EP4344633B1: A Patent Audit On Next-Gen Wearable Sensors

Some patents quietly support innovation. Others shape entire industries by protecting breakthrough ideas. EP4344633B1 belongs in the second group.

Recently, this European patent, owned by Abbott Diabetes Care Inc., has drawn attention due to a legal action involving Menarini Diagnostics and Sinocare Inc. However, legal filings aside, the technology at its core warrants a closer look.

EP4344633B1 focuses on the positioning of analyte sensors within wearable medical devices. Its approach to sensor insertion and device assembly highlights design patterns now common in diabetes care and health monitoring systems.

In this article, we utilize the Global Patent Search (GPS) tool to identify patents with similar structures and methods that share overlapping features and engineering principles. Whether you’re an IP strategist or a med-tech innovator, this is a data-driven approach to exploring the sensor landscape surrounding EP4344633B1.

Understanding Patent EP4344633B1

EP4344633B1 describes a medical device system for positioning an analyte sensor beneath the skin. The invention includes multiple assemblies that work together to insert and secure a glucose sensor in place as part of an on-body monitoring device. The innovation focuses on how these components are packaged, assembled, and applied by the user in a safe, reliable, and minimally invasive manner.

Source: Google Patents

Its Four Key Features Are

#1. Modular design: The system includes a first and second assembly that are coupled together during sensor application.

#2. Integrated sharp: A sharp supports the sensor during insertion and is withdrawn post-application.

#3. Sealed electrical contacts: The sensor’s electrical connectors are aligned through a seal that allows signal transmission while maintaining sterility.

#4. User-activated applicator: A specialized applicator is used to load, position, and deploy the on-body device without exposing the sharp before use.

This patent reflects critical advancements in the design of wearable medical sensors. It simplifies user experience, enhances safety, and supports consistent, real-time glucose monitoring. The integration of mechanical precision with electronic connectivity marks a meaningful step forward in personal health technology.

Similar Patents As EP4344633B1

To explore the innovation landscape surrounding EP4344633B1, we ran the patent through the Global Patent Search tool. Below is a quick glimpse of the GPS tool in action:

Source: Global Patent Search

This analysis surfaced a list of related patents that share technical similarities in sensor placement, modular assemblies, and on-body medical integration. Below, we highlight five of these references that reflect comparable concepts in analyte sensor deployment and device design.

#1. CA2787010A1

This Canadian patent application, CA2787010A1, published in July 2011, focuses on an insertion device designed to simultaneously deploy a glucose sensor and an infusion cannula. The system integrates dual piercing mechanisms within a single housing to support both monitoring and drug delivery in one wearable platform.

Source: GPS

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. Dual-function deployment: Inserts both an analyte sensor and an infusion cannula in one step.
   
2. Integrated piercing device: Features two piercing members connected to a central hub for coordinated insertion.
   
3. User-actuated button: Applies force to drive both components into the skin through a single control.
   
4. Reusable insertion housing: The piercing device remains partially contained after use, while the sensor and cannula stay in place.
   
5. Combined therapeutic and diagnostic use: Supports real-time sensing and fluid delivery from a unified base.
   

How It Connects To EP4344633B1

• Both designs emphasize efficient on-body device placement with minimal user handling.
  
• CA2787010A1’s sensor integration aligns with EP4344633B1’s focus on embedded sensor deployment.
  
• The button-activated insertion mirrors the user-controlled applicator in EP4344633B1.
  

Why This Matters

This reference highlights how sensor insertion can be combined with therapy delivery to streamline diabetes management. Its dual-purpose architecture complements EP4344633B1’s goals by showcasing how device design can enhance usability and patient compliance in continuous monitoring systems.

#2. US2012053608A1

This U.S. patent, US2012053608A1, published in March 2012, focuses on a device for inserting and removing subcutaneous analyte sensors with enhanced safety and usability. It describes a housing-based system that controls both the deployment and retraction of the sensor and the puncture blade, minimizing user contact and contamination risk.

Source: GPS

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. Integrated insertion and recovery system: Combines both sensor deployment and removal functions into a single housing unit.
   
2. Glide-based blade control: The puncture blade glides within a guide part to insert and retract without user contact.
   
3. Safety-driven design: Prevents exposure to bodily fluids by containing all actions within a sealed housing.
   
4. Depth-optimized sensor insertion: Emphasizes the value of deeper sensor placement for accurate glucose readings.
   
5. Single-use applicator component: Includes a special applicator that delivers the sensor without requiring additional setup steps.
   

How It Connects To EP4344633B1

• Both inventions prioritize safe, accurate subcutaneous sensor insertion for glucose monitoring.
  
• US2012053608A1’s guide-and-glide mechanism aligns with EP4344633B1’s focus on precise mechanical control during application.
  
• The use of a housing-integrated applicator reflects a shared interest in minimizing user error and exposure.
  

Why This Matters

This reference highlights how sensor insertion systems can be engineered to protect both users and healthcare providers. By embedding safety, control, and ease-of-use into a compact delivery unit, it reflects similar design goals found in EP4344633B1.

#3. US9615851B2

This U.S. patent, US9615851B2, published in April 2017, focuses on a sensor insertion system that uses a high-speed motive force to deploy the analyte sensor through the skin. It emphasizes minimal user effort and clean separation of the sensor from the device post-insertion.

Source: GPS

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. High-speed motive force mechanism: Uses internal energy to rapidly insert the sensor via an impact-based system.
   
