Patent Description:
Continuous glucose monitoring (GCM) is a popular method for tracking changes in blood glucose levels by taking glucose measurements of an individual at regular intervals. Such a system is known from <CIT>. In order to utilize a CGM system, the individual wears a form of compact, miniature sensing device, which at least includes a biosensor for sensing physiological signal corresponding to the glucose level of a host, and a transmitter for receiving and transmitting the abovementioned physiological signal.

The biosensor and the transmitter of a conventional GCM system are separately packaged, and are assembled right before use. Static electricity may accumulate on the biosensor and the transmitter during transport or packaging, and may damage the biosensor and internal electronic components of the transmitter. In addition, the electrostatic-discharge issue will become serious along with the miniaturization of the biosensor and the transmitter so as to affect the operation and lifespan of the product.

Therefore, an object of the disclosure is to provide a physiological signal monitoring device that can alleviate the drawback of the prior art.

According to one aspect of the disclosure, the physiological signal monitoring device is adapted for monitoring a physiological parameter of at least one analyte of a host, and includes a base and a transmitter. The base is adapted to be mounted to a skin surface of the host, and is provided with a biosensor. The biosensor has a sensing section and a signal output section. The sensing section of the biosensor is adapted to be inserted underneath the skin surface of the host for measuring at least one physiological signal corresponding to the physiological parameter of the host, and outputting the physiological signal via the signal output section. The transmitter is removably coupled to the base, and includes a casing and an electrostatic-discharge protective unit. The casing defines an inner space therein for receiving a circuit board, and has a connecting surface facing the base. The connecting surface is provided with a connecting port. The connecting port has a socket that is communicated with the inner space and that is for the signal output section of the biosensor to be removably inserted thereinto, so as to permit the biosensor to be coupled to the circuit board and to output the physiological signal to the circuit board for processing the physiological signal. The electrostatic-discharge protective unit is at least disposed to the periphery of the socket of the connecting port for bearing and dispelling static electricity when electrostatic discharge occurs.

Other features and advantages of the disclosure will become apparent in the following detailed description of the embodiment with reference to the accompanying drawings, of which:.

In addition, in the description of the disclosure, the terms "up", "down", "top", "bottom" are meant to indicate relative position between the elements of the disclosure, and are not meant to indicate the actual position of each of the elements in actual implementations. Similarly, various axes to be disclosed herein, while defined to be perpendicular to one another in the disclosure, may not be necessarily perpendicular in actual implementation.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a first embodiment of the physiological signal monitoring device with an electrostatic-discharge protective mechanism according to the disclosure is adapted to be mounted to a skin surface of a host (not shown), and is adapted for measuring at least one analyte of the host and for sending a corresponding physiological signal. In this embodiment, the physiological signal monitoring device is for measuring the blood glucose concentration in the interstitial fluid (ISF) of the host, but is not restricted to such.

The physiological signal monitoring device includes a base <NUM> that is adapted to be mounted to the skin surface of the host, a biosensor <NUM> that is mounted to the base <NUM> and that is adapted to be partially inserted underneath the skin surface of the host, and a transmitter <NUM> that is removably covered to the base <NUM> in a direction of a first axis (D1) and that is connected to the biosensor <NUM>. The biosensor <NUM> is adapted for measuring the physiological parameter of the analyte of the host and for sending a corresponding physiological signal to the transmitter <NUM>, while the transmitter <NUM> receives, processes, and outputs the physiological signal to an external device <NUM> (see <FIG>) for monitoring purposes.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, in this embodiment, the biosensor <NUM> includes a mounting seat <NUM> that is mounted to the base <NUM>, and a sensing member <NUM> that is carried by and mounted to the mounting seat <NUM>. The sensing member <NUM> has a sensing section <NUM> that is adapted to be inserted underneath the skin surface of the host, a signal output section <NUM> that is electrically connected to the transmitter <NUM>, and an extended section <NUM> that interconnects the sensing and signal output sections <NUM>, <NUM>. The sensing section <NUM> is adapted for measuring the physiological parameter of the at least one analytical substance of the host, while the signal output section <NUM> is adapted for sending the corresponding physiological signal to the transmitter <NUM> after receiving information from the sensing section <NUM> via the extended section <NUM>. The extended section <NUM> is covered with an insulating material. In addition, the sensing member <NUM> has a plurality of electrodes <NUM> disposed thereon. The number and types of electrodes <NUM> are primarily designed to account for the type of analytical substances measured, and is not restricted to the ones shown in the disclosure. For the sake for clarity, detailed structures of the sensing member <NUM> is only showcased in <FIG>.

