Implantable EM Wave Sensor for Interstitial Glucose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Invasive blood glucose monitoring methods are invasive, unreliable, and challenging for continuous detection, while non-invasive methods are prone to environmental variability and accuracy issues.
Innovation Solution
An electromagnetic wave sensor system with an implantable housing and sensor component that emits and receives electromagnetic waves in the 300 MHz to 3 THz range to measure interstitial fluid parameters, providing reliable and precise glucose concentration monitoring by analyzing frequency shifts in the electromagnetic wave signal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive blood sampling methods are used to measure blood sugar concentration, then measurement accuracy is improved, but patient comfort deteriorates and continuous monitoring becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/invasive blood sampling method with an electromagnetic wave-based measurement system. The sensor uses electromagnetic waves in the 300 MHz to 3 THz range to measure interstitial fluid parameters wirelessly, eliminating the need for physical blood extraction while maintaining measurement capability through non-invasive impedance spectroscopy
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces interstitial fluid as an intermediary medium between blood and the external environment. By measuring glucose concentration in interstitial fluid through the implantable sensor housing, the system indirectly monitors blood sugar levels without direct blood contact, thus achieving continuous non-invasive monitoring
2Ease of operation
If non-invasive measurement methods are used to monitor blood sugar, then patient comfort is improved, but measurement reliability deteriorates due to environmental variability
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the measurement system into distinct functional components: an implantable sensor unit isolated from environmental factors and an external reader unit. The implantable housing with hermetically sealed sensor components creates a controlled measurement environment, separating the sensitive electromagnetic wave generation and detection from external environmental variability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a broad frequency range (300 MHz to 3 THz) for electromagnetic wave measurement, analyzing multiple frequency parameters simultaneously through impedance spectroscopy. This multi-parameter approach allows differentiation between environmental variations and actual physiological changes, improving measurement reliability
3Measurement precision
If electromagnetic waves in the 300 MHz to 3 THz range are used for measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electromagnetic wave transmitter and receiver units into a single implantable sensor component housed within one implantable housing. This integration reduces the number of separate components and simplifies the implantation procedure while maintaining the capability to generate and detect electromagnetic waves across the 300 MHz to 3 THz frequency range
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 system achieves reproducible and accurate glucose monitoring with reduced environmental influence, allowing for continuous and non-invasive measurement of blood sugar levels with improved reliability and precision.
Implementation Method 1
an electromagnetic wave transmitter unit configured to emit an electromagnetic wave signal in a frequency range between 300 MHz and 3 THz penetrating the implantable housing and penetrating an interstitial fluid probe volume
Implementation Method 2
an electromagnetic wave receiver unit configured to receive the electromagnetic wave signal modified by the interstitial fluid probe volume
Data Source
AI summary
An electromagnetic wave sensor for determining an interstitial fluid parameter in vivo comprises an implantable housing, and a sensor component hermetically encapsulated within the implantable housing. The sensor component comprises an electromagnetic wave transmitter unit configured to emit an electromagnetic wave signal in a frequency range between 300 MHz and 3 THz penetrating the implantable housing and penetrating an interstitial fluid probe volume, an electromagnetic wave receiver unit configured to receive the electromagnetic wave signal modified by the interstitial fluid probe volume, and a transceiver unit configured to transmit radio frequency signals related to the electromagnetic wave signal modified by the interstitial fluid probe volume. A system for determining an interstitial fluid parameter in vivo comprises the electromagnetic wave sensor and an external reader.