Thermo-Photonic Chemical Sensor With Temperature Compensation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Implantable sensing devices face challenges in accurately measuring blood analytes due to temperature fluctuations, which affect the electrical and optical properties of semiconductor materials used in optical detection assemblies, leading to spurious chemical sensor readings.
Innovation Solution
Integrated thermo-photonic chemical sensors with integrated temperature sensors coupled to optical detection assemblies and sensing elements, which compensate for temperature variations by adjusting analyte concentration values using algorithms and lookup tables.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical detection assemblies using semiconductor materials are used to measure blood analytes, then measurement capability is provided, but temperature fluctuations cause spurious readings and reduce measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
A discrete temperature sensor is introduced as an intermediary component to measure temperature independently. The temperature sensor detects temperature fluctuations and provides data to the control circuit, which then uses this information to compensate for temperature effects on the optical detection assembly, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy despite temperature variations
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring temperature through the discrete temperature sensor and using this information to adjust the analyte concentration readings. The control circuit receives temperature data, processes it alongside optical detection signals, and applies compensation algorithms to correct temperature-induced measurement errors, creating a closed-loop system that maintains accuracy
2Reliability
If discrete temperature sensors are integrated with optical detection assemblies, then temperature compensation capability is provided, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The discrete temperature sensor is physically integrated with the optical detection assembly components (optical excitation assembly, optical detection assembly, sensing element) into a unified sensor device. This merging allows the temperature sensor to be positioned in close proximity to the optical components, enabling direct measurement of their temperature without requiring separate housing or mounting structures, thus minimizing the increase in device complexity
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 accurate and continuous measurement of blood analyte concentrations despite temperature fluctuations, enabling real-time monitoring and reducing the need for frequent clinical visits.
Implementation Method 1
The optical excitation assembly can include a light emitting diode
Implementation Method 2
The optical detection assembly can include a photodiode
Implementation Method 3
The discrete temperature sensor can include a thermistor
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments herein relate to integrated thermo-photonic chemical sensors as part of an implantable sensing device. In a first aspect, an implantable sensing device is included having a sensing element, an optical excitation assembly configured to illuminate the sensing element, an optical detection assembly configured to receive optical signals from the sensing element, and a control circuit, wherein the control circuit is configured to receive signals from the optical detection assembly, receive signals reflecting temperature, and process signals from the optical detection assembly while adjusting for the signals reflecting temperature. Other embodiments are also included herein.