Patent Description:
A printed circuit board (PCB) is employed in medical devices as a flat base that physically supports and electronically connects electronic components and conductors. PCBs may be single-sided, double-sided, and multilayered. PCBs are currently retained in device frames by either adhesive or provision of a lip in the frame that captures the edge of the PCB.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, a detachable element configured for attachment to a device for measuring tissue damage through measurement of sub-epidermal moisture as specified in claim <NUM>. The detachable element comprises: a body comprising a retention feature configured to engage a retention groove, the body comprising a sensor comprising two electrodes, wherein the sensor is in electrical connection with the electrical contactor, an electrical contactor coupled to the body, where the contactor comprises a cantilever element that is configured to touch the planar contact surface when the retention feature is engaged with the retention groove, where the cantilever element is configured to slide along the contact surface as the detachable element is brought together with the reusable component, and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having an outer edge, wherein the PCB is coupled to the contactor and to the body, wherein a portion of the contactor extends beyond the outer edge of the PCB, and wherein the portion of the contactor that extends beyond the outer edge of the PCB is coupled to the body.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, a connector comprising: a reusable component comprising a retention groove and an electrical contact surface that is parallel to the retention groove; and a detachable element comprising a body with a retention feature configured to engage the retention groove and an electrical contactor coupled to the body, where the contactor comprises a compliant element that is configured to touch the contact surface of the reusable element when the retention feature of the detachable element is engaged with the retention groove of the reusable component and to slide along the contact surface as the detachable element is brought together with the reusable component.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, a detachable element comprising: a body comprising a hole and a retention pocket, where the retention pocket comprises a reference surface; and a printed circuit board assembly (PCBA) comprising a printed circuit board (PCB) having an outer edge and a contactor coupled to the PCB, where a portion of the contactor extends beyond the outer edge of the PCB, where the portion of the contactor that extends beyond the outer edge of the PCB is in contact with the reference surface. In an aspect, an external surface of a PCB is flush with a surface of a frame without a protruding lip or the use of adhesive.

In an aspect, the present disclosure provides for, and includes, a detachable element comprising: a body comprising upper and lower sections joined by a flexible arm, where the upper section comprises an opening and the lower section is attached on its underside to a compressible spring; and a printed film having tabbed and non-tabbed areas, where the tabbed area comprises a sensor comprising two electrodes on one first face, and where the tabbed area is inserted between the upper and lower sections so that the sensor is aligned with the opening.

Aspects of the disclosure are herein described, by way of example only, with reference to the accompanying drawings. With specific reference now to the drawings in detail, it is stressed that the particulars shown are by way of example and are for purposes of illustrative discussion of aspects of the disclosure. In this regard, the description and the drawings, considered alone and together, make apparent to those skilled in the art how aspects of the disclosure may be practiced.

This description is not intended to be a detailed catalog of all the different ways in which the disclosure may be implemented, or all the features that may be added to the instant disclosure. For example, features illustrated with respect to one embodiment may be incorporated into other embodiments, and features illustrated with respect to a particular embodiment may be deleted from that embodiment. Thus, the disclosure contemplates that, in some embodiments of the disclosure, any feature or combination of features set forth herein can be excluded or omitted. In addition, numerous variations and additions to the various embodiments suggested herein will be apparent to those skilled in the art in light of the instant disclosure, which do not depart from the instant disclosure. In other instances, well-known structures, interfaces, and processes have not been shown in detail in order not to unnecessarily obscure the invention. It is intended that no part of this specification be construed to effect a disavowal of any part of the full scope of the invention. Hence, the following descriptions are intended to illustrate some particular embodiments of the disclosure, and not to exhaustively specify all permutations, combinations, and variations thereof.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical and scientific terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which this disclosure belongs. The terminology used in the description of the disclosure herein is for the purpose of describing particular aspects or embodiments only and is not intended to be limiting of the disclosure.

