Multianalyte Sensor Assembly with Shared Electrodes

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current continuous glucose monitoring systems require multiple sensors or large devices to monitor multiple analytes, which can be uncomfortable and inconvenient for users, hindering their adoption.

Innovation Solution

A sensor assembly with separate conductors electrically shorted through apertures formed in both conductors and an insulator, allowing for miniaturization and shared counter/reference electrodes, enabling the monitoring of multiple analytes in a smaller form factor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple single analyte sensors are implanted to achieve multianalyte capability, then monitoring capability is improved, but device size and insertion discomfort increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultianalyte monitoring capabilityVSAvoidsensor size

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple single-analyte sensors into a single multianalyte sensor assembly. Multiple conductors (first conductor with first analyte sensing electrode, second conductor with second analyte sensing electrode) are integrated within one assembly, allowing simultaneous monitoring of multiple analytes while reducing the number of separate implantations needed.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor assembly is designed with universal functionality to detect multiple different analytes. Each conductor can be configured with electrodes for different analytes (e.g., glucose, lactate, ketones), and the shared counter/reference electrodes provide universal electrical functionality across all sensing elements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single large multianalyte sensor is implanted, then multianalyte capability is achieved, but user comfort and convenience deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemultianalyte monitoring capabilityVSAvoiduser comfort

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor assembly is segmented into separate conductors (first conductor, second conductor) that are electrically isolated from each other by an insulator. This segmentation allows each conductor to be independently configured for specific analyte detection while maintaining a compact overall structure that is more comfortable for implantation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

3Reliability

If conductors are separated by an insulator, then electrical isolation is achieved, but electrical connection between conductors becomes difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveelectrical isolationVSAvoidelectrical connection process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The insulator acts as an intermediary element that provides electrical isolation between the first and second conductors while allowing both conductors to be positioned within the same sensor assembly. The insulator enables reliable electrical isolation without preventing the conductors from being integrated into a compact multianalyte sensor structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Data Source

PatentUS20200383600A1Analyte sensor

Publication Date: 2020.12.10 PERCUSENSE

AI summary

A sensor assembly is disclosed. The sensor assembly having a first conductor and a second conductor being separated by an insulator. The sensor assembly further has an aperture that is formed through the first conductor, the second conductor and the insulator, wherein formation of the aperture creates an electrical short circuit between the first conductor and the second conductor.