Microstrip Transmission Line Glucose Sensor Inversion
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive glucose monitoring technologies, such as MLIN-based sensors, face challenges with low sensitivity and interference from factors other than glucose levels, making continuous monitoring inaccurate and cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
A microstrip transmission line (MLIN)-based glucose monitoring apparatus where the body part serves as the substrate, enhancing sensitivity by using the main electromagnetic field and incorporating patterned microstrip conductors and ground planes to improve signal interaction, allowing for continuous and accurate glucose level monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If MLIN-based sensors with fringing fields are used for non-invasive glucose monitoring, then the device can provide continuous monitoring capability, but the sensitivity is low due to low penetration depth of the fringing fields
Solution Approach 1:
The patent inverts the conventional MLIN configuration by placing the human body as the substrate between the microstrip conductor and ground plane, rather than having the sensor elements placed on the body. This inversion allows the main electromagnetic field to penetrate directly into the body tissue, achieving high sensitivity without requiring complex multi-sensor configurations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the fundamental operating parameters of the MLIN sensor by using the body itself as the dielectric substrate with specific permittivity and conductivity characteristics. This parameter change enables the main electromagnetic field to interact strongly with glucose-containing tissues, achieving high sensitivity for continuous glucose monitoring.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors (sweat sensors, temperature sensors) are combined with MLIN-based sensor to address interference from other factors, then sensing accuracy may be improved through crosschecking, but the physical size of the monitoring system increases and additional sources of errors and interference are introduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the need for multiple auxiliary sensors by focusing on the primary glucose detection function. The simplified single-sensor MLIN configuration achieves accurate glucose monitoring without the complexity of integrating sweat sensors, temperature sensors, and other auxiliary elements, thereby reducing physical size and potential error sources.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables the MLIN sensor to self-compensate for interference from other factors by utilizing the body's inherent electromagnetic properties. The sensor automatically adapts to variations in body temperature, hydration, and other physiological factors through its design, eliminating the need for separate compensation sensors.
3Measurement precision
If optical monitoring technologies are used for non-invasive glucose monitoring, then intermittent monitoring can be achieved, but the devices are bulky and unwieldy making them unsuitable for wearable continuous monitoring
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces bulky optical monitoring systems with an electromagnetic field-based MLIN sensor that can be integrated into wearable form factors. By using microwave-frequency electromagnetic fields instead of optical systems, the device achieves compact size suitable for continuous wearable monitoring while maintaining measurement capability.
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 achieves significantly higher sensitivity and accuracy in glucose monitoring, with sensitivity up to 10 times greater than existing MLIN-based sensors, enabling reliable continuous monitoring without additional sensor elements or interference.
Implementation Method 1
determine, based on the object under sensing serving as a substrate of a microstrip transmission line (MLIN), parameters of an output signal of the MLIN
Implementation Method 2
the change of the glucose level in blood alters the electrical properties (permittivity and conductivity) of the tissues at the target site
Implementation Method 3
The microstrip conductor may be patterned, and may for example comprise a plurality of repeating units spaced at regular intervals
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive glucose monitoring apparatus comprises at least one microstrip transmission line (MLIN) component comprising: a microstrip conductor that is arranged relative to a ground plane such that a body part of a user, such as a finger or wrist, is receivable in a space defined between the microstrip conductor and the ground plane, the microstrip transmission line component having an input port; a signal input component for transmitting an input signal to the input port; and a concentration determining component configured to: determine at least one parameter of an output signal of the microstrip transmission line component; and determine, based on a comparison of the at least one parameter to at least one respective calibration curve, a glucose concentration of the user.