Noninvasive Glucose Analyzer Using Pressure Wave Skin Modulation
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Solution Overview
Problem
There is a need for a noninvasive method to determine glucose concentration in the human body effectively.
Innovation Solution
An applied force-optical glucose concentration analyzer system that uses an electro-mechanical transducer to apply pressure waves to the skin, combined with a spectrometer to noninvasively collect spectra and determine glucose concentration by altering the skin's optical properties.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used to measure glucose concentration, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an intermediary substance (contrast agent or optical modifier) applied to the skin surface that enhances the optical interaction between light and glucose molecules. This intermediary enables noninvasive measurement by making the glucose concentration detectable through optical properties without requiring blood sampling or tissue penetration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/invasive measurement systems (needles, blood draws) with an optical system that uses light interaction with skin constituents. By measuring changes in optical properties (absorbance, scattering) of skin components like collagen and water that correlate with glucose levels, the system achieves glucose determination without mechanical intrusion into the body.
2Ease of operation
If noninvasive optical methods are used to measure glucose concentration, then ease of operation is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes physical parameters of the measurement system by applying external forces (pressure, vibration, acoustic waves) to the skin to alter the optical properties of skin constituents. These parameter changes enhance the sensitivity of optical detection by modifying light scattering and absorbance characteristics, thereby improving measurement precision while maintaining noninvasive operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies mechanical vibration or acoustic waves to the skin tissue to induce changes in the optical properties of skin constituents. This vibration enhances the interaction between light and tissue, creating measurable variations in optical signals that correlate with glucose concentration, thus improving measurement precision without compromising the noninvasive nature of the method.
3Measurement precision
If applied force is used to alter skin optical properties, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the force application mechanism and optical detection system into a single integrated device. By combining the transducer that applies mechanical force with the optical source and detector in one unified apparatus, the system achieves improved measurement precision through enhanced optical-tissue interaction while minimizing the increase in device complexity through integration rather than separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs a multi-functional device where a single apparatus performs both force application (through acoustic waves, vibration, or pressure) and optical measurement. This universal device uses the same contact interface and housing for both mechanical stimulation and optical probing, reducing overall system complexity while achieving enhanced measurement precision through the combined effects.
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 method allows for accurate, noninvasive glucose monitoring by enhancing perfusion and changing scattering coefficients in the skin, enabling precise glucose concentration determination without invasive procedures.
Implementation Method 1
an electro-mechanical transducer affixed to skin of a subject; a controller, the controller providing a voltage waveform to the electro-mechanical transducer driving displacement of the skin and inducing a pressure wave into the skin
Implementation Method 2
a spectrometer interfaced to a sample site of the skin, the spectrometer comprising a set of sources and a set of detectors
Implementation Method 3
collect signal from the set of detectors as a function of timing of the voltage waveform
Data Source
AI summary
The invention comprises an applied force-optic analyzer used to determine a sample constituent concentration, a physical measure of the sample, and/or a state of the sample. The analyzer comprises: an electro-mechanical transducer affixed to skin of a subject; a controller, the controller providing a voltage waveform to the electro-mechanical transducer driving displacement of the skin and inducing a pressure wave into the skin; and a spectrometer interfaced to a sample site of the skin, the spectrometer comprising a set of sources and a set of detectors, where the controller is configured to collect signal from the set of detectors as a function of timing of the voltage waveform and apply a calibration model to the signal to determine the analyte concentration.