2. No sharpened introducer needed: Some embodiments eliminate traditional introducers, using only the sensor and force mechanism.
   
3. Push-activated trigger: A press-fit or snap-fit interaction triggers sensor deployment with minimal steps.
   
4. Guidance structure with open release: Allows the sensor to cleanly separate from the device once insertion is complete.
   
5. Needle reinforcement: In certain versions, a needle adds structural strength and precision to skin penetration.
   

How It Connects To EP4344633B1

• Both patents aim to simplify the sensor insertion process for the user.
  
• US9615851B2’s push-to-trigger mechanism complements EP4344633B1’s user-activated applicator assembly.
  
• The emphasis on clean device-sensor separation mirrors EP4344633B1’s modular, post-insertion coupling design.
  

Why This Matters

This patent reflects a push toward seamless and efficient analyte sensor delivery. Its combination of mechanical precision and user simplicity aligns with the technological goals of EP4344633B1, particularly in advancing ease of use and insertion reliability for wearable glucose monitoring systems.

#4. RU2452376C2

This Russian patent, RU2452376C2, published in June 2012, focuses on an instrument for introducing transdermal analyte sensors using a needle-guided platform and a spring-assisted release mechanism. The device ensures controlled depth and angle during insertion while supporting user safety and accuracy.

Source: GPS

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. Spring-loaded release system: A button-activated mechanism propels the sensor and needle into the skin in a single motion.
   
2. Angle-optimized insertion: The tool ensures the needle enters at a precise angle for effective placement in the subcutaneous layer.
   
3. Integrated mounting platform: A projecting lower portion lifts and positions the mounting pad against the skin for secure contact.
   
4. Retracted-to-extended sensor movement: Sensors start in a safe, retracted state and extend only upon activation.
   

How It Connects To EP4344633B1

• Both patents focus on the safe and accurate deployment of subcutaneous sensors in wearable systems.
  
• RU2452376C2’s controlled insertion mirrors EP4344633B1’s focus on minimizing user variability.
  
• The mounting platform design aligns with EP4344633B1’s emphasis on guided sensor positioning during application.
  

Why This Matters

This reference showcases how mechanical design can support precise, repeatable sensor insertion. Its spring-assisted delivery and secure positioning align with the same principles of usability and safety that define EP4344633B1.

#5. US2007027381A1

This U.S. patent, US2007027381A1, published in February 2007, focuses on a rotary-style inserter that enables accurate and safe transcutaneous sensor placement for analyte monitoring. The system uses a spring-biased mechanism to deploy and retract the sensor without additional handling by the user.

Source: GPS

What This Patent Introduces To The Landscape

1. Rotary inserter configuration: A rotating mechanism aligns and activates the spring-loaded sensor deployment system.
   
2. Protruding introducer tip: The tip extends beyond the housing to puncture the skin before retracting post-deployment.
   
3. Spring-biased actuation: A coil spring drives the insertion with consistent force, improving placement accuracy.
   
4. Post-deployment retraction: The introducer retracts automatically into the housing to reduce interference and improve safety.
   
5. Pre-assembled patient delivery: The inserter comes fully assembled with the sensor and adhesive, simplifying setup and reducing error.
   

How It Connects To EP4344633B1

• Both patents enable a controlled, user-friendly sensor application without exposing the insertion needle.
  
• US2007027381A1’s retraction design parallels EP4344633B1’s focus on safety and minimal user handling.
  
• The spring-driven approach complements EP4344633B1’s user-activated applicator in function and intent.
  

Why This Matters

This reference underscores the trend toward simplified, pre-assembled sensor delivery systems. By reducing user interaction with sharp components, it mirrors EP4344633B1’s commitment to safety, reliability, and ease of use in wearable health monitoring technologies.

How To Find Related Patents Using Global Patent Search

Understanding the broader patent landscape is key when exploring analyte sensor technologies, wearable medical devices, or minimally invasive insertion systems. The Global Patent Search tool streamlines this process, helping users identify systems that reflect similar sensor deployment, applicator mechanisms, or on-body integration techniques.

1. Enter the patent number into GPS: Start by entering a patent number like EP4344633B1 into the GPS tool. The platform transforms it into a smart query, which you can refine using terms like sensor insertion, applicator housing, or glucose monitoring. These searches are particularly useful when exploring advancements in minimally invasive sensor systems used in AI-enabled health diagnostics.

2. Explore conceptual snippets: Instead of comparing features claim-by-claim, GPS now offers curated text snippets. These highlight how other systems manage sensor alignment, skin contact, and controlled penetration depth.

3. Identify related inventions: The tool reveals patents that improve subcutaneous access, automate sensor deployment, or enhance accuracy through mechanical design, showing how similar challenges have been solved across the field.

4. Compare systems, not legal claims: Rather than focusing on formal legal language, GPS compares device behaviors. This helps users trace functional overlaps without navigating complex claim interpretations.

5. Accelerate cross-domain insights: Whether you’re working in med-tech innovation, wearable systems, or sensor calibration, GPS lets you uncover related ideas across technical domains that may otherwise be hard to connect.

With this approach, Global Patent Search empowers teams to uncover technical parallels and track the evolution of design strategies. These insights help inform product innovation, competitive analysis, and long-term IP positioning.

Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is for informational purposes only and should not be considered legal advice. The related patent references mentioned are preliminary results from the Global Patent Search tool and do not guarantee legal significance. For a comprehensive related patent analysis, we recommend conducting a detailed search using GPS or consulting a patent attorney.