Subcutaneous Glucose Sensor with Isolated Computing Unit
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
The existing measuring apparatus for glucose concentration in interstitial fluid is prone to sensor dislodgement due to its protruding design, which causes instability and requires cumbersome replacement, posing a burden on users both physically and financially.
Innovation Solution
A measuring apparatus with a sensor section deployable under the skin and a computing section isolated from the sensor, allowing for easier replacement and reduced dislodgement, featuring a wire connection or wireless communication for simplified operation and a water-impermeable film for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sensor is integrated with the measurement unit body, then electrical connection is simplified, but the sensor is prone to dislodgement and replacement becomes cumbersome
Solution Approach 1:
The measuring apparatus is divided into two independent sections: a sensor section that can be deployed under the skin and a measurement unit body that remains external. The sensor section includes the sensor and its electrical connection components, while the body contains the processing electronics. This segmentation allows the sensor to be replaced independently without replacing the entire device, resolving the contradiction between stability and replacement ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor section is extracted from the measurement unit body as a separate, replaceable component. The sensor section can be independently attached to or removed from the body, allowing for easy replacement while maintaining reliable electrical connection through dedicated connection interfaces. This extraction resolves the contradiction by separating the sensor's stable deployment function from the replacement operation.
2Ease of operation
If the sensor protrudes from the skin surface, then it can be easily attached and detached, but it is prone to dislodgement and contact with external objects
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor section is designed to be nested within or integrated with the measurement unit body when not in use. The sensor can be partially deployed under the skin while the base portion remains protected within the body housing, which acts as a protective container. This nesting approach allows easy attachment and detachment while preventing dislodgement and external contact.
3Ease of operation
If the sensor remains exposed on the skin surface, then it can be easily accessed for replacement, but it is vulnerable to moisture and external contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor section is covered with a water-impermeable film that protects the sensor and its electrical components from moisture and external contamination. The film is designed to be transparent to the measurement signals while providing effective environmental protection. This thin film barrier allows the sensor to remain accessible for replacement while protecting it from harmful external factors.
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
Minimizes sensor dislodgement and facilitates easier replacement, enhancing user convenience and reducing financial burden by isolating the sensor from the computing section and using a water-impermeable film for protection.
Implementation Method 1
when a voltage is applied between the two electrodes, electric current flows between the two electrodes in proportion to the concentration of the glucose contained in subcutaneous interstitial fluid
Implementation Method 2
a water-impermeable film that protects the sensor section from the external environment
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a measuring device (10) for obtaining numerical information concerning a substance present in the interstitial subcutaneous fluid, the device being equipped with a sensor unit (1) that outputs signals in accordance with the numerical information concerning the substance and an arithmetic unit (control unit (2)) that receives the signals outputted from the sensor unit and arithmetically processes the signals. The sensor unit (1) is equipped with a sensor (15), some of which is punctured into the skin. The arithmetic unit (control unit (2)) has been disposed so as to be separate from the sensor unit (1).