Subcutaneous Electrochemical Implant With NFC Power and Data Link
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional implants for monitoring physiological parameters within the body rely on surface measurements and do not effectively perform electrochemical sensing of analytes, necessitating improved on-demand monitoring and communication methods.
Innovation Solution
An implantable device with a subcutaneously-implanted electrochemical sensor and NFC interface for percutaneous communication, powered wirelessly through NFC, enabling electrochemical sensing and data transmission across the skin barrier without batteries.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional implants are used for monitoring physiological parameters, then surface measurements can be obtained, but electrochemical sensing of analytes within tissue cannot be effectively performed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrochemical sensing function from conventional surface-based implants by introducing a separate subcutaneously-implanted sensor that specifically targets tissue analytes, allowing electrochemical sensing to be performed independently from the traditional implant structure
Solution Approach 2:
The implantable device combines multiple functions including electrochemical sensing of multiple analytes, wireless power reception via NFC, and data transmission, enabling a single device to perform surface measurement, tissue sensing, and communication capabilities that were previously distributed across different systems
2Measurement precision
If subcutaneous implantation is used for electrochemical sensing, then supra-cell monitoring of chemical signals is achieved, but power supply becomes complex without batteries
Solution Approach 1:
The implantable device serves itself by receiving wireless power through NFC from external sources, eliminating the need for internal batteries or complex power management systems while maintaining continuous operation for electrochemical sensing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical battery system with a wireless electromagnetic energy transfer system using NFC technology, substituting physical power storage with field-based energy transmission to simplify the implant structure
3Ease of operation
If percutaneous communication is implemented, then data transmission across skin barrier is enabled, but communication security may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The NFC interface acts as an intermediary between the implantable sensor and external devices, providing a standardized, controlled communication channel that enables secure data transmission across the skin barrier while maintaining authentication and encryption protocols
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
Provides supra-cell monitoring of chemical and biological signals, allowing simultaneous sensing and transmission of multiple analytes, including fertility indicators, with enhanced sensitivity and biocompatibility, while eliminating the need for batteries and ensuring secure data transfer.
Implementation Method 1
an NFC interface for percutaneous (or trans-cutaneous) communication of information sensed by the electrochemical sensor
Implementation Method 2
an electrochemical sensor for sensing at least one analyte
Data Source
AI summary
Apparatus are disclosed that are arranged to be entirely subcutaneously-implanted, the apparatus comprising an electrochemical sensor for sensing at least one analyte, and a near-field communication (NFC) interface for percutaneous communication of information sensed by the electrochemical sensor.