All publications, patent applications, patents, and other references cited herein are incorporated by reference in their entireties for the teachings relevant to the sentence and/or paragraph in which the reference is presented. References to techniques employed herein are intended to refer to the techniques as commonly understood in the art, including variations on those techniques or substitutions of equivalent techniques that would be apparent to one of skill in the art.

<CIT> ("the `<NUM> application") discloses an apparatus that measures the sub-epidermal capacitance using a bipolar sensor, where the sub-epidermal capacitance corresponds to the moisture content of the target region of skin of a patient. The `<NUM> application also discloses an array of these bipolar sensors of various sizes.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for measuring sub-epidermal moisture (SEM), where the device emits and receives an RF signal at a frequency of <NUM> through a single coaxial sensor and generates a bioimpedance signal, then converts a biocapacitance signal to a SEM value.

<CIT> discloses a compact perfusion scanner and method of characterizing tissue heath status incorporating optical sensors to monitor tissue blood perfusion measurements and oximetry.

<CIT> discloses an apparatus for measuring sub-epidermal moisture.

Unless the context indicates otherwise, it is specifically intended that the various features of the disclosure described herein can be used in any combination. Moreover, the present disclosure also contemplates that in some embodiments of the disclosure, any feature or combination of features set forth herein can be excluded or omitted.

The methods disclosed herein include and comprise one or more steps or actions for achieving the described method. The method steps and/or actions may be interchanged with one another without departing from the scope of the present disclosure. In other words, unless a specific order of steps or actions is required for proper operation of the embodiment, the order and/or use of specific steps and/or actions may be modified without departing from the scope of the present disclosure.

As used in the description of the disclosure and the appended claims, the singular forms "a," "an," and "the" are intended to include the plural forms as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise.

As used herein, "and/or" refers to and encompasses any and all possible combinations of one or more of the associated listed items, as well as the lack of combinations when interpreted in the alternative ("or").

The terms "about" and "approximately" as used herein when referring to a measurable value such as a length, a frequency, or a SEM value and the like, is meant to encompass variations of ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, ± <NUM>%, or even ± <NUM>% of the specified amount.

As used herein, phrases such as "between X and Y" and "between about X and Y" should be interpreted to include X and Y. As used herein, phrases such as "between about X and Y" mean "between about X and about Y" and phrases such as "from about X to Y" mean "from about X to about Y.

As used herein, the term "sub-epidermal moisture" or "SEM" refers to the increase in tissue fluid and local edema caused by vascular leakiness and other changes that modify the underlying structure of the damaged tissue in the presence of continued pressure on tissue, apoptosis, necrosis, and the inflammatory process.

As used herein, the term "biocapacitance" refers to the physical property that reflects the relative dielectric permittivity of the tissue, i.e. how much resistance to electrical fields is encountered in tissues.

As used herein, a "patient" may be a human or animal subject.

As used herein, the term "parallel" describes configurations where best-fit lines or planes of two objects have an approximately constant separation over a distance meaningful to the application. In certain embodiments, these best-fit lines or planes may have an included angle of ± <NUM> degree, ± <NUM> degrees, or ± <NUM> degrees.

As used herein, the term "planar" describes configurations where the actual surface of an object varies from a best-fit ideal plane by a distance that is not significant in the function of the object. In certain embodiments, the distance between the actual surface and the ideal plane may be <NUM> (<NUM> inches), <NUM> (<NUM> inches), or <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

As used herein, the term "diameter" refers to the length of a straight line segment that passes through the center of a circle and whose endpoints lie on the circle. The diameter is equal to twice the radius of the circle.

As used herein, the term "toroid" refers to a circular surface of revolution with a hole or an opening in its center. As used herein, the term "concentric" refers to two or more objects having the same center or axis.

As used herein, the term "printed film" refers to a segment of a polymeric film upon which conductive elements have been printed.

As used herein, the term "pogo pin" refers to a spring-loaded electrical connector mechanism.

