Non-invasive Glucose Sensor Using Static Polarization Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional methods for monitoring sugar concentration, such as glucose in blood, require invasive procedures and precise angular resolution, which can lead to contamination and high operational costs, and are not capable of real-time continuous data collection.
Innovation Solution
An optical system using a source of near-infrared or red-wavelength optical energy, with a pair of polarizers and detectors, measures the change in polarization of light passing through a fluid to determine sugar concentration non-invasively, enabling real-time monitoring and reducing operational costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional polarization analyzer methods are used to measure sugar concentration, then measurement precision can be achieved, but device complexity increases due to actively moving parts and high angular resolution requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical polarization analyzer with moving parts with a static optical system using polarizers and detectors. The system uses fixed polarizing filters at specific angles (0°, 45°, 90°, 135°) combined with photodetectors to measure polarization changes, eliminating the need for mechanically rotating components while maintaining measurement precision for sugar concentration detection.
2Measurement precision
If invasive procedures are used for sugar concentration monitoring, then measurement accuracy can be achieved, but reliability decreases due to contamination risk
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses optical energy (light) as an intermediary to measure sugar concentration non-invasively. The optical system passes light through the sample containing sugar, and polarization changes in the transmitted light provide information about sugar concentration without requiring direct contact or invasive sampling, thereby eliminating contamination risks while maintaining measurement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If traditional monitoring methods are used, then sugar concentration can be measured, but productivity decreases due to inability to provide real-time continuous data
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous real-time monitoring by continuously passing optical energy through the sample and continuously detecting polarization changes. The system provides ongoing measurements of sugar concentration without interruption, allowing for real-time data collection and monitoring, which significantly improves productivity compared to discrete traditional measurement methods.
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 system provides non-invasive, real-time monitoring of sugar concentration with reduced risk of contamination and lower operational costs, while maintaining accuracy and precision in glucose measurement.
Implementation Method 1
Simple sugar changes the polarization of the optical energy passing through it according to the equation Θ=α×L×C
Implementation Method 2
The invention uses an optical energy source in combination with polarizers to determine the change in a sugar level
Data Source
AI summary
A glucose sensor comprising an optical energy source having an emitter with an emission pattern; a first polarizer intersecting the emission pattern; a second polarizer spaced a distance from the first polarizer and intersecting the emission pattern, the second polarizer rotated relative to the first polarizer by a first rotational amount Θ; a first optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a second optical detector positioned proximal to the second polarizer, the first polarizer and the second polarizer being positioned between the optical energy source and the second optical detector, the second optical detector intersecting the emission pattern; a compensating circuit coupled to the second optical detector; and a subtractor circuit coupled to the compensating circuit and the first optical detector.