Referring to <FIG>, the transmitter <NUM> includes a casing <NUM> that defines an inner space <NUM> therein, a circuit board <NUM> that is disposed in the inner space <NUM>, a processing unit <NUM> (see <FIG>) that is disposed in the inner space <NUM> and that is mounted to the circuit board <NUM>, a battery <NUM> that is disposed in the inner space <NUM> and that is coupled to the circuit board <NUM>, a connecting port <NUM> that protrudes from the casing <NUM>, a plurality of second conductive mediums <NUM> that are mounted to the connecting port <NUM>, and an electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> that is disposed on an outer surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM>.

Specifically, the casing <NUM> includes a bottom portion <NUM> and a top portion <NUM>. The bottom portion <NUM> and the top portion <NUM> are two casing parts corresponding in shape, and cooperatively define the inner space <NUM> therebetween. The casing <NUM> has a connecting surface 311b that faces the base <NUM> and that is connected to the base <NUM>. In this embodiment, the casing <NUM> is connected to the base <NUM> via the bottom portion <NUM> thereof, so the connecting surface 311b is a bottom surface of the bottom portion <NUM>. In a modification, the transmitter <NUM> may be connected to the base <NUM> at a lateral side thereof, so the connecting surface 311b may be a lateral surface of the transmitter <NUM>. The circuit board <NUM> has a plurality of first electrical contacts <NUM> and a plurality of second electrical contacts <NUM>. The battery <NUM> may be a button cell (see <FIG>) or a rechargeable battery. The connecting port <NUM> may be provided on the connecting surface 311b.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the processing unit <NUM> is for receiving the electric signal from the sensing member <NUM> and for sending a corresponding glucose level signal. The processing unit <NUM> includes a signal amplifier <NUM> that is for receiving and amplifying the electric signal, a measuring and computing module <NUM> that converts the amplified electric signal sequentially into a corresponding digital signal and then to the corresponding glucose level signal, and a transmitting module <NUM> that transmits the corresponding glucose level signal to the external device <NUM> via an antenna <NUM>. The measuring and computing module <NUM> may include an analog-digital signal converter and a processor. The transmitting module <NUM> may be wireless transmission means. The configuration of the processing unit <NUM> is not limited to the above.

Referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>, the connecting port <NUM> has a socket <NUM> that is communicated with the inner space <NUM> and that is for the signal output section <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM> to be removably inserted thereinto. In this embodiment, the connecting port <NUM> further has a plurality of mounting grooves <NUM> that open toward the circuit board <NUM> and that are communicated with the socket <NUM>. The second conductive mediums <NUM> are respectively received in the mounting grooves <NUM>. Each of the second conductive mediums <NUM> is in contact with a respective one of the second electrical contacts <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM> at a side thereof. When the sensing member <NUM> is inserted into the connecting port <NUM> of the transmitter <NUM> via the socket <NUM>, each of the second conductive mediums <NUM> is in contact with the signal output section <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM> at another side thereof, so that the sensing member <NUM> is electrically coupled to the circuit board <NUM>. Specifically, as shown in <FIG> and <FIG>, the second conductive mediums <NUM> are disposed in the mounting grooves <NUM> located at two opposite sides of the socket <NUM> to contact two opposite lateral sides of the signal output section <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM> for clamping the sensing member <NUM>. Each of the second conductive mediums <NUM> is a conductive elastomer. Specifically, each of the second conductive mediums <NUM> may be a coil spring, an elastic plate or a conductive rubber, but is not limited to such.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the second conductive mediums <NUM> include a plurality of power-supplying conductive mediums 37a, a plurality of biosensing conductive mediums 37b, and a plurality of transmitting conductive mediums 37c. The number of the power-supplying conductive mediums 37a is two, and the power-supplying conductive mediums 37a cooperatively form a switch. In this embodiment, the number of the biosensing conductive mediums 37b is four. The biosensing conductive mediums 37b are cooperated with the outputs of the electrodes <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM>, but are not limited to such.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, the sensing member <NUM> in this embodiment consists of a substrate <NUM>, the electrodes <NUM> that are disposed on at least one surface of the substrate <NUM> and that extend from the sensing section <NUM> to the signal output section <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM>, a plurality of electrical contact regions <NUM>, and a sensing layer (not shown) that covers a portion of at least one of the electrodes <NUM> located at the sensing section <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM>. The sensing layer is for reacting with the at least one analyte of the host, and the electrodes <NUM> detect outcome of the reaction, and generate an electric signal indicating the outcome of the reaction. In this embodiment, the electric signal is the physiological signal that indicates glucose levels in the interstitial fluid. In this embodiment, the number of the electrodes <NUM> is four, and the electrodes <NUM> are disposed on two opposite surfaces of the sensing member <NUM>. Portions of the electrodes <NUM> at the signal output section <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM> are electrically connected to the circuit board <NUM> via the biosensing conductive mediums 37b. The electrodes <NUM> include two working electrodes 226a and two reference electrodes 226b. In a modification, the electrodes <NUM> may include two working electrodes 226a and a counter electrode, or include a working electrode 226a and two counter electrodes.

