Continuous Analyte Sensor Accuracy via Multi-Parameter Compensation

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current continuous glucose monitoring systems face challenges in accuracy and reliability, limiting their acceptance and effectiveness in intensive insulin therapy regimens, particularly due to high glycemic fluctuations and increased risk of hypoglycemia, which hinders patients' ability to maintain targeted glycemic levels.

Innovation Solution

Development of highly accurate continuous analyte monitoring systems with sensors positioned beneath the skin, providing clinically relevant data without the need for confirmatory measurements, integrated with drug delivery devices for real-time insulin management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If continuous glucose monitoring systems are used, then real-time glycemic data is obtained, but measurement accuracy and reliability are insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglucose measurement accuracyVSAvoidsystem reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple sensing elements (glucose sensor, temperature sensor, pH sensor) into a single integrated sensor assembly. This merging of multiple measurement functions into one device improves overall measurement accuracy and system reliability by ensuring coordinated operation of all sensing components while reducing integration errors that would occur with separate devices.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs temperature compensation and pH compensation algorithms that dynamically adjust measurement parameters based on detected environmental conditions. When temperature or pH deviates from optimal ranges, the system automatically modifies the glucose measurement calculations to maintain accuracy, directly addressing the measurement precision challenge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If intensive insulin therapy is implemented, then glycemic control is improved, but risk of hypoglycemia increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveglycemic control accuracyVSAvoidhypoglycemia risk
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of declining glucose trends and predicts future hypoglycemic events before they occur. By analyzing rate of change and projecting future glucose levels, the system provides advance warning, allowing patients to take preventive action before severe hypoglycemia develops, thus reducing the harmful effects while maintaining intensive therapy benefits.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements continuous feedback through real-time glucose monitoring and immediate alert generation when hypoglycemic thresholds are approached. This closed-loop feedback system enables rapid patient response to adjust insulin dosing or carbohydrate intake, preventing hypoglycemic episodes while maintaining the tight glycemic control necessary for effective intensive insulin therapy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Measurement precision

If confirmatory measurements are required, then measurement verification is improved, but system complexity and patient burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement verificationVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly performs self-diagnosis and self-verification through built-in quality control mechanisms. The system automatically detects sensor malfunction, calibration drift, or measurement anomalies and flags these issues without requiring external verification procedures. This self-service capability maintains measurement precision while eliminating the need for complex confirmatory measurement protocols.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces an intermediary data processing layer that continuously validates sensor readings against physiological plausibility criteria and historical patterns. This intermediary verification system filters out erroneous measurements and identifies true glucose changes, providing measurement verification through intelligent algorithms rather than requiring additional physical measurement steps, thus reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS7920907B2Analyte monitoring system and method
Publication Date: 2011.04.05 ABBOTT DIABETES CARE INC
  • US7920907B2 patent drawing
  • US7920907B2 patent drawing
  • US7920907B2 patent drawing

AI summary

Devices and methods for monitoring an analyte are provided. Embodiments include continuous analyte sensors having a high degree of accuracy.