Interleaved Membrane Sensor Head for Self-Calibrated Skin Analyte Sensing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing non-invasive self-calibrating analyte monitoring devices face inaccuracies due to varying skin resistance between collectors, particularly for premature infants, as the assumption of equal skin permeability for both collectors is often not true, affecting the accuracy of analyte concentration measurements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor head design with interleaved membranes of different permeabilities, each with a contact surface configured to sample from the same skin area, allowing for simultaneous measurement of analyte concentrations that can be used to calculate the actual concentration without further calibration, utilizing a first-order system behavior model to enhance accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If two collectors with different permeabilities are used, then the self-calibrating capability is improved, but the measurement precision deteriorates when skin resistance varies between collectors
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor head is divided into multiple collectors (first collector with first permeability and second collector with second permeability) that are spatially separated but functionally integrated. Each collector independently samples analyte from the skin, and their differentiated permeability values enable self-calibration while maintaining measurement precision through parallel processing of multiple signals.
Solution Approach 2:
Different regions of the sensor head are assigned different permeability characteristics to specific collectors. The first collector area and second collector area have locally optimized permeability values that differ from each other, allowing each region to contribute differently to the overall measurement while compensating for skin resistance variations through their known permeability ratios.
2Measurement precision
If collectors are positioned to sample from the same skin area, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to interleaved membrane configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The first collector and second collector are nested within the same sensor head structure, with their membranes arranged in an interleaved pattern. This nesting allows both collectors to access the same skin area simultaneously while maintaining their distinct permeability characteristics, achieving precise measurements without requiring separate sensor devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The collectors are arranged in a spatial dimension with interleaved membranes, where the first collector and second collector occupy different positional regions within the sensor head. This dimensional arrangement allows both collectors to sample from the same skin area through their interleaved membrane structure, achieving precision without excessive complexity.
3Reliability
If multiple collectors with different permeabilities are integrated, then the self-calibrating accuracy is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The permeability parameter of the membrane is deliberately changed between the first collector and second collector to create known differences. By controlling the permeability ratio between the two collectors during manufacturing, the system achieves self-calibration capability while maintaining reliable measurements through the established parameter relationship.
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 interleaved membrane design ensures accurate and reliable analyte concentration determination by averaging skin resistance variations, enabling precise self-calibration and non-invasive measurement of analytes like glucose in premature infants.
Implementation Method 1
an analyte that has passively diffused through the skin of said animal or human
Implementation Method 2
a first membrane having a first permeability with respect to the analyte, wherein the first membrane comprises a first contact surface configured to contact said skin to receive said analyte, a second membrane having a second permeability with respect to the analyte
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
The present invention relates to a sensor head (10) for measuring the concentration of an analyte in the blood or tissue of an animal or a human, which analyte passively diffused through the skin (2) of said animal or human (P), particularly a premature infant, comprising: a first membrane (30) having a first permeability with respect to the analyte, wherein the first membrane (30) comprises a first contact surface (30a) configured to contact the skin (2) to receive said analyte, a second membrane (31) having a second permeability with respect to the analyte, wherein the second membrane (31) comprises a second contact surface (31a) configured to contact said skin (2) to receive said analyte, and wherein the first permeability differs from the second permeability, wherein the first contact surface (30a) is arranged besides the second contact surface (31a), wherein the first and the second contact surface (30a, 31a) are interleaved.