Referring to <FIG>, when the sensing member <NUM> is not inserted into the socket <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM>, the battery <NUM> is in a non-power supplying state. Referring to <FIG>, when the sensing member <NUM> is inserted into the socket <NUM>, the electrical contact regions <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM> electrically contact the power-supplying conductive mediums 37a, and the working electrodes 226a of the sensing member <NUM> electrically contact two of the biosensing conductive mediums 37b, such that the switch is in a closed circuit state and the battery <NUM> is switched to a power supplying state for supplying power to the sensing member <NUM> and the processing unit <NUM> for performing measurement of the analyte and sending the physiological signal to the external device <NUM>.

In addition, the socket <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM> is further adapted for an outer transmission device (not shown) or a charging device (not shown) to be inserted thereinto. For example, after the transmitter <NUM> is completely assembled with the outer transmission device, a connector (or an electrode) of the outer transmission device may be inserted into the socket <NUM> so that the outer transmission device and the processing unit <NUM> are permitted to exchange data through the transmitting conductive mediums 37c. In other words, in this embodiment, the transmitting conductive mediums 37c are permitted to be electrically connected to the outer transmission device for exchanging data (default data or calibration data) during fabrication of the transmitter <NUM>.

When fabricating or selling the physiological signal monitoring device according to the disclosure, the transmitter <NUM> and the base <NUM> are separately packaged, so a user have to unpack the transmitter <NUM> and the base <NUM> so as to mount the transmitter <NUM> onto the base <NUM> (and to insert the sensing member <NUM> of the biosensor <NUM> into the socket <NUM> of the transmitter <NUM>) for using the physiological signal monitoring device. During fabrication, packaging, unpacking and installation of the transmitter <NUM>, the base <NUM> and the biosensor <NUM>, static electricity may accumulate on the surfaces of the transmitter <NUM>, the base <NUM> and the biosensor <NUM>. Moreover, in this embodiment, signal transmission, data transmission, charge and startup of the physiological signal monitoring device are executed via the socket <NUM>. Due to miniaturization of the physiological signal monitoring device, distances among electronic components of the physiological signal monitoring device are relatively short. If the static electricity is not promptly dispelled, the electronic components of the physiological signal monitoring device may be easily damaged. As such, in the invention the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is disposed to at least surround the periphery of the socket <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM> to bear and dispel the static electricity for preventing to-be-protect components of the physiological signal monitoring device from being damaged by the static electricity via the socket <NUM> when electrostatic discharge occurs. In this embodiment, the to-be-protect components include the processing unit <NUM> and other electronic components on the circuit board <NUM>, and the signal output end <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM> that is inserted into the connecting port <NUM>.

The electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is coupled to a potential balance unit <NUM> (see <FIG> and <FIG>) so as to conduct the unbalanced electric charges, to dispel instantaneous potential difference caused by the static electricity and to balance the potential. In this embodiment, the potential balance unit <NUM> includes the first electrical contacts <NUM> on the circuit board <NUM>. The first electrical contacts <NUM> are low potential points, and specifically are ground points. The electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is coupled to the first electrical contacts <NUM> to dispel unbalanced electric charges. In a modification, the potential balance unit <NUM> may include a protection circuit that is disposed on the circuit board <NUM> and that has the first electrical contacts <NUM>. The electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is coupled to the first electrical contacts <NUM>. The protection circuit bears instantaneous high voltage/current caused by the electrostatic discharge by virtue of transient voltage suppressor (TVS) so as to limit the potential difference between positive and negative electrodes within a predetermined range, dispels the unbalanced electric charges caused by the electrostatic discharge via the ground points, or shields the electronic components by balancing the input voltage. In another modification, the potential balance unit <NUM> may be configured as a metal casing or a metal plate (not shown) that is located between the casing <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM>, and the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is coupled to the metal casing or the metal plate. By the abovementioned implementation manners of the potential balance unit <NUM>, the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> can conduct the unbalanced electric charges thereto for balancing the potential. However, the configuration of the potential balance unit <NUM> may be varied by one skilled in the art depending on different demands, and is not limited to such.

In the invention, the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> includes an electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> that covers the outer surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM> and that surrounds the periphery of the socket <NUM>. The electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> is at least adjacent to the periphery of the socket <NUM>. The electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> is casing-shaped, and is made of metal or other conductive materials. Specifically, the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> is a casing made of stainless steel. In a modification, the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> may be a casing made of insulation material and applied with a conductive layer. In another modification, the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> may be configured as a metal plate, and is not limited to be casing-shaped.

In this embodiment, the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> further includes at least one first conductive medium <NUM> that is disposed between the circuit board <NUM> and the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM>. Specifically, in this embodiment, the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> includes two first conductive mediums <NUM>. The first conductive mediums <NUM> are resilient components, and abut against the first electrical contacts <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM> and the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM>. As such, a steady circuit is formed between the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM> so as to ensure that the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> will bear and dispel the unbalanced electric charges to the first electrical contacts <NUM> via the first conductive mediums <NUM> when electrostatic discharge occurs. Then, the unbalanced electric charges will be grounded. In detail, each of the first conductive mediums <NUM> is configured as a coil spring, and abuts against the circuit board <NUM> and the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> at radial ends thereof in the direction of the first axis (D1). The electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> cooperates with the connecting port <NUM> to limit the first conductive mediums <NUM> for stabilizing and miniaturizing the structure of the transmitter <NUM> and for stably dispelling the static electricity.

Referring to <FIG>, in a modification, the first conductive medium <NUM> may abut against the first electrical contact <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM> at a radial end thereof in the direction of the first axis (D1), and abut against the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> at an axial end thereof in the direction of a second axis (D2) perpendicular to the first axis (D1). Referring to <FIG>, in another modification, the first conductive mediums <NUM> may abut against the first electrical contact <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM> and lead portions 391a of the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> at axial ends thereof in the direction of the first axis (D1). By virtue of the casing-shaped connecting port <NUM> and the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> that is shaped to correspond the connecting port <NUM> and that cooperates with the connecting port <NUM> to limit the resilient first conductive mediums <NUM>, the structure of the transmitter <NUM> is stabilized and miniaturized for stably dispelling the static electricity.

In a modification, the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> of the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> may be a conductive layer that is applied on the outer surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM> through a sputtering or spraying technique. As such, the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is able to bear and dispel the unbalanced electric charges when electrostatic discharge occurs.

Referring to <FIG>, the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> is configured to be disposed on an inner surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM> rather than on the outer surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM>, and surrounds the periphery of the socket <NUM> according to the invention. In this modification, the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> is directly and electrically coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM> so as to form an electrostatic discharge path that is distal from the to-be-protect components (e.g., the processing unit <NUM> on the circuit board <NUM>). As such, the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> can conduct the unbalanced electric charges to the first electrical contacts <NUM> (i.e., the ground points) to be grounded when electrostatic discharge occurs, so as to prevent the to-be-protect components, such as the electronic components in the circuit board <NUM>, from being damaged by the static electricity. Specifically, the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> is configured as a conductive layer that is disposed on an inner surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM>, and that is insulated from the second conductive mediums <NUM> by further treatment.

