Implantable Sensor Holder Sealing for Stable Glucose Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Patients with chronic conditions face discomfort due to frequent blood draws for monitoring physiological parameters, and existing implantable sensors have issues with stability and detection sensitivity, particularly with blood glucose monitoring.

Innovation Solution

A thin physiological signal monitoring device with a holder design that includes an implantation hole, a containing indentation, a fixing indentation, a waterproof seal, an elastic divider, and a blocking element to securely implant and seal a sensor under the skin, ensuring stable and real-time data collection while preventing external liquid ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stability of the object's composition

If a sensor is sealed in a housing with glue for implantation, then the sensor is fixed in place, but the glue flows into the implantation channel and affects detection sensitivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor fixation stabilityVSAvoiddetection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into functionally independent sections: a sealing section with a sealing member that prevents glue from entering the implantation channel, and an implantation section with the implantation hole. This segmentation isolates the glue application area from the sensor detection area, maintaining both fixation stability and detection sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing member acts as an intermediary barrier between the glue (fixation medium) and the implantation channel (sensor environment). This intermediary prevents harmful interaction between the glue and the sensor, eliminating the trade-off between fixation and sensitivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of manufacture

If the sensor is fixed at only the signal output end in the sensor assembly, then assembly is simplified, but the fixing effect is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly simplicityVSAvoidfixing effect
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is divided into a sealing section and an implantation section, allowing different fixation strategies in different areas. The sealing member provides secure fixation at the signal output end while the implantation hole accommodates the sensor tip, achieving both ease of assembly and reliable fixation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Measurement precision

If a traditional blood glucose measurement method using test strips is used, then measurement can be performed, but patients must experience repeated blood collection discomfort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose measurement capabilityVSAvoidpatient comfort
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical blood draw system (needles, test strips) with a minimally invasive implantable sensor system. The sensor continuously monitors glucose in interstitial fluid through a small implantation hole, eliminating repeated punctures and blood collection discomfort while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If external liquid is not prevented from entering the device, then device structure is simpler, but detection sensitivity is affected

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedevice structureVSAvoiddetection sensitivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The holder is segmented into a sealed internal cavity and an implantation channel. The sealing member creates a barrier that prevents external liquid from entering the internal cavity where the sensor and electronics are located, maintaining detection sensitivity without requiring complex overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing member functions as a thin film barrier that effectively prevents liquid penetration while maintaining a simple device structure. This flexible sealing approach is simpler than rigid waterproof enclosures while achieving the same protective function.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

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 a stable and thin implantable solution for continuous monitoring of physiological signals, maintaining detection sensitivity and preventing blood reflux, allowing patients to engage in daily activities without discomfort.

Implementation Method 1

a waterproof seal disposed above the implantation hole and abutting against the transmitter to form therebetween a waterproof sealing structure

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSealing:

Implementation Method 2

an elastic divider disposed in the implantation hole to separate the implantation hole and covering all over a cross-sectional area of the implantation hole

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Implementation Method 3

a sensor having a signal detection end and a signal output end, wherein the signal detection end is to be implanted under the skin to detect the physiological signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSensor detection:

Implementation Method 4

a transmitter having a port connected to the signal output end and receiving the physiological signal

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSignal reception:

Data Source

PatentEP3771418B1Physiological signal monitoring device and sensor holder thereof
Publication Date: 2023.10.04 BIONIME
  • EP3771418B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3771418B1 patent drawingFigure 2A
  • EP3771418B1 patent drawingFigure 2B

AI summary

The present invention discloses a holder carrying thereon a sensor to measure a physiological signal of an analyte in a biological fluid, wherein the sensor has a signal detection end and a signal output end, and the holder includes an implantation hole being a channel for implanting the sensor and containing a part of the sensor, a containing indentation containing the signal output end, a fixing indentation fixing thereto the sensor and communicating with the containing indentation, a waterproof seal disposed above the implantation hole, an elastic divider disposed in the implantation hole to separate the implantation hole and covering all over a cross-sectional area of the implantation hole, and a blocking element disposed between the implantation hole and the fixing indentation to hold the sensor.