<FIG> depicts a medical scanner <NUM>, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, medical scanner <NUM> is an SEM scanner. In an aspect, medical scanner <NUM> is an SEM scanner that measures biocapacitance. In an aspect, the nose of the device, indicated by the dashed line circle 'A,' is pressed against the skin of a patient to make an SEM measurement. In an aspect, the nose of the device, indicated by the dashed line circle 'A,' is pressed against the skin of a patient to make a biocapacitance measurement.

<FIG> depicts a connector <NUM> comprising a reusable component <NUM>, which is part of the medical scanner of <FIG> in the region 'A,' and a detachable element <NUM>, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, detachable element <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> and a sensor formed from a center electrode 102a and a toroidal electrode 102b, where center electrode 102a and toroidal electrode 102b are concentric with respect to one another. Center electrode 102a has an outer-facing surface (visible in <FIG>) and an inner-facing surface (not visible in <FIG>). Similarly, toroidal electrode 102b has an outer-facing surface (visible in <FIG>) and an inner-facing surface (not visible in <FIG>).

In an aspect, detachable element <NUM> comprises a sensor formed from a plurality of electrodes such as up to two electrodes, up to three electrodes, up to four electrodes, up to five electrodes, up to six electrodes, up to seven electrodes, up to eight electrodes, up to nine electrodes, up to ten electrodes, up to eleven electrodes, or up to twelve electrodes. In an aspect, detachable element <NUM> comprises a plurality of sensors formed from a plurality of electrodes, where each sensor is formed from up to twelve electrodes, such as up to two electrodes, up to three electrodes, up to four electrodes, up to five electrodes, up to six electrodes, up to seven electrodes, up to eight electrodes, up to nine electrodes, up to ten electrodes, or up to eleven electrodes. In an aspect, a sensor is formed from an annular ring disposed around an inner circular electrode. In an aspect, a sensor is formed from two parallel bar electrodes. In an aspect, a sensor is formed from electrodes in the form of interdigitating fingers. In an aspect, detachable element <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> and a plurality of sensors selected from the group consisting of a plurality of bioimpedance sensors, a plurality of pressure sensors, a plurality of light sensors, a plurality of temperature sensors, a plurality of pH sensors, a plurality of perspiration sensors, a plurality of ultrasonic sensors, a plurality of bone growth stimulator sensors, and a plurality of a combination of these sensors. In an aspect, detachable element <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> and a plurality of light sensors. In an aspect, detachable element <NUM> further comprises one or more light emitting sources comprising dual emitters configured for emitting <NUM> and <NUM> light. In an aspect, reusable component <NUM> comprises an alignment guide <NUM>, the function of which is described in greater detail with reference to <FIG>. In this example, detachable element <NUM> is mated to a reusable component by a linear movement, as indicated by the dashed line. In an aspect, the mating motion comprises a rotation perpendicular to the dashed line or twists about the dashed line. In an aspect, detachable element <NUM> comprises an insulating cover layer on top of its electrodes, forming a barrier between the electrodes and the patient's skin while measurements are being taken.

In an aspect, a sensor formed from an annular ring disposed around an inner circular electrode as depicted in <FIG>. In an aspect, an inner circular electrode is defined by a diameter D1. In an aspect, D1 is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the annular ring is defined by an inner diameter D2 and an outer diameter D3. In an aspect, D2 is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D3 is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D3 is greater than <NUM> (<NUM> inches), such as about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the gap between an inner circular electrode and an outer annular ring is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the gap between an inner circular electrode and an outer annular ring is defined by the formula (D2 - D1)/<NUM>.

In an aspect, a ground plane is provided. In an aspect, a sensor is separated from a ground plane by a distance D4. In an aspect, D4 is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, a ground plane has a diameter D5. In an aspect, D5 is equal to D3. In an aspect, D5 is greater than D3. In an aspect, D5 is about <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the diameter of center electrode 102a is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches).

In an aspect, an annular or toroidal electrode has an inner diameter and an outer diameter. In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inch). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the inner diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches).

In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inch). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, the outer diameter of toroidal electrode 102b is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches).

In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, D4 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D4 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches).

