Implantable Electrode System with Dual Sensitivity for Glucose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing implantable electrode systems for measuring analyte concentrations, such as glucose, in the human body lack the accuracy and reliability needed to effectively warn of very low or high concentration values, which are critical for diabetic patients.
Innovation Solution
An implantable electrode system with multiple measuring electrodes, each optimized for different concentration ranges and sensitivities, allowing for precise determination of analyte concentrations by evaluating signals from the appropriate electrode based on the concentration range, thereby enhancing measurement accuracy without the need for statistical evaluation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single measuring electrode with fixed sensitivity is used, then the device complexity is low, but the measurement precision is insufficient for detecting critical low or high glucose concentrations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple measuring electrodes, each with different sensitivities optimized for specific concentration ranges. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high measurement precision across a wide range of glucose concentrations by selecting the appropriate electrode for the current concentration level, rather than relying on a single electrode with compromised performance.
Solution Approach 2:
Each measuring electrode is designed with locally optimized sensitivity characteristics tailored to specific concentration ranges. The first measuring electrode has sensitivity optimized for lower concentration ranges while the second electrode has sensitivity optimized for higher concentration ranges, allowing each component to excel at its designated measurement domain.
2Measurement precision
If multiple measuring electrodes with different sensitivities are used, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically selects which measuring electrode to use based on the current glucose concentration range. The evaluation unit determines the appropriate electrode by assessing signal characteristics or using preliminary measurements, then activates only the suitable electrode for the current measurement conditions, adapting the system configuration in real-time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the operational parameter (sensitivity) by selecting different measuring electrodes based on the concentration range. This parameter change allows the system to maintain high measurement precision across varying glucose concentrations without requiring a single complex electrode design.
3Reliability
If averaging of multiple measurement signals is performed, then the reliability is improved, but the device complexity and data processing requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and uses only the measurement signal from the single most appropriate measuring electrode for the current concentration range, rather than averaging multiple signals. This approach maintains reliability by ensuring the selected electrode is optimally suited for the current measurement conditions, while avoiding the complexity of signal averaging algorithms.
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 significantly improves measurement accuracy across a wide range of concentrations, ensuring reliable detection of critical glucose levels, reducing the risk of false alarms and improving patient safety.
Implementation Method 1
An implantable electrode system with multiple measuring electrodes, in particular a first measuring electrode (2) and a second measuring electrode (3), which are connected to a common counter electrode (4), wherein the first and second measuring electrodes (2, 3) have different measuring sensitivities
Implementation Method 2
an evaluation unit connected to the electrode system for evaluating measurement signals from the first and second measuring electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
The electrode system comprises two measuring electrodes for determining measuring signals each containing data about the analyte concentration to be measured. The first measuring electrode has a first measuring sensitivity adapted to a first concentration range of the analyte and the second electrode has a second measuring sensitivity different from the first but adapted to the second concentration level. Independent claim describes device for measuring analyte concentrations wherein an electrode system is implanted, an evaluator unit is connected to the electrode system to evaluate the measuring signals of the two electrodes and a memory stores the sensitivity parameters and if the analyte concentration is in the first concentration range the measuring signal of the first electrode is evaluated by the first sensitivity parameter to determine the concentration and if the concentration is in the second range the measuring signal of the second electrode is evaluated by the second parameter to determine the concentration. Independent claim describes method for measuring analyte concentration by an implanted electrode system with two measuring electrodes with two different measuring sensitivities.