Microneedle Indentation Management via Conductivity Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing body monitoring devices using microneedles face difficulties in maintaining stable insertion into the skin for continuous or quasi-continuous biochemical parameter monitoring, particularly for pathologies like diabetes, where invasive methods are less preferred.
Innovation Solution
A body monitoring system with analyte measuring microneedles configured to sample and analyze bodily fluids, featuring conductivity electrodes to measure insertion depth, ensuring proper placement and functionality, integrated with a housing and processor for data processing and management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If microneedles are used for transcutaneous monitoring, then invasiveness is reduced, but microneedle retention and stable insertion into skin is difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where conductivity electrodes continuously measure the electrical conductivity between the microneedle and reference electrode, providing real-time information about insertion depth and skin contact quality. This feedback allows the system to monitor and maintain reliable microneedle retention, resolving the contradiction between reduced invasiveness and reliable retention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical retention mechanisms (such as adhesive strips or physical anchoring) with an electrical field-based retention system. Conductivity electrodes create an electrical field that detects and maintains microneedle insertion through conductivity measurements, eliminating the need for complex mechanical retention structures and reducing overall invasiveness while maintaining reliability.
2Measurement precision
If conductivity electrodes are added to measure insertion depth, then microneedle placement accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductivity electrodes serve multiple functions: they measure insertion depth, monitor skin contact quality, and provide feedback on microneedle retention status. This multi-functionality allows the system to achieve precise insertion depth measurement without adding separate dedicated components for each function, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the conductivity measurement function with the existing microneedle structure by integrating conductivity electrodes directly onto the microneedle array substrate. This integration combines multiple functions into a single unified structure, achieving precise measurement capabilities while minimizing the increase in overall device complexity.
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, less invasive monitoring of biochemical parameters by ensuring accurate microneedle insertion and operation, enhancing the reliability and effectiveness of body fluid analysis without frequent skin piercing.
Implementation Method 1
a conductivity measuring electrode configured to measure the depth of penetration into the epidermis of the analyte measuring microneedle
Implementation Method 2
the analyte measuring microneedles each comprising on their surface a biochemical material capable of reacting with the analyte
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor (220) for a body monitoring system (1), comprising analyte-measuring microneedles (210) that extend parallel to a main direction (Z) from a substrate (242) and define a working plane (Pt), characterized in that the sensor (220) comprises at least one conductivity electrode (600) with a metallic track (602), the end of the metallic track extending along the main direction (Z) to a position strictly between the substrate (242) and the working plane (Pt).