In an aspect, D5 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D5 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch). In an aspect, D5 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D5 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D5 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inch). In an aspect, D5 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D5 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inch and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D5 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, D5 is between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches).

<FIG> is a perspective view of the underside of detachable element <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, detachable element <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> having, in this example, four wings <NUM> separated by gaps <NUM> and alignment feature <NUM>. In an aspect, body <NUM> comprises up to twenty wings, such as up to five wings, up to six wings, up to seven wings, up to eight wings, up to nine wings, up to ten wings, up to eleven wings, up to twelve wings, up to thirteen wings, up to fourteen wings, up to fifteen wings, up to sixteen wings, up to seventeen wings, up to eighteen wings, or up to nineteen wings. In an aspect, alignment feature <NUM> is configured to mate with the alignment guide <NUM> of reusable component <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>). In an aspect, gaps <NUM> cannot mate with alignment guide <NUM>, for example, because gaps <NUM> are narrower than alignment feature <NUM>.

In an aspect, contactors <NUM> are attached to a printed circuit board (PCB) <NUM> that is coupled to the body <NUM>. In one aspect, a plurality of contactors are coupled to body <NUM>, such as up to one hundred contactors, up to ninety contactors, up to eighty contactors, up to seventy contactors, up to sixty contactors, up to fifty contactors, up to forty contactors, up to thirty contactors, up to twenty contactors, up to fifteen contactors, up to ten contactors, up to nine contactors, up to eight contactors, up to seven contactors, up to six contactors, up to five contactors, up to four contactors, or up to three contactors. In this example, each contactor <NUM> has two cantilever elements <NUM> that are independently movable. In an aspect, each contactor <NUM> comprises up to ten cantilever elements, such as up to nine cantilever elements, up to eight cantilever elements, up to seven cantilever elements, up to six cantilever elements, up to five cantilever elements, up to four cantilever elements, or up to three cantilever elements. In an aspect, the inside surface of at least some of wings <NUM> have a retention feature <NUM> that, in this example, extends out from the inside surface of the wing <NUM>. In an aspect, each of wings <NUM> has a retention feature <NUM>. In an aspect, retention feature <NUM> is a recess. In an aspect, each contactor <NUM> provides an electrical connection between an electrode of body <NUM> and PCB <NUM>.

<FIG> is a perspective view of the top surface of reusable component <NUM>, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, the reusable component <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> to which is coupled to a PCB having a top surface <NUM>. In an aspect, a plurality of planar contact surfaces are coupled to surface <NUM>, such as up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces, or up to <NUM> planar contact surfaces.

In an aspect, three planar contact surfaces 160a, 160b, and 160c are coupled to surface <NUM>. In an aspect, contact surfaces 160a, 160b, 160c are formed as copper layers on the surface <NUM> and are generally coplanar (within a few thousands of an inch) with the surface <NUM>. Contact surfaces 160a, 160b, 160c are conductive and, in an aspect, connected to circuits that are electrically isolated from each other. In an aspect, contact surfaces 160a, 160b, 160c comprise a surface coating of a noble metal, for example, gold, that may be mixed with other materials to improve physical properties, for example, abrasion resistance.

In an aspect, contact surfaces 160a, 160b, 160c are each planar and lie on a common plane that is parallel to the retention groove.

In an aspect, a contactor <NUM> comprises conductive material. In an aspect, a contactor <NUM> comprises a conductive compressible foam. In an aspect, a contactor <NUM> is conductively attached to PCB <NUM> and is configured to compress against any one of three planar contact surfaces 160a, 160b, and 160c when detachable element <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) is installed on reusable component <NUM>. In an aspect, a contactor <NUM> is configured to compress against any one of three planar contact surfaces 160a, 160b, and 160c when detachable element <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) is installed on reusable component <NUM>.

