Split-Ring Resonator Dielectric Sensor for Oral Physiological Monitoring
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current noninvasive medical devices for monitoring physiological variables in the oral cavity face challenges such as large form factor, inconsistency in measurements, motion artifacts, and lower sensitivity due to the use of dielectric or electrochemical sensors, which hinder accurate self-assessment of dietary intake and physiological responses.
Innovation Solution
A compact dielectric sensor system utilizing a split-ring resonator and bioresponsive dielectric interlayers, such as silk films or hydrogels, positioned within the oral cavity to detect physiological variables like glucose concentration, salinity, and pH, leveraging RF technology for wireless data readout and minimizing user burden.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If dielectric sensors are used for wireless sensing via radio waves, then the device form factor is reduced and flexibility is improved, but measurement precision and sensitivity to biosignals deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by functionalizing specific regions of the dielectric sensor with biomolecules (enzymes, antibodies, aptamers) that are localized at the sensor surface. This allows the sensor to maintain its compact wireless form factor while achieving high measurement precision through targeted biochemical interactions at the sensing interface. The functionalization layer is applied only where needed for analyte detection, optimizing both size and precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite materials by combining dielectric sensing elements with biomolecular functional layers (enzymes, antibodies, aptamers) and conducting polymers. This composite structure integrates the wireless capability of dielectric sensors with the high sensitivity of biochemical recognition elements, achieving both compact form factor and high measurement precision for specific analytes like glucose, lactate, or other biosignals.
2Measurement precision
If electrochemical sensors are used to achieve greater sensitivity, then sensitivity to analytes is improved, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase due to requirements for direct electrical connection and immobilization of enzymes and biomolecules
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical and electrical connection system of traditional electrochemical sensors with a wireless dielectric sensing mechanism. Instead of requiring direct electrical connections to bulky measurement equipment, the invention uses changes in dielectric properties (permittivity, conductivity) of the biomolecular layer to modulate RF signals wirelessly, thereby achieving high sensitivity without the complexity of wired electrical connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent achieves universality by designing a platform that can detect multiple analytes (glucose, lactate, pH, other biosignals) using the same dielectric sensor architecture with different biomolecular functionalizations. This multi-functional approach eliminates the need for separate electrochemical sensors for each analyte, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high sensitivity across multiple measurements.
3Ease of operation
If conformal sensors are used to minimize user impact and ensure maximum proximity to biological surface, then ease of operation is improved, but motion artifacts and measurement inconsistency increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by designing the dielectric sensor with flexible, conformal structures that can adapt to body movements and physiological changes. The sensor maintains optimal contact with the skin or mucosal surface while accommodating motion through its flexible substrate and adaptive mounting, thereby reducing motion artifacts. The RF sensing mechanism is also designed to be insensitive to minor positional variations, maintaining measurement consistency during normal user activity.
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 system provides accurate, low-form-factor monitoring of physiological parameters with enhanced sensitivity and stability, capable of discriminating between different analytes and maintaining functionality in dynamic oral environments, with results showing reliable performance over extended periods.
Implementation Method 1
The resonant frequency of the antenna is dependent on the dielectric constant of the interlayer material. As the dielectric constant of the interlayer changes in response to a physiological variable, the resonant frequency of the antenna changes accordingly.
Implementation Method 2
at least one split-ring resonator configured to be positioned within an oral cavity of the subject and to be bioresponsive to at least one physiological variable
Data Source
AI summary
This disclosure provides a dielectric sensor configured to detect a physiological variable within a subject. The dielectric sensor having at least one split-ring resonator configured to be positioned within an oral cavity of the subject and to be bioresponsive to at least one physiological variable. The split-ring resonator having a first resonator loop, a second resonator loop, and a dielectric interlayer interposed between and contacting the first resonator and the second resonator.