Analyte sensor applicator

An analyte sensor applicator for inserting a sensor of a wearable analyte monitoring device, the analyte sensor applicator comprising:

• an applicator housing having an opening at a distal end;
• a skin-piercing device and an insertable portion of the sensor;
• and
• a cam assembly within the applicator housing, the cam assembly comprising:
• a cylindrical cam comprising:
• a rotational axis;
• an internal cam surface;
• and
• an external cam surface;
• a piston that engages with the external cam surface, the piston comprising:
• a piston base;
• and
• a port through the piston base;
• and
• a retractor that engages the internal cam surface and is coupled to the skin-piercing device,
• wherein the cylindrical cam is positioned between the piston and the retractor, wherein the piston moves linearly between a proximal position and a distal position for inserting the sensor with the skin-piercing device, and wherein the retractor moves linearly between a distal position and a proximal position to retract the skin-piercing device through the port to an unexposed position.