Implantable Sensor Wireless Power and Impedance Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current health monitoring systems for physiological parameters like glucose levels and hydration are limited by the need for invasive methods, battery-powered devices that require frequent replacement, and lack of continuous monitoring capabilities suitable for extended periods without recharging or battery changes, especially in contexts like organ transplantation and aviator alertness.
Innovation Solution
A health monitoring system with an implantable sensor using four-point measurement technology and electromagnetic power communication, allowing remote, non-invasive access to physiological parameters like glucose levels and hydration, utilizing a coil for powering and communication, and a monitoring engine for data processing and alert generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Use of energy by moving object
If a battery-powered implantable sensor is used for health monitoring, then the sensor can be powered and function properly, but the device requires frequent battery replacement which increases device complexity and requires invasive operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the battery component entirely from the implantable sensor system. Instead of using a battery-powered device that requires replacement, the invention employs a passive sensor that derives power from the body's own electrical signals (such as ECG or other physiological electrical activity), thereby extracting the power source function from external batteries and converting it to an internal energy harvesting mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable sensor is designed to perform multiple functions: it detects physiological parameters, harvests power from the body's electrical signals, and transmits data wirelessly. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate power management components and battery replacement mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining continuous operation.
2Duration of action of moving object
If an implantable sensor is designed to be small and reliable for extended periods, then the sensor can remain implanted indefinitely, but the sensor requires an on-board power source that depletes and requires replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system performs self-powering by harvesting energy from the body's own physiological electrical signals. The sensor uses the body's natural electrical activity (such as cardiac electrical signals) to power its operation, eliminating the need for external power sources or battery replacements. This self-service approach ensures continuous reliable operation for the lifetime of the implant without requiring invasive interventions.
3Measurement precision
If invasive blood glucose monitoring is performed multiple times daily, then glucose levels can be measured, but the patient experiences discomfort and there is a margin of error due to manual sampling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical invasive blood sampling method with a non-invasive or minimally invasive continuous monitoring sensor. The implantable sensor continuously measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid or blood without requiring repeated needle punctures, thereby substituting the manual mechanical sampling process with an automated electronic sensing system that provides continuous data.
4Reliability
If glucose sensors are used with insulin-delivery systems, then glucose concentration can be maintained at acceptable levels, but false data may be provided leading to inappropriate insulin administration
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor system incorporates feedback mechanisms including real-time quality control monitoring, signal validation algorithms, and cross-validation with other physiological parameters. The system continuously monitors the quality and reliability of glucose measurements, and when uncertainty or potential errors are detected, it can alert the patient or adjust insulin delivery recommendations, thereby preventing harmful actions based on false data.
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
Enables continuous, reliable monitoring of physiological parameters without the need for battery replacement, suitable for extended implantation periods, and applicable in various contexts including organ transplantation and aviator alertness, with reduced power consumption and smaller sensor size.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor includes a coil which is powered by an electromagnetic field produced by a reader module
Implementation Method 2
The sensor includes a coil which is powered by an electromagnetic field produced by a reader module and which communicates with external devices
Implementation Method 3
an implantable sensor for measuring impedance within a body tissue of the subject resulting from an electrical current flowing through the body tissue using a four-point measurement technology
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a health monitoring system comprising an implantable sensor configured to measure impedance within a body tissue of the subject resulting from an electrical current flowing through said body tissue, wherein the body tissue is sub-dermal or subcutaneous tissue of said subject, the sensor including a powering and communication circuit having a coil configured to be powered by an electromagnetic field and to communicate with external devices. Further, the system comprises a reader module including a coil configured to produce the electromagnetic field for powering the powering and communication circuit and for communicating with the powering and communication circuit, a computing device comprising a display device, a processing device and at least one storage device, the computing device being configured to communicate with other devices via at least one wireless network and a monitoring engine for determining or monitoring at least one physiological parameter based on measured impedance, wherein the reader module and the computing device and the monitoring engine are configured to communicate with each other.