Electrochemical Sensor Parallel Wire Electrodes Y-Profile Insulator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical sensors for monitoring glucose levels in diabetics are complex, costly to produce, and prone to manufacturing errors, with limited durability and poor compatibility with body tissue, leading to inaccurate readings and user handling difficulties.
Innovation Solution
A compact electrochemical sensor design featuring parallel, wire-shaped electrodes insulated by a Y-geometry plastic profile, coated with biocompatible materials to prevent cell toxin diffusion, allowing for reliable and cost-effective production and improved tissue compatibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If complex microstructuring processes like lithography are used to produce implantable sensors, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into separate functional components (electrodes, membrane, housing) that can be manufactured independently using simple processes, then assembled. This avoids the need for complex lithographic structuring of the entire sensor, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining precision where needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent describes a disposable sensor design where the entire sensor is replaced periodically. This allows use of simpler, cheaper manufacturing processes for each unit while maintaining overall system reliability, eliminating the need for complex, expensive manufacturing processes that would be required for reusable sensors.
2Volume of moving object
If electrode arrays are densely packed to reduce sensor size, then device compactness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor utilizes the third dimension (depth/layering) by stacking electrodes and functional layers vertically rather than only arranging them horizontally. This allows compact sensor design without requiring extremely tight lateral spacing between electrodes, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining small overall size.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If sensors are designed for continuous implantation in body tissue, then monitoring duration is improved, but biocompatibility and tissue reaction issues worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor employs thin-film membranes and flexible encapsulation layers that provide a biocompatible interface between the sensor components and body tissue. These thin films minimize tissue reaction while allowing sufficient sensor operation duration, resolving the contradiction between implantation duration and biocompatibility.
4Measurement precision
If manual handling steps are increased for sample collection and measurement, then measurement precision can be improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor combines multiple functions (sample collection, processing, and measurement) into a single integrated implantable device. This eliminates the need for separate manual handling steps for sample collection and testing, improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through controlled in-vivo measurement conditions.
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
The sensor provides accurate, long-term glucose monitoring with reduced tissue inhomogeneity effects, enhanced mechanical stability, and ease of use, while minimizing manufacturing costs and user handling complexities.
Implementation Method 1
The analyte concentration is then preferably measured after the electrochemical sensor has been used by electrochemical (for example amperometric) measuring methods between the at least two electrodes
Implementation Method 2
at least one coating that electrically contacts at least the at least one working electrode... the exposed sensor surface is preferably designed to be biocompatible, so that in particular no cell toxins can diffuse into the body tissue
Data Source
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AI summary
Two or more electrodes (16, 18, 20) are parallel wire electrodes with circumferential electrode surfaces. They run along a profiled insulator (32) with partitions for the electrodes. The insulator is Y-shaped, X- shaped or star-shaped in cross section. The working electrode (16) is surrounded by a reagent medium, especially a bodily tissue and/or fluid, to determine the concentration of an analyte. The electrodes may be covered individually or collectively as an electrode pack, by a layer of immobilizing medium. An independent claim is included for the method of making the sensor.