Integrated Insulin Pump and Glucose Sensor System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin infusion systems for Type 1 diabetics often rely on basal profiles that are prone to error, failing to accurately mirror the patient's actual physiological condition due to discrete blood glucose testing, which can lead to serious health risks if insulin administration is not suitably managed.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system combining insulin infusion devices with continuous analyte monitoring systems, where a cannula and analyte sensor are subcutaneously positioned under the skin, wirelessly communicating real-time glucose data to an analyte monitor unit for accurate glucose level monitoring and insulin delivery adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If discrete blood glucose testing is used to determine insulin dosage, then the system is simple to operate, but the accuracy of glucose level estimation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous glucose monitoring through an analyte sensor that continuously measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid, replacing discrete periodic testing. This continuous measurement provides accurate real-time glucose data that reflects actual physiological conditions, resolving the contradiction by maintaining high measurement precision without requiring complex periodic manual testing protocols
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates real-time feedback by continuously monitoring glucose levels through the analyte sensor and using this data to dynamically adjust insulin delivery. The closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures accurate glucose estimation is continuously updated based on actual measurements, resolving the accuracy issue while the automated nature simplifies user operation despite increased system complexity
2Reliability
If basal profiles are preprogrammed based on periodic testing, then the infusion device is easy to operate, but the reliability of insulin administration deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses real-time glucose feedback from the continuous analyte sensor to dynamically adjust insulin delivery rates. Instead of relying on preprogrammed basal profiles based on periodic testing, the system continuously adapts insulin administration to actual glucose levels, significantly improving reliability while the automated closed-loop control maintains ease of operation
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-adjustment of insulin delivery based on real-time glucose measurements from the analyte sensor. The automated algorithm calculates and implements appropriate insulin dosing without requiring user interpretation or manual adjustment, improving reliability through consistent algorithmic decision-making while maintaining simplicity for the user
3Measurement precision
If continuous analyte monitoring is implemented, then glucose level accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the analyte sensor, transmitter, and infusion pump into an integrated system where components work together seamlessly. The analyte sensor continuously monitors glucose, the transmitter wirelessly communicates data, and the pump adjusts insulin delivery - combining multiple functions into a coordinated system that achieves high accuracy while managing complexity through integration rather than separate discrete components
Data Source
AI summary
Method and system for integrating infusion device and analyte monitoring system including medication infusion device such as an insulin pump and an analyte monitoring system such as a glucose monitoring system are provided.