Non-Invasive Glucose Sensing via Dual-Beam Spectrophotometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive glucose monitoring methods for diabetes patients are painful, invasive, and often lead to nerve damage, and existing technologies lack efficient, mechanical-moving-part-free solutions for continuous glucose sensing.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive sensing apparatus using a dual-beam-double-reference spectrophotometer with a selectable wavelength and intensity monochromatic laser radiation source, integrated with a TPCOPO device or laser diode array, and embedded software for processing signals to determine glucose, lipid, or alcohol concentrations in interstitial fluid or blood without mechanical moving parts.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If invasive blood glucose instruments are used to measure glucose levels, then measurement precision is improved, but object-affected harmful factors worsen due to pain and nerve damage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical puncture-based blood sampling system with an optical measurement system. The optical system uses light sources and detectors to measure glucose levels through diffuse reflectance spectroscopy, eliminating the need for physical penetration of the skin and thus removing the harmful mechanical effects of pain and nerve damage while maintaining measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces light as an intermediary medium to transfer information about glucose concentration without direct contact with blood. The optical system uses light interaction with tissue and blood to obtain glucose measurements, serving as a non-invasive mediator between the measurement device and the biological sample.
2Productivity
If continuous glucose monitoring is implemented, then productivity is improved through regular monitoring, but device complexity worsens due to need for continuous operation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous glucose monitoring by designing an optical system that can repeatedly and continuously measure glucose levels through the skin without interruption. The system maintains continuous operation by continuously directing light through the tissue and detecting the reflected light, allowing for real-time monitoring of glucose levels.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic alerting functionality that operates autonomously without continuous user intervention. The system automatically compares measured glucose levels against predetermined thresholds and generates alerts for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia conditions, enabling the device to serve itself in monitoring and warning functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If mechanical moving parts are included in the spectrophotometer, then adaptability is improved for wavelength selection, but reliability worsens due to potential mechanical failures
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical wavelength selection mechanisms (such as rotating gratings or movable mirrors) with an electro-optic beam steering structure. This solid-state approach uses electric fields to control the direction and wavelength of laser radiation, eliminating mechanical moving parts while maintaining the ability to select different wavelengths for measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves wavelength selection by changing the operational parameters of the laser source and beam steering system. By adjusting electrical control parameters, the system can select different wavelengths without mechanical movement, thereby maintaining adaptability while improving reliability through a solid-state implementation.
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 apparatus provides continuous, pain-free monitoring with improved instrument stability, alerting features for hypoglycemia or hyperglycemia, and automatic insulin release capabilities, enhancing patient safety and reducing nerve damage risks.
Implementation Method 1
a selectable wavelength and intensity monochromatic laser radiation source, integrated with a TPCOPO device or laser diode array
Implementation Method 2
Many prior art systems utilize diffuse reflectance spectroscopy to determine blood glucose concentration in tissue
Implementation Method 3
The projected pulse of light is transmitted through the skin, tissues and blood vessels, partially absorbed by glucose in the blood and partially scattered, diffused and reflected off of irradiated structures back through the blood vessels, tissue and skin
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for a non-invasive sensing of biological analytes in a sample includes an optics system having at least one radiation source and at least one radiation detector; a measurement system operatively coupled to the optics system; a control/processing system operatively coupled to the measurement system and having an embedded software system; a user interface/peripheral system operatively coupled to the control/processing system for providing user interaction with the control/processing system; and a power supply system operatively coupled to the measurement system, the control/processing system and the user interface system for providing power to each of the systems. The embedded software system of the control/processing system processes signals obtained from the measurement system to determine a concentration of the biological analytes in the sample.