Glucose Biosensor Encasement with Interlocking Membrane Segments

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glucose biosensors face challenges in maintaining accuracy and longevity due to issues such as peeling of membrane layers, which affects side diffusion of glucose and calibration.

Innovation Solution

The use of interlocking segments near sensing elements and/or along membrane edges creates a cavity for the glucose sensor, preventing peeling and enhancing the reliability and usable life of the sensor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If membrane layers are used to encase the glucose sensor, then the sensor is protected and encapsulated, but the membrane layers peel up at the edges which negatively influences side diffusion of glucose and reduces sensor accuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor accuracyVSAvoidmembrane layer integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane structure is divided into multiple segments including a base membrane layer, a glucose limiting membrane, and an interlocking segment. This segmentation allows each layer to perform its specific function while the interlocking segment prevents peeling by creating a mechanical connection between layers, thus maintaining membrane integrity and preventing edge lifting that would otherwise occur with a single continuous membrane structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The glucose sensor is nested within a cavity formed by the interlocking segments of the membrane layers. The sensing element is positioned within the undercut region of the interlocking segment, creating a nested structure where the sensor is protected by the encapsulating membranes. This nesting approach maintains the protective enclosure while preventing membrane peeling through the interlocking mechanism.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Reliability

If membrane layers are used to encase the glucose sensor, then the sensor is protected, but peeling of edge layers occurs which reduces the usable life of the sensor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor longevityVSAvoidusable life of sensor
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDuration of action of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is segmented into a base layer, a glucose limiting membrane, and an interlocking segment that creates a mechanical bond between layers. This segmentation prevents edge peeling that would otherwise occur, thereby extending the usable life of the sensor by maintaining structural integrity throughout the sensor's operational lifetime.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The membrane structure uses composite construction with a base membrane layer and a glucose limiting membrane with different properties. The interlocking segment creates a composite structure that combines the protective benefits of multiple membrane types while preventing delamination and edge lifting, thus extending sensor durability and usable life.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

3Stability of the object's composition

If interlocking segments are added to prevent peeling, then membrane integrity is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemembrane layer integrityVSAvoidmembrane structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The membrane is divided into functional segments including a base layer, a glucose limiting membrane, and an interlocking segment with an undercut configuration. This segmentation provides the necessary mechanical interlock to prevent peeling while keeping each segment's design relatively simple and focused on a single function, thereby limiting the increase in overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The interlocking segments are formed from thin membrane films that maintain flexibility while providing the mechanical interlock needed to prevent peeling. The undercut configuration of the interlocking segment creates an effective mechanical bond without requiring thick or rigid structures, thus adding minimal complexity to the overall membrane design while achieving the desired stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 solution improves the accuracy and longevity of glucose biosensors by preventing edge lifting and maintaining the integrity of the membrane layers, thus ensuring reliable glucose detection.

Implementation Method 1

At least one of the first membrane and the second membrane comprises a semi-permeable portion configured to regulate diffusion characteristics of glucose through the membrane to realize a sensitivity for a sensor in the cavity

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDiffusion: Diffusion

Data Source

PatentUS20250180505A1Glucose biosensor encasement, glucose biosensor package, and method
Publication Date: 2025.06.05 MEDTRONIC MINIMED INC
  • US20250180505A1 patent drawing
  • US20250180505A1 patent drawing

AI summary

A glucose biosensor encasement includes a first membrane and a second membrane. The first membrane has a first interlocking segment. The second membrane has a second interlocking segment cooperating with the first interlocking segment of the first membrane to provide a cavity between the first membrane and the second membrane configured to receive a glucose sensor. At least one of the first membrane and the second membrane comprises a semi-permeable portion configured to regulate diffusion characteristics of glucose through the membrane to realize a sensitivity for a sensor in the cavity. A method is also provided.