Nitinol Working Wire With Platinum Layer for Glucose Sensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional continuous glucose monitoring systems face high costs due to the need for frequent replacement of disposable sensors, and existing working wires made from tantalum deform permanently under stress, affecting sensor functionality and increasing manufacturing complexity.
Innovation Solution
The use of cobalt-chromium (Co—Cr) alloy or Nitinol alloy as the substrate, combined with a platinum layer and a biological membrane, provides a cost-effective, durable, and flexible working wire that maintains straightness and flexibility, allowing for accurate insertion and comfortable use.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If tantalum is used as the substrate material for the working wire, then the wire maintains straightness and structural stability, but it deforms permanently under stress and increases manufacturing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameters by transitioning from tantalum to Nitinol alloy, which fundamentally alters the mechanical properties. Nitinol exhibits superelasticity and shape memory effects that allow it to recover from deformations that would permanently affect tantalum, thus resolving the contradiction between structural stability and resistance to permanent deformation.
Solution Approach 2:
The working wire employs a composite structure with Nitinol alloy as the core substrate, platinum layer for electrochemical function, and membrane layer for selectivity. This composite design combines the superelastic properties of Nitinol with the catalytic properties of platinum, achieving both mechanical reliability and functional performance.
2Reliability
If disposable sensors are used for continuous glucose monitoring, then sensor functionality is maintained, but manufacturing costs increase due to frequent replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables recovery and reuse of the sensor components. The reusable sensor design allows the working wire to be extracted, sterilized, and reinserted multiple times, eliminating the need for frequent disposal and replacement of entire sensors, thus reducing manufacturing costs while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor system incorporates self-sterilization capabilities through autoclaving or chemical sterilization processes that the working wire can withstand. This self-service approach allows the sensor to maintain functionality through multiple use cycles without requiring replacement, reducing overall manufacturing costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If the working wire is made rigid to maintain straightness, then insertion accuracy is improved, but patient comfort decreases due to lack of flexibility
Solution Approach 1:
The working wire transitions from a static rigid structure to a dynamic flexible structure. The Nitinol alloy substrate provides superelasticity, allowing the wire to bend during insertion and movement, then return to its original straight configuration, thereby maintaining insertion accuracy while improving patient comfort through flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the working wire by using Nitinol alloy with controlled elasticity. The material properties are tuned to provide sufficient rigidity for accurate insertion while allowing controlled flexibility for patient comfort, resolving the contradiction between precision and comfort.
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
This solution reduces manufacturing costs, enhances sensor durability, and improves patient comfort by ensuring the working wire remains straight and flexible, facilitating efficient insertion and accurate glucose monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The substrate comprises cobalt-chromium (Co—Cr) alloy or a Nitinol alloy
Implementation Method 2
provides a cost-effective, durable, and flexible working wire that maintains straightness and flexibility
Implementation Method 3
detect an amperometric signal caused by oxidation of enzymes during conversion of glucose to gluconolactone
Implementation Method 4
a platinum layer comprising platinum on the substrate
Implementation Method 5
a membrane layer comprising a biological membrane applied over the platinum layer
Data Source
AI summary
A working wire for a biological sensor is disclosed. The working wire includes a substrate comprising cobalt-chromium (Co—Cr) alloy or Nitinol alloy, a platinum layer comprising platinum on the substrate, and a membrane layer comprising a biological membrane applied over the platinum layer.