Implantable Sensor Element With Transparent Coupling Part
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sensor elements for detecting analytes in body fluids or tissues face challenges with mechanical stability and ease of implantation, particularly due to the fragility of optical waveguides and the need for complex production processes that can lead to tissue damage during implantation and removal.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece, implantable sensor element with an optically transparent coupling part that serves as a 'window' for optical coupling, eliminating the need for separate optical waveguides and ensuring mechanical stability, and a method for producing this element using crosslinkable polymers that can be cured in situ, allowing for a simpler and more reliable implantation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate optical waveguides are used for optical coupling, then optical signal transmission is achieved, but mechanical stability deteriorates due to waveguide fragility
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the optical waveguide function directly into the sensor element body by forming an optically transparent coupling part from the same polymeric material. This merging eliminates separate waveguide components and their vulnerable connection points, providing both optical signal transmission and mechanical stability through a unified structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor element is divided into distinct functional zones: a sensor area with sensor material for analyte detection and a coupling part with optically transparent material for light transmission. This segmentation allows each zone to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining overall mechanical integrity through the polymeric matrix.
2Reliability
If complex production processes are used for sensor element manufacturing, then sensor functionality is achieved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The manufacturing process combines multiple functions into a single polymeric matrix formulation. The matrix material simultaneously provides structural support, optical transparency for light transmission, and a medium for embedding sensor material. This consolidation eliminates separate manufacturing steps for waveguide assembly and sensor integration, significantly simplifying production.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the optical properties of the polymeric matrix material itself rather than requiring separate waveguide materials. By selecting a matrix with appropriate optical transparency and mechanical properties, the invention achieves optical coupling functionality through material parameter selection rather than complex structural assembly.
3Ease of operation
If conventional implantation methods are used, then sensor implantation is achieved, but tissue damage increases due to mechanical stress on fragile components
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor element is designed as a compact, self-contained unit with integrated optical and sensing functions. This segmentation into a single implantable component eliminates the need for separate waveguide connections during implantation, reducing mechanical stress and tissue damage while maintaining ease of implantation through a minimally invasive procedure.
4Reliability
If separate optical waveguides are used for coupling, then optical coupling is achieved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the optical waveguide function with the sensor element structure by using the polymeric matrix material itself as the optically transparent coupling medium. This integration reduces the device to a single component with embedded sensing functionality, eliminating multiple separate parts and their associated assembly complexity while maintaining reliable optical coupling.
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 solution provides a mechanically stable and painless implantation method for sensor elements, reducing tissue damage and simplifying the production process, while maintaining accurate optical coupling for analyte detection.
Implementation Method 1
configured to transmit electromagnetic radiation in at least one spectral range between the sensor area and the coupling end
Implementation Method 2
comprises at least one sensor material which, in the presence of one or more specific analytes, alters at least one optically measurable property
Implementation Method 3
The matrix material comprises at least one crosslinkable polymer, in particular a biocompatible crosslinkable polymer, in crosslinked form
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2F
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A sensor element (110) comprises an implantable, single-piece molded body (112), which comprises a sensor end (114) and a coupling end (116). The molded body comprises a sensor area (118) in the sensor end region, which comprises a sensor material (122). The sensor material modifies an optically measurable property in presence of analytes. The molded body also comprises an optically transparent coupling part (120), which is adapted to transmit electromagnetic radiation to a spectral range between the sensor area and the coupling end. A sensor element comprises an implantable, single-piece molded body, which comprises a sensor end and a coupling end. The molded body comprises a sensor area in the sensor end region, which comprises a sensor material. The sensor material modifies an optically measurable property in presence of analytes. The molded body also comprises an optically transparent coupling part, which is adapted to transmit electromagnetic radiation to a spectral range between the sensor area and the coupling end. The molded body additionally comprises an optically transparent matrix material (124) in the sensor area. The analyte can diffuse partially through the matrix material to the sensor material. The sensor material is embedded in the matrix material. The coupling part is partially formed by the matrix material. Independent claims are included for: (1) a sensor arrangement, which comprises sensor element and optical detectors, which are equipped to a body tissue; and (2) a method for preparing sensor element, which involves introducing prepolymer liquid into a cannula with a curable prepolymer to prepare optically transparent coupling part.