In an aspect, a contactor <NUM> comprises a non-conductive material. In an aspect, a contactor <NUM> comprises a non-conductive compressible foam. In an aspect, a contactor <NUM> comprises a non-conductive spring element and a separate conductive element, where the conductive element is conductively attached to PCB <NUM> on one end and to a free end of the non-conductive spring element. In an aspect, a conductive element exposed on a free end of a non-conductive spring element is held against any one of three planar contact surfaces 160a, 160b, and 160c by the non-conductive spring element when detachable element <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) is installed on reusable component <NUM>. In an aspect, a conductive element is a conductive wire.

In an aspect, a cantilever element <NUM> comprises a conductive material. In an aspect, a cantilever element <NUM> comprises a conductive compressible foam. In an aspect, a cantilever element <NUM> comprise a metallic coil spring.

In an aspect, a cantilever element <NUM> comprises a non-conductive material. In an aspect, a cantilever element <NUM> comprises a non-conductive compressible foam.

In an aspect, a contactor <NUM> comprises a compressible pogo pin, where the pogo pin is of suitable height in its compressed state to conductively join PCB <NUM> to planar contact surfaces 160a, 160b, and 160c when detachable element <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) is installed on reusable component <NUM>.

<FIG> is a side view of the reusable component <NUM>, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, reusable component <NUM> comprises a retention groove <NUM> and alignment guide <NUM>. In an aspect, the retention groove <NUM> extends around only a portion of a circumference of reusable component <NUM>. Likewise, in an aspect, retention feature <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) extends around only a portion of a circumference of detachable element <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>). In an aspect, retention groove <NUM> is partially configured as a flush or protruding element. In an aspect, retention groove <NUM> may have any geometry selected to interact with one or more of retention feature <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>), each having a complementary geometry, so as to retain detachable element <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) on the reusable component <NUM> under determined loads.

<FIG> is a side view of detachable element <NUM> mated with reusable component <NUM>, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, alignment feature <NUM> is mated with alignment guide <NUM>.

<FIG> is a cross-section of the side view of <FIG>, in accordance with the present disclosure. Retention feature <NUM> is engaged with retention groove <NUM>. In an aspect, contactor <NUM> is coupled to the underside surface <NUM> of the PCB <NUM>. In an aspect, free length of contactor <NUM> is greater than the separation distance between underside surface <NUM> and top surface <NUM> of PCB <NUM>.

<FIG> is another perspective view of the underside of the detachable element <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with the present disclosure. An enlarged view of region 'B' is shown in <FIG>.

<FIG> is a partially exploded view of the detachable element <NUM> of <FIG>, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, body <NUM> has a center hole <NUM> with several retention pockets <NUM> around perimeter <NUM>. In an aspect, each retention pocket <NUM> has a staking post <NUM> and a reference surface <NUM>.

In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has an underside surface <NUM> with an outer edge 122a. In an aspect, outer edge 122a is circular. In an aspect, outer edge 122a may be of any shape. In an aspect, the contactors <NUM> have flanges <NUM> that extend beyond the outer edge 122a. In an aspect, each flange <NUM> has a center hole 128a and a top surface 128b. In an aspect, when PCB <NUM> is brought into contact with body <NUM>, center holes 128a will fit over posts <NUM> as indicated by the dashed-line arrows and top surfaces 128b will contact reference surfaces <NUM>.

In an aspect, the arrangement of PCB <NUM> fits closely into hole <NUM>, where flanges <NUM> extending beyond the edge of outer edge 122a, and the reference surfaces adjacent to hole <NUM> allow PCB <NUM> to be inserted into hole <NUM> from below. In an aspect, by selection of an appropriate offset distance from reference surface <NUM> to top surface <NUM> (not visible in <FIG>, shown in <FIG>) of body <NUM>, surface <NUM> (not visible in <FIG>, shown in <FIG>) of PCB <NUM> can be held coplanar with top surface <NUM> or at a determined offset above or below top surface <NUM>. In an aspect, the distance from reference surface <NUM> to top surface <NUM> may be equal to, greater than, or less than the thickness of PCB <NUM>. In an aspect, one or more of the flanges <NUM> may be functionally replaced with other elements that are not integral with contactors <NUM>, for example, a formed sheet metal tab, that is coupled to PCB <NUM> and extends beyond outer edge 122a.

