Glucose Sensor EIS Diagnostics and Electrode Remediation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous glucose monitors face challenges with sensor stabilization time, inaccurate readings due to electrode hydration and pollution, and lack of automatic procedures for determining sensor functionality and pollution effects.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic EIS procedure is performed to verify sensor functionality by calculating impedance values between electrodes and comparing them against thresholds, with remedial actions such as applying reversed DC voltage or DC voltage with AC signal to address pollution issues, and using EIS for initialization, hydration, and age detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a manual stabilization procedure is used, then the sensor can be stabilized, but the patient must wait three hours and bears the responsibility to remember to power on the sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system automatically performs stabilization and hydration procedures without requiring manual intervention from the patient. The control circuit detects sensor insertion, initiates stabilization sequences, and monitors sensor performance automatically, eliminating the need for patients to remember manual procedures while maintaining reliable sensor operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors sensor impedance and glucose readings to detect stabilization status and pollution effects. When degradation is detected, the system automatically initiates remedial actions such as reversed DC voltage application or AC voltage pulses, creating a closed-loop feedback system that maintains sensor performance without manual intervention.
2Loss of time
If the sensor is powered on immediately, then the response time is reduced, but the electrodes are not sufficiently hydrated resulting in inaccurate readings
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically initiates a hydration sequence immediately upon detecting sensor insertion, applying voltage pulses to wet the electrodes before glucose measurement begins. This preliminary hydration action ensures accurate readings from the start without requiring manual waiting periods, as the system proactively prepares the sensor for optimal performance.
3Device complexity
If no automatic pollution detection is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensor accuracy deteriorates due to unaddressed pollution
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors sensor impedance and glucose readings to detect pollution effects. When degradation is detected, the control circuit automatically initiates remedial actions such as applying reversed DC voltage or AC voltage pulses to remove pollutants from the electrode surface, maintaining sensor accuracy through automated closed-loop control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system detects pollution by monitoring changes in electrical impedance parameters and glucose reading patterns. When abnormal parameter changes indicate pollution, the system applies corrective voltage pulses that temporarily alter the electrode surface properties to remove contaminants, restoring normal sensor performance.
4Ease of operation
If manual hydration instruction is provided, then the patient can hydrate the sensor, but the patient bears responsibility and may forget
Solution Approach 1:
The control circuit automatically detects when the sensor is inserted into the body and initiates the hydration sequence without requiring any manual action from the patient. The system monitors electrode impedance to determine when hydration is sufficient and when glucose measurements can begin, ensuring reliable hydration every time without placing responsibility on the patient.
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 approach reduces sensor stabilization time, ensures accurate readings by maintaining electrode hydration and detecting pollution, and extends sensor life by identifying and addressing pollution effects, thereby improving overall monitoring efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
A diagnostic EIS procedure is performed during the life of a sensor to verify the sensor is functioning normally. The EIS procedure may be performed between at least two electrodes of the sensor, which calculates an impedance value between the electrodes
Implementation Method 2
The sensor remedial action is the application of a reversed DC voltage. In an embodiments, the sensor remedial action is the application of a reversed DC voltage coupled with an AC voltage
Data Source
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AI summary
A method and system that enables a user to maintain a sensor in real time. The present invention involves performing a diagnostic Electrochemical Impedance Spectroscopy (EIS) procedure to measure sensor impedance value in order to determine if the sensor is operating at an optimal level. If the sensor is not operating at an optimal level, the present invention may further involve performing a sensor remedial action. The sensor remedial action involves reversing the DC voltage being applied between the working electrode and the reference electrode. The reversed DC voltage may be coupled with an AC voltage to extend its reach.