Rechargeable Sensor Module Wireless NFC Recharging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current continuous analyte monitoring systems face challenges such as limited sensor lifespan, contamination issues between disposable and reusable components, and energy supply limitations, which affect user comfort and the frequency of sensor replacements.
Innovation Solution
A sensor module with a rechargeable energy storage device and wireless near-field communication capabilities, allowing for on-demand recharging and reducing the need for large energy reserves, thereby extending the sensor's operational time and improving user comfort.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Duration of action of moving object
If the sensor is designed as a disposable component with a battery, then the sensor can be replaced frequently, but the energy storage device requires large capacity to last the entire wear period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the energy storage system rechargeable rather than static. The control device includes a rechargeable energy storage device that can be recharged wirelessly via NFC, allowing the system to extend operational time dynamically without requiring a large initial energy capacity. This resolves the contradiction by enabling the sensor to be reused multiple times with small rechargeable batteries instead of requiring large non-rechargeable batteries for single-use sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements the discarding and recovering principle through wireless recharging. Instead of discarding the entire sensor after battery depletion, the system recovers energy by wirelessly recharging the small rechargeable battery in the control device via NFC communication with a mobile device. This allows the sensor to be reused indefinitely, eliminating the need for large energy storage capacity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the sensor module includes wireless communication and data processing capabilities, then the functionality is enhanced, but the device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by making the mobile device perform multiple functions. The mobile device serves as both the wireless power source for recharging the sensor and the data receiver for obtaining measurement data via NFC. This eliminates the need for separate large power supply and communication modules in the sensor, reducing device complexity while maintaining enhanced functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the power supply and data communication functions from the sensor module and places them in the external mobile device. The sensor only retains the essential measurement function with minimal components (sensor element and small rechargeable battery), while the mobile device provides wireless power transfer and data reception via NFC, reducing the sensor's size and complexity.
3Productivity
If the sensor uses transcutaneous measurement with enzyme conversion, then continuous monitoring is achieved, but the sensor lifespan is limited due to enzyme depletion and sealing off
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies continuity of useful action by enabling continuous operation through wireless recharging. The small rechargeable battery can be recharged multiple times via NFC, allowing the sensor to maintain continuous monitoring capability indefinitely rather than being limited by a single battery lifespan. This resolves the contradiction by separating the monitoring function from the energy supply limitation.
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 solution enables a more efficient and comfortable long-term analyte monitoring system by extending the sensor's operational time and reducing the frequency of replacements, while maintaining a compact and cost-effective design.
Implementation Method 1
The control device further includes a rechargeable energy storage device
Implementation Method 2
the control device further includes a rechargeable energy storage device, and wherein the control device is adapted to transmit at least one demand for recharging the rechargeable energy storage device via the near-field communication device
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module (112) for determining a concentration of at least one analyte in a body fluid of a user is disclosed. The sensor module (112) includes at least one sensor element (116) adapted to determine the concentration of the analyte, wherein the sensor element (116) is at least partly implantable into a body tissue of the user; at least one control device (118) connected to the sensor element (116), wherein the control device (118) includes at least one data collection device (122) adapted to collect measurement data acquired by using the sensor element (116). The control device (118) further includes at least one wireless near-field communication device (124) adapted to transmit measurement data. The control device (118) further includes a rechargeable energy storage device (134) and is adapted to transmit at least one demand for recharging the rechargeable energy storage device (134) via the near-field communication device (124).