Implanted Sensor Field Strength Triggering Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for powering and communicating with implanted analyte sensors have limited range and require cumbersome alignment, making intermittent readings difficult and inefficient, especially for users who do not wish to wear fixed devices.
Innovation Solution
A triggering mechanism that initiates analyte readings when a handheld reader moves within proximity of the implanted sensor, using circuitry to detect field strength and automate the measurement process, allowing for dynamic swipe-type movements and enabling readings without trial-and-error alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the external sensor reader is kept close to the implanted sensor for sufficient field strength, then power transfer and data communication are reliable, but the system becomes cumbersome and requires fixed positioning devices
Solution Approach 1:
The system transitions from static alignment requirements to dynamic operation by detecting field strength in real-time and automatically triggering measurements when thresholds are met, allowing the reader to move freely while maintaining reliable operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors field strength between the reader and sensor, using this feedback to determine when to trigger measurements, thereby maintaining reliable power transfer and communication without requiring fixed positioning
2Ease of operation
If the reading range is extended beyond one inch, then user convenience improves, but power transfer efficiency drops significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system changes the operational parameter from fixed distance to field strength threshold, allowing the measurement trigger to occur at any distance where sufficient field strength exists, thus extending effective range while maintaining efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary field strength detection before initiating measurements, ensuring that power transfer efficiency requirements are met before committing to a measurement sequence
3Measurement precision
If manual alignment procedures are used to find correct reader-sensor positioning, then measurement accuracy is achieved, but user effort and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-alignment by automatically detecting field strength and determining optimal positioning, eliminating the need for manual alignment procedures and reducing user effort to zero
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces manual mechanical alignment with automated field strength detection and electronic triggering, substituting user action with sensor-based automation
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 efficient and user-friendly analyte measurements by automatically triggering readings when the reader is in range, reducing user effort and allowing for intermittent, on-demand measurements without the need for constant device wear.
Implementation Method 1
the primary coil of the external sensor reader must be appropriately aligned with the secondary coil of the implanted sensor
Implementation Method 2
coupling an inductive element of an external reader and an inductive element of the sensor within an electrodynamic field
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for automatically triggering wireless power and data exchange between an external reader and an implanted sensor. The implanted sensor may measure the strength of an electrodynamic field received wirelessly from the reader and convey field strength data based on the measured strength of the received electrodynamic field to the reader. If the field strength data indicates that the strength of an electrodynamic field received by the sensor is sufficient for the implanted sensor to perform an analyte measurement, the reader may convey an analyte measurement command to the sensor, which may execute the analyte measurement command and convey measurement information back to the reader. The systems and methods may trigger the analyte measurement as the reader transiently passes within sufficient range/proximity to the implant (or vice versa).