <NUM> also extends into the electrical guard structure <NUM> and down all four legs of the sensor cable support device <NUM> and/or down two legs.

<FIG> illustrates a partially exploded view of a monitoring device <NUM> including an integrated sensor cable support device <NUM>, which is part of biosensor <NUM>, according to at least one example. The monitoring device <NUM> is an example of the monitoring device <NUM> described herein. Thus, the monitoring device <NUM> includes bottom enclosure <NUM>, the moisture barrier <NUM>, the PCB <NUM>, the antenna <NUM>, the sensing circuitry <NUM>, and the power source <NUM>. The sensor cable support device of the monitoring device <NUM> has been integrated into the PCB <NUM>. In particular, the sensor cable support device <NUM> has been printed in the same manner (e.g., using the same manufacturing techniques) as the PCB <NUM>. Thus, the integrated sensor cable support device <NUM> is integrated in the sense that it is integrated into the PCB <NUM>.

The integrated sensor cable support device <NUM> includes a pair of conductive openings 1012a, 1012b sized and configured to receive the pucks 122a, 122b. In some examples, the pair of conductive openings 1012a, 1012b may not extend through the PCB <NUM>. In other words, because the integrated sensor cable support device <NUM> is effectively mounted directly to the PCB <NUM>, the conductive openings <NUM> may be cavities into which the pucks <NUM> may be installed. Like in other examples described herein, the pucks <NUM> may function to electrically and mechanically connect the sensor cable <NUM> to the sensor cable support device <NUM>.

Reference herein to an example or implementation means that a particular feature, structure, operation, or other characteristic described in connection with the example may be included in at least one implementation of the disclosure. The disclosure is not restricted to the particular examples or implementations described as such. The appearance of the phrases "in one example," "in an example," "in one implementation," or "in an implementation," or variations of the same in various places in the specification does not necessarily refer to the same example or implementation. Any particular feature, structure, operation, or other characteristic described in this specification in relation to one example or implementation may be combined with other features, structures, operations, or other characteristics described in respect of any other example or implementation.

The use of the terms "a" and "an" and "the" and similar referents in the context of describing the disclosed examples (especially in the context of the following claims) are to be construed to cover both the singular and the plural, unless otherwise indicated herein or clearly contradicted by context. The term "connected" is to be construed as partly or wholly contained within, attached to, or joined together, even if there is something intervening. Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as a shorthand method of referring individually to each separate value falling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein and each separate value is incorporated into the specification as if it were individually recited herein. The use of any and all examples, or exemplary language (e.g., "such as") provided herein, is intended merely to better illuminate examples of the disclosure and does not pose a limitation on the scope of the disclosure unless otherwise claimed. No language in the specification should be construed as indicating any non-claimed element as essential to the practice of the disclosure.

Claim 1:
A support device (<NUM>) for supporting a sensor cable (<NUM>), the support device (<NUM>) comprising:
a rigid body (<NUM>) defining a pair of openings (<NUM>), each opening (<NUM>) sized and configured to receive a conductive puck (<NUM>), the rigid body (<NUM>) configured to support a proximal end of the sensor cable (<NUM>) and electrically couple the sensor cable (<NUM>) with sensing circuitry (<NUM>) of a monitoring device (<NUM>); characterized by
a set of rigid legs (<NUM>) connected to the rigid body (<NUM>) and extending away from bottom side (302b) of the rigid body (<NUM>);
a first electrical trace (316a) electrically coupling a first opening (312a) of the pair of openings (<NUM>) and a distal end of a first leg (304a) of the set of rigid legs (<NUM>); and
a second electrical trace (316b) electrically coupling a second opening (312b) of the pair of openings (<NUM>) and a distal end of a second leg (304b) of the set of rigid legs (<NUM>).