Implantable Analyte Sensor With Stored Measurements for Monitoring Gaps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable analyte sensors without internal power sources are unable to take measurements when not in proximity to an external device, resulting in gaps in data collection, such as during swimming or showering.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a charge storage device and a measurement controller that allows the sensor to generate and store analyte measurement signals independently, enabling wireless data transmission to an external device when the inductive elements are coupled within an electrodynamic field.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If the sensor has no charge storage device and relies exclusively on external device for power, then the device complexity is reduced, but the sensor becomes dormant when not in proximity to the external device, resulting in gaps in measurement data
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor performs analyte measurements in advance when powered by the external device and stores the measurement data in an on-board memory before the external device is removed. This preliminary action ensures that measurement data is captured and preserved even when the sensor later operates without external power, eliminating gaps in monitoring coverage during activities like swimming or showering.
2Reliability
If the sensor includes a charge storage device for autonomous operation, then the measurement continuity is improved, but the device complexity and power management requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is equipped with a charge storage device that enables it to power its own measurement and data storage operations independently of the external device. This self-service capability allows the sensor to autonomously perform analyte measurements and store data in its on-board memory without requiring continuous external power supply, ensuring uninterrupted monitoring during activities when the external device is not worn.
3Loss of information
If the sensor stores measurement data locally, then the data completeness is improved, but the power consumption during autonomous operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor recovers and stores electrical energy in a charge storage device during periods when the external device is worn and providing power. This recovered energy is then utilized to power measurement operations and data storage in the on-board memory during periods when the external device is removed, enabling the sensor to maintain data completeness without requiring excessive power consumption during autonomous operation.
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 analyte monitoring by allowing the sensor to operate autonomously and store data for later transmission, ensuring uninterrupted measurement collection even when not in direct proximity to the external device.
Implementation Method 1
The sensor and the external device may each include an inductive element (e.g., coil). The sensor may receive power from the external device when the external device uses its inductive element to generate an electrodynamic field and the inductive elements of the sensor and external device are magnetically coupled within the electrodynamic field
Implementation Method 2
Incorporating a charge storage device and a measurement controller that allows the sensor to generate and store analyte measurement signals independently
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 2C
AI summary
Sensors and methods for measurement of an analyte in a medium within a living animal are described. The sensor may include an inductive element that may receive power from an external device. The sensor may also include a charge storage device (CSD) and a memory. The sensor may perform analyte measurements initiated by the external device using power received from the external device and convey the analyte measurements to the external device using the inductive element. The sensor also may perform autonomous analyte measurements using the on board charge device's power and store the autonomous analyte measurements in the memory. The sensor may convey one or more stored analyte measurements to the external device using the inductive element using power received from the external device. The sensor may include a CSD-powered clock and a CSD-powered measurement scheduler that initiate the autonomous analyte measurements.