Flexible Antenna Array for Non-Invasive Blood Glucose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for non-invasive monitoring of blood glucose levels using radio frequency reflectometry techniques face challenges in sensitivity and accuracy, particularly in detecting variations in glucose concentration without extracting blood.
Innovation Solution
A wearable antenna design that uses a sensor array with biologically configured antenna elements to non-invasively measure blood glucose levels through electromagnetic wave radiation, capable of continuous monitoring and adapted to fit various anatomical structures, including the leg veins, using a flexible substrate and adjustable slot designs to enhance sensitivity and fit different users.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single antenna design is used for glucose monitoring, then the device structure is simple, but the sensitivity and measurement precision are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the antenna system into multiple antenna elements (at least four) with different slot designs, each element contributing to detecting glucose concentration variations. This segmentation allows the system to achieve higher measurement precision through combined signals from multiple elements with different radiation patterns and sensitivities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs asymmetric slot designs within the antenna elements, where each slot has different dimensions and configurations. This asymmetry creates diverse electromagnetic radiation patterns that enhance the system's ability to detect glucose concentration changes with higher precision while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the antenna is designed to fit specific anatomical structures like leg veins, then the adaptability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the antenna array with a universal configuration that can adapt to different anatomical structures. The sensor array with multiple elements can be positioned on various body parts (leg veins, arm veins, etc.) and maintains functionality across different anatomical variations, achieving versatility without requiring completely different designs for each location.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates flexible substrates that allow the antenna array to dynamically conform to different anatomical shapes and sizes. This dynamic adaptability enables the device to fit various users and anatomical structures while maintaining a relatively simple underlying structure that doesn't require custom fabrication for each application.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If continuous monitoring is implemented, then the duration of action is improved, but the energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements periodic measurement cycles where the antenna array continuously monitors glucose concentration by sequentially activating different antenna elements. This periodic operation allows continuous monitoring capability while managing energy consumption through structured measurement intervals rather than constant high-power operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves continuous monitoring through the persistent operation of the antenna array, where multiple antenna elements work in sequence to provide uninterrupted glucose concentration data. The system maintains continuous useful action by rapidly switching between elements, creating the effect of continuous monitoring with lower overall energy consumption than a single continuously active high-power antenna.
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 antenna system provides accurate and continuous monitoring of blood glucose levels, enabling early detection of hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia, and can be used for other biomarker monitoring, improving diabetic patient management and disease control.
Implementation Method 1
An antenna array or a group of antenna elements may be used to transmit electromagnetic waves into human tissues
Implementation Method 2
Many research groups have studied the potential of a radio frequency reflectometry technique in measuring blood glucose levels
Implementation Method 3
The Single Spiral Micro-strip designed to resonant at 1.5 GHZ shows changes in its response when exposed to materials with different permittivity
Implementation Method 4
They were able to achieve a shift of 1 MHz in resonate frequency for a shift of 14.62 mg/dl in glucose concentration
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are systems, methods and apparatuses an antenna array or a group of antenna elements for biomarker monitoring, nerve stimulations, and methods of use.