Referring to <FIG>, in another modification, the transmitter <NUM> further includes an additional electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> that is embedded in the connecting port <NUM> during an injection molding process of the connecting port <NUM>, that is located between the outer surface <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM>, and that is disposed adjacent to the socket <NUM>. The additional electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> protrudes out of the connecting port <NUM> to be directly and electrically coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM>, or electrically coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM> of the circuit board <NUM> via the first conductive medium <NUM> so as to serve as a secondary protection means that conducts the unbalanced electric charges to the first electrical contacts <NUM> (i.e., the ground points) when electrostatic discharge occurs, so as to prevent the to-be-protect components from being damaged by the static electricity. Specifically, the additional electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> can be configured as a conductive wire that is disposed in the connecting port <NUM>, but is not limited to such.

According to the above, in this embodiment, the sensing member <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM> are electrically coupled via the second conductive mediums <NUM>, and the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is disposed at the periphery of the socket <NUM> so as to prevent the static electricity from being accumulated at the periphery of the socket <NUM>. By such, the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> bears and dispels the unbalanced charges (current) at the periphery of the socket <NUM> for preventing the sensing member <NUM> that is proximate to the socket <NUM> and the inner components of the transmitter <NUM> (e.g., the circuit board <NUM> and the processing unit <NUM>) from being damaged by the static electricity via the socket <NUM> when the electrostatic discharge occurs.

Referring to <FIG>, a second embodiment of the physiological signal monitoring device with an electrostatic-discharge protective mechanism according to the disclosure is similar to the first embodiment. The differences are as follows:
In the second embodiment, the first conductive medium(s) <NUM> is omitted, and the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> extends into the inner space <NUM> in the direction of the first axis (D1) to directly and electrically coupled to the first electrical contact <NUM> (i.e., the low potential point) on the circuit board <NUM> for dispelling the unbalanced charges.

Referring to <FIG>, a third embodiment of the physiological signal monitoring device with an electrostatic-discharge protective mechanism according to the disclosure is similar to the second embodiment. The differences are as follows:
In the third embodiment, there is a discharge gap <NUM> between the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> and the first electrical contact <NUM> (i.e., the low potential point) on the circuit board <NUM>. By such, the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> can dispel the unbalanced charges onto the circuit board <NUM> via air-discharge. The length of the discharge gap <NUM> is smaller than a distance between the socket <NUM> and a to-be-protect component in the inner space <NUM>.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a minimum distance between the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> and the socket <NUM> is d1 (see <FIG>), a minimum distance between the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> and the first electrical contact <NUM> is d2 (i.e., the discharge gap <NUM>, see <FIG>), and a distance between the socket <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM> is d3 (see <FIG>). The unbalanced charges can be dispelled via the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> under the circumstances: d1 + d2 < d3. It should be noted that, in the third embodiment (see <FIG>), d1 is zero.

Referring to <FIG> and <FIG>, a fourth embodiment of the physiological signal monitoring device with an electrostatic-discharge protective mechanism according to the disclosure is similar to the second embodiment. The differences are as follows:
In the fourth embodiment, an assembly cooperatively constituted by the connecting port <NUM>, the second conductive mediums <NUM> and the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is in the form of an electrical connector, and is mounted onto the circuit board <NUM> through, but not limited to, a surface mount technology (SMT) to extend through the bottom portion <NUM> of the casing <NUM>. Wherein, each of the second conductive mediums <NUM> is configured as a resilient plate, and protrudes out of the outer surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM> to form a lead portion. The electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> of the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is configured as a metal casing, and formed with lead portions at two lateral sides thereof.

Specifically, when the sensing member <NUM> is inserted into the transmitter <NUM> via the socket <NUM>, each of the second conductive mediums <NUM> is in contact with the outputs of the electrodes <NUM> or the electrical contact regions <NUM> on the signal output section <NUM> of the sensing member <NUM> at one side thereof, and is in contact with the second electrical contacts <NUM> on the circuit board <NUM>, so that the sensing member <NUM> is electrically coupled to the circuit board <NUM>. At the same time, the electrical connector cooperatively constituted by the connecting port <NUM>, the second conductive mediums <NUM> and the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> is mounted on the circuit board <NUM>, and the lead portions of the electrostatic-discharge protective component <NUM> is able to conduct unbalanced charges to the first electrical contacts <NUM> on the circuit board <NUM> through direct contact (the second embodiment) or air-discharge (the third embodiment).

