FUNE - Sustainable CGM System

What it does

Fune features a system where 95% of the components are reusable and minimises the waste generated from use. The form factor was designed to be intuitive for users including children and the elderly.

Your inspiration

The waste production and high cost of existing CGM solutions was brought to our attention by a friend who is living with Type 1 Diabetes. Upon further research, we discovered that Type 1 diabetes mainly impacts children and young people, where more than 1.5 million individuals under 20 are living with the condition globally, with over 150,000 new cases diagnosed each year. Type 1 Diabetes demands continuous, lifelong management, where CGM solutions are able to support patients by improving quality of life

How it works

The Fune kit contains 3 items: The Applicator, the Transmitter, and the Transmitter Charger. Each sensor kit contains a capsule that encases a sensor and a needle, plus a replacement skin adhesive patch. Per use, the user places the capsule, transmitter, and adhesive patch in the applicator. They prime the applicator, then apply the sensor at the desired location.

Design process

CGM’s have 3 main components: 1. Sensor: for producing a microvoltage by reacting with blood glucose Transmitter: sends sensor data to smart devices through bluetooth for live monitoring 2. Patch: adheres to skin and secures the Transmitter and Sensors in place 3. Applicator: to deliver the sensor through a needle that places the sensor wire under the skin Needle: carries sensor and deposits a thin wire under the skin. Upon breakdown, we noticed that the patch, needle and sensors were the only consumable components. Fune was designed to minimise the consumable components and maximise the number of reusable components, while ensuring ease of use and integrating an attractive form factor for young users. The design was iterated through multiple prototypes which addresses issues identified at each stage.

How it is different

In existing designs, all the components are single-use, Fune minimises the waste produced by limiting the consumables to a small capsule and adhesive patch. This sustainability focused approach also lowers costs for the user, making CGM’s more accessible to young patients.

Future plans

Further design iterations aims to incorporate features to further streamline the user experience, such as package design for the sensor kit. Electronics hardware schematics for the transmitter and sensor design will enhance future prototypes.

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