Coupling Analyte Sensor and Infusion System via Segmentation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current insulin pumps and glucose monitoring systems operate as separate devices, posing challenges in mechanical coupling and electrical interfacing, leading to issues like cross-talk, interference, and differing useful lifetimes, necessitating concurrent replacement of both systems despite varying durations of use.
Innovation Solution
A method for coupling analyte-selective sensors and infusion systems into a singular body-worn device through mechanical retention and electromagnetic interface, allowing for separate application and replacement of components while maintaining continuous sensing and therapeutic delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of moving object
If analyte sensor and infusion system are integrated into a single body-worn device, then device integration and miniaturization are improved, but mechanical coupling complexity and electrical interfacing challenges increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into separable modules: a sensor module and an infusion system module. These modules can be mechanically coupled together to form an integrated device or separated for independent replacement, resolving the contradiction between integration and coupling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical coupling mechanism is designed to be dynamically configurable, allowing the sensor and infusion system to be coupled or decoupled as needed. This dynamic capability enables both integrated operation and independent replacement without permanent complex interconnections.
2Reliability
If analyte sensor and infusion system are used as separate devices, then cross-talk and interference are reduced, but device complexity and user management burden increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into electrically isolated modules that can operate independently or together. When coupled, they communicate through controlled electrical interfaces that prevent cross-talk and interference while maintaining signal integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
An intermediary electrical interface or communication protocol is introduced between the sensor and infusion system modules. This intermediary manages data exchange while preventing harmful electrical interactions, allowing separate operation without interference when modules are coupled.
3Reliability
If both sensor and infusion system are replaced concurrently, then system compatibility is ensured, but loss of time and waste of functional sensor lifetime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system is segmented into independently replaceable modules with standardized coupling interfaces. This allows the infusion system to be replaced without the sensor, or vice versa, while maintaining compatibility through the standardized interface specification.
Solution Approach 2:
A universal mechanical and electrical coupling interface is designed that works across different sensor and infusion system versions. This universal interface ensures compatibility while enabling independent replacement of either module based on its specific lifetime or performance needs.
4Ease of repair
If sensor and infusion system are physically distinct, then ease of replacement is improved, but device integration and coordinated operation are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The device is segmented into physically distinct but mechanically coupleable modules. Each module can be replaced independently by disconnecting the standardized mechanical coupling, providing ease of replacement while maintaining the option for integrated operation when coupled together.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and method for the coupling of an analyte-selective sensor and an infusion system into a singular body-worn device is disclosed herein. Following the coupling, information and/or power is/are exchanged between the two modalities (analyte-selective sensor and an infusion system) by means of a wireless electromagnetic transmission or an electrical connector. The analyte-selective sensor is configured to penetrate the stratum corneum to access the viable epidermis or dermis and measure the presence of an analyte. The infusion system is configured to penetrate the stratum corneum and deliver a solution-phase therapeutic agent.