Non-invasive Analyte Sensor with Decoupled Antennas
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current non-invasive analyte detection methods using spectroscopic techniques face challenges such as lack of specificity, interference from temperature fluctuations, skin compounds, and pigments, and complexity in device placement, particularly when measuring analytes like glucose in biological tissues.
Innovation Solution
A non-invasive analyte sensor utilizing decoupled transmit and receive antennas operating in radio or microwave frequency bands, with intentional geometric differences and appropriate spacing to minimize direct signal interference, allowing for accurate detection of analytes by maximizing signal penetration into the target and minimizing direct signal receipt by the receive antenna.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the transmit antenna and receive antenna are placed close to each other for compact device design, then device size is reduced, but direct electromagnetic coupling between antennas increases causing signal interference and reduced measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by intentionally designing the transmit antenna and receive antenna with different geometries. The transmit antenna has a first geometry while the receive antenna has a second geometry that is intentionally different. This geometric asymmetry creates impedance mismatch that prevents direct electromagnetic coupling between the antennas, thereby reducing signal interference while allowing compact placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary approach by using different geometries as a mediating factor between the transmit and receive antennas. The geometric difference acts as an intermediary mechanism that blocks direct signal paths while allowing the antennas to be positioned close together for compact device design.
2Use of energy by moving object
If the transmit antenna transmits high power signals for better penetration into the target, then signal penetration depth is improved, but direct signal leakage to the receive antenna increases causing interference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry in antenna geometries to create directional signal patterns and impedance mismatches. The transmit antenna's first geometry is optimized for penetration while the receive antenna's different second geometry prevents it from efficiently receiving direct transmitted signals, allowing high power transmission without proportional increase in interference.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies local quality by optimizing each antenna's geometry for its specific function. The transmit antenna has geometric properties optimized for deep penetration into the target, while the receive antenna has different geometric properties optimized for detecting scattered signals while rejecting direct transmitted signals.
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 decoupled antenna configuration enhances the detection capability of the sensor by reducing interference and improving specificity, enabling effective non-invasive measurement of analytes such as glucose in biological tissues with improved accuracy and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
at least one transmit antenna that functions to transmit a generated transmit signal in a radio or microwave frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum into a target containing an analyte of interest
Implementation Method 2
at least one receive antenna that functions to detect a response resulting from transmission of the transmit signal by the transmit antenna into the target
Implementation Method 3
The decoupling can be achieved by one or more intentionally fabricated configurations and/or arrangements between the transmit and receive antennas that is sufficient to decouple the transmit and receive antennas from one another
Data Source
AI summary
A non-invasive analyte sensor includes at least one transmit antenna and at least one receive antenna. A transmit circuit is electrically connectable to the at least one transmit antenna, where the transmit circuit is configured to generate a transmit signal in a radio or microwave frequency range of the electromagnetic spectrum. A receive circuit is electrically connectable to the at least one receive antenna. A trigger mechanism is associated with the non-invasive analyte sensor that triggers an analyte reading by the non-invasive analyte sensor.