Referring to <FIG>, a fifth embodiment of the physiological signal monitoring device with an electrostatic-discharge protective mechanism according to the disclosure is similar to the first embodiment. The differences are as follows:
In the fifth embodiment, the connecting port <NUM> is made of a conductive material. Specifically, the connecting port <NUM> and the bottom portion <NUM> of the casing <NUM> are made of a conductive material, and are formed as one piece to serve as the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> that bears and dispels unbalanced charges when the electrostatic discharge occurs.

In addition, an inner surface 311a of the bottom portion <NUM> of the casing <NUM> of the transmitter <NUM> is partially provided with an insulation portion 38a that is at least located between the bottom portion <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and the circuit board <NUM>. The inner surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM> is provided with another insulation portion 38b that is located between the inner surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM> and the second conductive medium <NUM> so as to prevent short circuit between the second conductive medium <NUM> and electronic components on the circuit board <NUM>. The insulation portions 38a, 38b may be formed on the inner surface 311a of the bottom portion <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM> through anodizing treatment or spraying, or may be insulation components that are mounted on the inner surface 311a of the bottom portion <NUM> of the casing <NUM> and the inner surface <NUM> of the connecting port <NUM>.

A portion of the inner surface 311a of the bottom portion <NUM> of the casing <NUM> is not provided with the insulation portions 38a, and is electrically coupled to the first electrical contacts <NUM> on the circuit board <NUM>, so as to dispel the unbalanced charges via the circuit board <NUM>.

In a modification, the transmitter <NUM> may include at least one first conductive medium (not shown in <FIG>, referring to <FIG>, <FIG> and <FIG>) that is located between the circuit board <NUM> and the portion of the inner surface 311a of the bottom portion <NUM> of the casing <NUM> that is not provided with the insulation portions 38a, so that the bottom portion <NUM> of the casing <NUM> is electrically coupled to the circuit board <NUM> to dispel the unbalanced charges via the circuit board <NUM>.

In summary, the electrostatic-discharge protective unit <NUM> bears and dispels the unbalanced charges (current) at the periphery of the socket <NUM> for preventing the sensing member <NUM> that is inserted into the socket <NUM> of the transmitter <NUM> and the inner components of the transmitter <NUM> from being damaged by the static electricity via the socket <NUM> when the electrostatic discharge occurs.

In addition to the embodiments described above, this disclosure further discloses a plurality of embodiments as defined by the claims, with each embodiment comprising the claim elements of the respective claim and the claim elements of any claim upon which the respective claim depends.

Claim 1:
A physiological signal monitoring device adapted for monitoring a physiological parameter of at least one analyte of a host, comprising
a base (<NUM>) adapted to be mounted to a skin surface of the host, and provided with a biosensor (<NUM>), the biosensor (<NUM>) having a sensing section (<NUM>) and a signal output section (<NUM>), the sensing section (<NUM>) of the biosensor (<NUM>) being adapted to be inserted underneath the skin surface of the host for measuring at least one physiological signal corresponding to the physiological parameter of the host, and outputting the physiological signal via the signal output section (<NUM>); and
a transmitter (<NUM>) removably coupled to the base (<NUM>), and including
a casing (<NUM>) that defines an inner space (<NUM>) therein for receiving a circuit board (<NUM>) and that has a connecting surface (311b) facing the base (<NUM>), the connecting surface (311b) being provided with a connecting port (<NUM>), the connecting port (<NUM>) having a socket (<NUM>) that is communicated with the inner space (<NUM>) and that is for the signal output section (<NUM>) of the biosensor (<NUM>) to be removably inserted thereinto, so as to permit the biosensor (<NUM>) to be coupled to the circuit board (<NUM>) and to output the physiological signal to the circuit board (<NUM>) for processing the physiological signal, and
an electrostatic-discharge protective unit (<NUM>) that is disposed to at least surround the periphery of the socket (<NUM>) of the connecting port (<NUM>) for bearing and dispelling static electricity when electrostatic discharge occurs.