Analyte Sensor Reliability via Dual Temperature Signal Correlation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte sensors, particularly in vivo sensors, face challenges in reliably detecting gradual malfunctions, leading to potential erroneous insulin dosing and increased complexity due to additional safety measures.
Innovation Solution
A method involving the measurement of two temperature-dependent signals and correlating them to determine the reliability of the analyte sensor, using a fast-transient voltage signal to assess the membrane property and ensure single fault safety, thereby reducing complexity and enhancing reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If complex software routines and additional safety measures are implemented to detect sensor failures, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by measuring membrane properties (such as capacitance or impedance) before the sensor is implanted into the user's body. This pre-characterization allows the system to identify potential sensor failures or malfunctions before they occur during actual use, thereby improving reliability without requiring complex real-time monitoring algorithms. The membrane property measurements are performed in advance using a test electrode structure that can be evaluated prior to implantation.
2Reliability
If additional safety measures are implemented to minimize patient hazard, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements safety through preliminary action by characterizing the sensor membrane properties before implantation. This allows potential failures to be identified in advance, preventing hazardous situations during actual use. The test electrode structure enables pre-evaluation of sensor functionality without requiring complex safety monitoring systems during operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies self-service by using the sensor's own membrane properties as the basis for reliability assessment. The test electrode structure utilizes the sensor's inherent characteristics (capacitance, impedance) to self-diagnose potential failures, eliminating the need for external complex safety monitoring systems or additional sensors.
3Measurement precision
If complex algorithms are used to detect sensor failures, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing membrane property measurements before sensor implantation. This pre-characterization approach simplifies the detection algorithm because it relies on straightforward electrical measurements (capacitance, impedance) of the sensor membrane rather than complex real-time analysis of sensor output signals. The test electrode structure enables simple pre-evaluation that avoids the need for sophisticated failure detection algorithms during actual sensor operation.
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
This approach ensures the analyte sensor operates within a tolerable error range, reducing the risk of erroneous measurements and simplifying the system by identifying single fault conditions and adjusting accordingly.
Implementation Method 1
measuring at least one first temperature dependent signal; measuring at least one second temperature dependent signal which is different from the first temperature dependent signal
Implementation Method 2
measuring at least one second temperature dependent signal which is different from the first temperature dependent signal and which is related to a current flow in the analyte sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining the reliability of an analyte sensor is disclosed. The analyte sensor is an in vivo sensor. The method includes measuring at least one first temperature dependent signal, measuring at least one second temperature dependent signal which is different from the first temperature dependent signal and which is related to a current flow in the analyte sensor, and correlating the first temperature dependent signal and the second temperature dependent signal for determining the reliability of the analyte sensor.