Optical Sensor Light Guide Interface for Glucose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glucose monitoring systems for diabetics require frequent calibration using finger-stick blood glucose meters, which are cumbersome, painful, and prone to errors, limiting their effectiveness for continuous glucose monitoring and closed-loop insulin delivery systems.
Innovation Solution
A device featuring an optical sensor with a light guide and reader system that maintains optical coupling through a flared opening and lens interface, allowing for precise alignment and reducing the need for frequent recalibration, enabling continuous glucose monitoring with improved accuracy and comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If electrochemical sensors are used for glucose monitoring, then periodic readings can be obtained over extended periods, but frequent calibration using finger-stick blood glucose meters is required which is cumbersome and prone to errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces electrochemical sensing with optical sensing technology. The optical sensor uses light interaction with glucose molecules to detect glucose levels, eliminating the need for electrochemical reactions and frequent calibration. The optical system includes a light source, optical fiber for light transmission, and a detector that measures light absorption or scattering changes proportional to glucose concentration, providing continuous accurate measurements without mechanical finger-stick calibration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical intermediary system consisting of optical fibers and light-transmitting components that mediate between the glucose analyte and the detection system. The optical fiber acts as an intermediary to transmit light signals from the sensor site through tissue to the external detector, enabling non-invasive or minimally invasive continuous glucose monitoring without requiring direct electrical contact or frequent calibration interventions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If optical sensors with removable reader components are used, then readings can be obtained without continuous connection, but alignment between optical components may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs the optical sensor and reader interface to maintain optimal optical coupling conditions through standardized connection geometries. The sensor head and reader are equipped with complementary optical interfaces that ensure proper alignment when connected, maintaining consistent light path geometry and signal strength. This standardized interface design ensures that the optical coupling conditions remain equivalent whether the connection is temporary or prolonged.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features in the sensor and reader design, such as mechanical guides, keyed interfaces, or pre-positioned optical elements, that automatically establish correct optical alignment when the components are connected. This preliminary structural arrangement ensures proper optical coupling is achieved simply by connecting the components, eliminating the need for manual alignment adjustments and ensuring measurement precision from the moment of connection.
3Reliability
If continuous infusion of insulin is provided, then greater control of diabetic condition is achieved, but the timing and amount of insulin must be precisely determined to avoid infusion of too much insulin
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous glucose monitoring through the optical sensor system that can continuously measure glucose levels in interstitial fluid or blood. This continuous data stream provides real-time information about glucose trends, allowing the closed-loop system to dynamically adjust insulin infusion rates based on current and predicted future glucose levels, thereby maintaining reliable diabetic control with precise timing and dosing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a closed-loop feedback system where the optical glucose sensor continuously measures glucose levels and feeds this information back to the insulin infusion pump controller. The controller processes the glucose data and automatically adjusts the insulin infusion rate in real-time, creating a feedback control loop that maintains glucose levels within target ranges while preventing both hyperglycemia and hypoglycemia through precise, dynamic dosing adjustments.
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 device provides stable and accurate glucose monitoring with reduced calibration needs, enhancing the reliability of closed-loop insulin delivery systems and improving patient comfort by minimizing the need for frequent finger-stick measurements.
Implementation Method 1
a light guide having a distal portion optically coupled to the assay components and a proximal portion
Implementation Method 2
a reader for interrogating the optical sensor, the reader comprising an assay interrogating system including a lens
Data Source
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AI summary
A device for detection or measurement of a carbohydrate analyte in fluid comprises: - an optical sensor comprising components of an assay for carbohydrate analyte, the readout of which is a detectable or measurable optical signal, and a light guide having a distal portion optically coupled to the assay components and a proximal portion; and - a reader for interrogating the optical sensor, the reader comprising an assay interrogating system including a lens; and - an interface portion forming part of at least one of the optical sensor and the reader, the interface portion being capable of removably constraining the proximal portion of the light guide and the lens of the assay interrogating system in an optically coupled arrangement. The device may be combined with an insulin-infusion system.