<FIG> is an enlarged cross-section of the region marked 'B' in <FIG>, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, top surface 128b is shown in contact with reference surface <NUM> and post <NUM> passing through center hole 128a.

In <FIG>, cantilever element <NUM> is formed by base segment 126e that is coupled, for example, by soldering, to PCB <NUM>, a cantilever element comprising a first linear segment 126a, an angled coupler 126b, a second linear segment 126c, and a curved contact segment 126d. In an aspect, when detachable element <NUM> (e.g. as shown in <FIG>) is brought together with reusable component <NUM>, as indicated in <FIG>, curved contact segment 126d will contact planar contact surface 160a (e.g. as shown in <FIG>). In an aspect, as the free height of contactor <NUM> is greater than the final gap between surfaces <NUM> and <NUM>, as seen in <FIG>, contactor <NUM> must compress as detachable element <NUM> (e.g. as shown in <FIG>) is seated onto reusable component <NUM> (e.g. as shown in <FIG>). In an aspect, as this compression occurs, first linear segment 126a, angled coupler 126b, and second linear segment 126c of the cantilever element will elastically deform and the included angle <NUM> between segments 126a and 126c will decrease. In an aspect, for example, when first linear segment 126a is shorter than second linear segment 126c, the point of contact between curved contact segment 126d and planar contact surface 160a (e.g. as shown in <FIG>) will move in an arc having both vertical and horizontal movement, in the reference frame of <FIG>. In an aspect, the horizontal motion creates a desirable sliding contact between curved contact segment 126d and planar contact surface 160a (e.g. as shown in <FIG>), which improves the quality and reliability of the electrical contact between contact segment 126d and planar contact surface 160a.

In an aspect, contactor <NUM> may be formed as any compliant element that accomplishes the same function of providing an electrical connection between an element of PCB <NUM> and a conductive element of reusable component <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>), for example, a planar contact surface 160a (e.g. shown in <FIG>), when compressed between surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>). In an aspect, contactor <NUM> may be any compliant element having a conductive portion, for example, a pogo pin, a coil spring, a conductive foam pad, or a directionally conductive adhesive.

In an aspect, detachable element <NUM> and reusable component <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) may be configured such that the act of mating detachable element <NUM> and reusable component <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) induces a twisting or sliding motion that induces a scrubbing contact of contactor <NUM> and planar contact surface 160a (e.g. shown in <FIG>).

<FIG> is a second cross-section showing the configuration of the region 'B' after a heat-staking operation has been complete, in accordance with the present disclosure. In an aspect, post <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) has been reshaped, for example, by heat staking, to form a cap 132a with an enlarged diameter that overlaps flange <NUM>, thereby retaining underside surface <NUM> of PCB <NUM> to body <NUM>. In an aspect, PCB <NUM> may be retained to body <NUM> by mechanical attachment, for example, a fastener (not shown in <FIG>), or by clamping, for example, by insertion of a retention fitting (not shown in <FIG>), by bonding, for example, UV-cured cyanoacrylate (not shown in <FIG>), or by any attachment method known to those of skill in the art.

<FIG> is an exploded view of an assembly <NUM> comprising a body <NUM>, a PCB <NUM>, and a retainer <NUM>. In an aspect, body <NUM> is a portion of a housing of a device. In an aspect, assembly <NUM> is a disposable attachment to a device.

Body <NUM> comprises an opening <NUM> that, in this example, is a circular through-hole penetrating from a first surface <NUM> to a second surface <NUM>. In an aspect, opening <NUM> is a notch or other open shape and may have an arbitrary shape defined by a perimeter <NUM>. In this example, there is a lip or surface <NUM> recessed from a second surface <NUM>. In this example, surface <NUM> is separated from a first surface <NUM> by a distance that is equal to the thickness of PCB <NUM>. In an aspect, the separation of surfaces <NUM> and <NUM> is dependent upon the configuration of retainer <NUM>. Surface <NUM> may have a diameter defined by a perimeter <NUM>. In an aspect, surface <NUM> is coincident with second surface <NUM>. In one aspect, surface <NUM> is comprised of multiple separate surfaces (not shown in <FIG>) adjacent to opening <NUM>, wherein multiple separate surfaces may be coplanar or may be displaced from each other.

