Transcutaneous Glucose Sensor with Directional Rate Arrow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring glucose levels in diabetes patients are invasive, uncomfortable, and provide infrequent readings, leading to delayed detection of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions, which can result in dangerous side effects.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a continuous glucose sensor and a receiver that displays a graphical representation of glucose concentration, with a directional arrow indicating the direction and rate of change of the signal, and alarms for threshold violations, allowing for real-time monitoring and timely insulin therapy decisions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional finger pricking methods are used for glucose monitoring, then measurement precision is maintained, but ease of operation deteriorates due to discomfort and inconvenience
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical finger pricking system with a transcutaneous sensor system that uses electrochemical sensing through the skin. The sensor employs a membrane interface and electrochemical reactions to detect glucose levels continuously without mechanical penetration, thereby improving ease of operation while maintaining measurement precision through calibrated electrical signals.
2Productivity
If conventional finger pricking methods are used, then device complexity is minimized, but loss of time increases due to infrequent readings
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous glucose monitoring by maintaining the sensor in the skin for extended periods (days to weeks), enabling uninterrupted real-time measurement of glucose levels. This continuous action eliminates the need for repeated finger pricks, significantly improving productivity in diabetes management despite the increased device complexity of the implantable sensor system.
3Loss of time
If transcutaneous continuous monitoring is implemented, then loss of time is reduced through real-time data, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the monitoring system into distinct functional modules: a transcutaneous sensor component for continuous measurement, a signal processing unit for data analysis, and a user interface for information display. This segmentation allows real-time monitoring functionality while managing device complexity through modular design, enabling independent optimization of each component.
4Reliability
If frequent monitoring is implemented, then reliability improves through timely detection, but ease of operation deteriorates due to user burden
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a self-service monitoring system where the transcutaneous sensor automatically performs continuous glucose measurements without requiring user intervention. The sensor autonomously interfaces with the skin, continuously samples interstitial fluid, and transmits data to the processing unit, thereby improving reliability through frequent monitoring while maintaining ease of operation by eliminating repeated user actions.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates generally to systems and methods for measuring an analyte in a host. More particularly, the present invention relates to systems and methods for transcutaneous measurement of glucose in a host.