Continuous Analyte Sensor Failure Detection via Impedance Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing continuous analyte monitoring systems face challenges in detecting component failures, leading to potential false analyte values due to issues like short circuits or aging, which are costly and space-intensive, particularly with analogue switches.
Innovation Solution
A method involving a continuous analyte monitoring system with a failure detection resistor and a controlling unit that applies a constant voltage and a failure detection signal to detect deviations in response signals, allowing for the identification of component failures with minimal additional components and reduced costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If analogue switches are used to detect component failures, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own measurement electrodes and electronic components to perform both analyte measurement and failure detection functions. The measurement electrodes serve dual purposes: detecting analyte concentrations and detecting component failures through impedance measurements, eliminating the need for separate dedicated failure detection components.
Solution Approach 2:
Existing components such as measurement electrodes, potentiostat, and electronic circuitry are made multi-functional by enabling them to perform both their primary analyte measurement function and an additional failure detection function through impedance measurements and signal analysis.
2Measurement precision
If dedicated failure detection components are added, then detection precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs failure detection using its own existing components without requiring external dedicated detection devices. The measurement electrodes and electronic circuitry inherently possess the capability to detect failures through impedance changes and signal analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The failure detection mechanism uses the same measurement electrodes and electronic pathways as the analyte measurement, creating a virtual copy of the measurement chain that can independently assess component health without adding physical duplicate components.
3Reliability
If complex failure detection systems are implemented, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system monitors its own health status using its existing measurement capabilities. The same electrodes and electronics used for analyte detection are employed to detect failures, creating a self-diagnostic system that does not require separate monitoring infrastructure.
Solution Approach 2:
The failure detection function is merged with the analyte measurement function by using the same measurement electrodes and electronic circuitry for both purposes, combining multiple functions into a single integrated system rather than separate independent systems.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Ensures functional safety with reduced costs and minimal additional components by accurately detecting component failures, preventing false analyte values and maintaining system reliability.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a response signal to the failure detection signal using the failure detection resistor
Implementation Method 2
The continuous analyte monitoring system comprises at least one analyte sensor which may be or may comprise an electrochemical sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for detecting a failure of at least one component of a continuous analyte monitoring system is disclosed. The continuous analyte monitoring system has a failure detection resistor and an analyte sensor having at least two measurement electrodes. A constant voltage is applied between the two measurement electrodes and a first response signal is measured. A failure detection signal that is distinguishable from the constant voltage and/or from the first response signal in frequency and/or in height is applied to the continuous monitoring system, and a second response signal to the failure detection signal is measured using the failure detection resistor. Information is determined depending on at least one actual property of the component by evaluating the first response signal and the second response signal. A failure is detected if the information deviates from an expected value by more than a predetermined tolerance.