In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches).

In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, PCB <NUM> has a thickness of between <NUM> and <NUM> (between <NUM> inches and <NUM> inches).

PCB <NUM> is, in this example, a flat substrate of a nonconductive material, for example FR4, that is typical of printed circuit board fabrication processes. In an aspect, PCB <NUM> is a sensor. In one aspect, a sensor is selected from the group consisting of a bioimpedance sensor, a photodetector, a temperature sensor, a pH sensor, a perspiration sensor, an ultrasonic sensor, a bone growth stimulator sensor, and a combination thereof. PCB <NUM> has an underside surface <NUM> and an upper surface <NUM> that is parallel to the underside surface <NUM> and separated from the underside surface <NUM> by a thickness. PCB <NUM> has a perimeter <NUM> that, in this example, is circular and matches surface <NUM> of body <NUM>. In an aspect, the shape of perimeter <NUM> is arbitrary. In an aspect, the shape of perimeter <NUM> is oval-shaped. In an aspect, the shape of perimeter <NUM> is square-shaped.

Retainer <NUM> comprises a body <NUM> and a plurality of tabs <NUM> formed such that a portion of retainer <NUM> extends beyond the perimeter of PCB <NUM> when retainer <NUM> is attached to PCB <NUM>. Tabs <NUM> are positioned and shaped to contact surface <NUM> when the joined PCB-retainer subassembly is inserted into opening <NUM>.

In an aspect, retainer <NUM> is strictly a mechanical positioning element that may be soldered to PCB <NUM> or attached via any other method, including adhesives and mechanical attachment such as a rivet or screw. In an aspect, a portion of retainer <NUM> is a conductive circuit element, such as a spring contactor <NUM> intended to make conductive contact with an external circuit element (not shown in <FIG>) associated with body <NUM>. In an aspect, retainer <NUM> is an assembly comprising one or more conductive elements and one or more non-conductive elements. In an aspect, retainer <NUM> is formed from metal. In one aspect, retainer <NUM> is formed from a non-metal material such as a plastic.

<FIG> is a cross-section of body <NUM>, PCB <NUM>, and retainer <NUM> of <FIG> aligned while separated from each other in an "exploded" view. In this example, body <NUM> comprises a retention feature <NUM>, formed as part of body <NUM>, whose function is described below in [<NUM>].

<FIG> is a cross-section of body <NUM>, the PCB <NUM>, and retainer <NUM> of <FIG> after they have been assembled into assembly <NUM>. In this example, surface <NUM> is coincident with a second surface of body <NUM>. In this example, retention feature <NUM> of <FIG> has been deformed, for example, by thermal forming or ultrasonic staking, so as to cover a portion of retainer <NUM>, in particular a portion of one or more of tabs <NUM>. In one aspect, other retention mechanisms, for example, the application of an adhesive or sealant over one or more of tabs <NUM> and a portion of body <NUM>, is used to retain retainer-PCB subassembly in the frame.

<FIG> is an exploded view of an assembly <NUM> comprising a body <NUM> having an upper section 310a and a lower section 310b joined by a flexible arm 310c. Upper section 310a comprises an opening <NUM> that, in this example, is a circular through-hole. Lower section 310b is attached on its underside surface to a compressible spring element <NUM> which allows for movement of both lower section 310b and flexible arm 310c when downward pressure is applied. In an aspect, upper section 310a and lower section 310b may be reversibly secured by way of a tab or other locking mechanism. In an aspect, assembly <NUM> is formed into a cap as PCB <NUM> (e.g. shown in <FIG>) that can be inserted into body <NUM>.

