Pluggable Distal Sensor Module for Non-Invasive Glucose Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for non-invasive glucose measurement in patients are limited in accuracy and convenience, particularly in continuous monitoring settings, and often require invasive procedures or unreliable clamping mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable distal measurement device that uses a controller to deliver controlled optical emissions and capture data from a distal sensor module, which applies clamping pressure to maintain a specified sample height, allowing for repeated measurements without detachment from the patient, utilizing optical fibers and a clamping system that adjusts pressure as needed.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If a distal sensor module is used for non-invasive glucose measurement, then patient comfort and safety are improved, but measurement accuracy and reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the measurement function into two separate modules: a controller that generates controlled optical emissions and a distal sensor module that captures optical effects. This segmentation allows the sensor to be positioned distally on the patient's body for comfort while the controller handles complex optical processing to maintain measurement accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
Optical emissions serve as an intermediary between the controller and the patient's tissue. The controller transmits optical emissions through optical cables to the distal sensor module, which then interacts with the patient's body. This intermediary approach enables non-invasive measurement while maintaining precision through controlled optical interactions.
2Measurement precision
If clamping pressure is applied to maintain sample height, then measurement consistency is improved, but patient comfort and tissue damage risk worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping system employs dynamic pressure adjustment rather than fixed pressure. The controller can modify clamping pressure levels based on the measurement phase: applying sufficient pressure during the measurement period to maintain consistent sample height, then reducing pressure afterward to minimize tissue damage and improve patient comfort.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping pressure is applied periodically rather than continuously. Pressure is activated during measurement periods to ensure sample height consistency, then released or reduced between measurements. This periodic application maintains measurement precision while reducing cumulative tissue stress and improving patient comfort.
3Reliability
If the distal sensor module is permanently attached to the controller, then connection reliability is improved, but adaptability and ease of repair worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a modular architecture with a connector system that separates the controller and distal sensor module into independent, interchangeable components. This segmentation enables reliable connections during use while allowing easy detachment and replacement of the sensor module for maintenance, upgrades, or troubleshooting.
Solution Approach 2:
The distal sensor module is designed as a disposable or replaceable component that can be detached from the controller after use. This allows the sensor module to be discarded or recovered for replacement, while the expensive controller is retained and reused. This approach improves adaptability and ease of repair while maintaining connection reliability during the operational period.
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
Enables accurate, non-invasive, and repeatable glucose concentration measurements in patients, suitable for continuous monitoring, with the ability to maintain consistent sample height and reduce pressure after testing, enhancing patient comfort and measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
an optical cable is configured to transmit controlled optical emissions from the controller to the distal sensor module and then to return captured optical effects from the distal sensor module to the controller
Implementation Method 2
a controller is configured to deliver controlled optical emissions to a liquid sample being tested in a human body, to capture desired optical data returned from the liquid sample, and to electronically calculate a concentration measurement of a targeted analyte
Data Source
AI summary
A controller and a distal sensor module are used to emit optical emissions to a liquid sample being tested in a human body and detect desired optical data which the controller uses to electronically calculate a concentration measurement of a targeted analyte (e.g., glucose). The distal sensor module is held in place by a retention mechanism while a clamping system applies clamping pressure to the liquid sample during a test period to maintain a specified sample height of the liquid sample. An optical cable is intermediate the controller and the distal sensor module and is pluggably connected to the controller. Continuous monitoring of the analyte is possible without disconnecting the controller from the optical cable or the distal sensor module from the patient while clamping pressure on the test sample is reduced outside of the test period.