Assembly <NUM> further comprises a printed film <NUM> having a tabbed section 330a and a non-tabbed section 330b. A center electrode 350a and an outer electrode 350b (e.g. shown in <FIG>) have been printed on the upper face of tabbed section 330a. In this example, tabbed section 330a is inserted between upper section 310a and lower section 310b so that, upon full insertion, electrodes 350a and 350b (e.g. shown in <FIG>) are exposed on the upper surface of body <NUM> through opening <NUM>. The non-tabbed section 330b is folded or bent so that the end of non-tabbed section 330b is wrapped around, and may be attached to, the underside surface of compressible spring element <NUM>. In an aspect, body <NUM> having electrodes 350a and 350b (e.g. shown in <FIG>) exposed through opening <NUM> is pressed against the skin of a patient to make an SEM measurement.

<FIG> is a top view of one side of printed film <NUM> prior to bending or folding. In this example, non-tabbed section 330b of printed film <NUM> comprises three contact pads 340a, 340b, and 340c. Center electrode 350a is connected via a conductive trace 360a to contact pad 340a. Similarly, outer electrode 350b is connected via a conductive trace 360b to contact pad 340b. When upper section of 310a (e.g. shown in <FIG>) is pressed upon a patient's skin, measurements can be taken by electrodes 350a and 350b.

In an aspect, printed film <NUM> comprises a flexible plastic material. In a related aspect, the flexible plastic material is selected from the group consisting of polyethylene naphthalene (PEN), polycarbonate (PC), polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polyarylate (PAR), polyethersulfone (PES), fluorene polyester (FPE), polyimide (PI), and combinations thereof. In another aspect, printed film <NUM> comprises a non-plastic flexible material.

In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness of at least at least <NUM> (<NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness that is between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness that is between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness that is between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness that is between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches). In an aspect, printed film <NUM> has a thickness that is between <NUM> and <NUM> (<NUM> and <NUM> inches).

In an aspect, printed film <NUM> is cut from a larger flexible sheet. In an aspect, electrodes 350a and 350b, conductive traces 360a and 360b, and contact pads 340a, 340b, and 340c are printed onto one face of a larger flexible sheet prior to cutting. In an aspect, more than one printed film <NUM> is cut from the same flexible sheet. In an aspect, conductive ink is used to print electrodes 350a and 350b, conductive traces 360a and 360b, and contact pads 340a, 340b, and 340c onto one face of a flexible sheet prior to cutting. In an aspect, electrodes 350a and 350b, conductive traces 360a and 360b, and contact pads 340a, 340b, and 340c are printed onto one face of a flexible sheet by a 2D or 3D printing process known in the art that is suitable for the manufacture of printed electronics. In an aspect, each printed film <NUM> is die-cut from a larger flexible sheet. In an aspect, electrodes 350a and 350b, conductive traces 360a and 360b, and contact pads 340a, 340b, and 340c are printed on a precut piece of film.

Claim 1:
A detachable element (<NUM>) configured for attachment to a device (<NUM>) for measuring tissue damage through measurement of sub-epidermal moisture, the detachable element comprising:
a body (<NUM>) comprising a retention feature configured to engage a retention groove within the device for measuring tissue damage, the body comprising a sensor comprising two electrodes (102a, 102b), wherein the sensor is in electrical connection with an electrical contactor (<NUM>);
the electrical contactor coupled to the body, wherein the contactor comprises a cantilever element that is configured to touch the planar contact surface when the retention feature is engaged with the retention groove, wherein the cantilever element is configured to slide along the contact surface as the detachable element is brought together with a reusable component (<NUM>) of the device for measuring tissue damage through measurement of sub-epidermal moisture; and
a printed circuit board assembly comprising a printed circuit board (PCB, <NUM>) having an outer edge, wherein the PCB is coupled to the contactor and to the body,
wherein a portion of the contactor extends beyond the outer edge of the PCB, and
wherein the portion of the contactor that extends beyond the outer edge of the PCB is coupled to the body.