Transcutaneous Glucose Sensor With Sliding Electronics Housing
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for monitoring blood glucose levels in diabetes patients are invasive, uncomfortable, and infrequent, leading to delayed detection of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions, which can result in dangerous side effects.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous analyte sensor system comprising a sensor inserted through the skin with a housing and an electronics unit that slides into place, sealed by mutually engaging contacts, and a safety latch mechanism for secure insertion, allowing for continuous glucose monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional finger pricking methods are used for blood glucose monitoring, then measurement can be performed, but the method is uncomfortable and causes pain to the patient
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 working, counter, and reference electrodes that measure glucose levels in interstitial fluid without mechanical penetration, thereby eliminating the pain and discomfort associated with conventional methods while maintaining measurement capability
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary transcutaneous sensor that interfaces between the external monitoring system and the internal interstitial fluid. This sensor acts as a mediator, allowing glucose measurement through the skin without direct blood contact, thus reducing harm while preserving the essential measurement function
2Productivity
If finger pricking is performed only two to four times per day, then the method is simple to perform, but hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions are detected too late
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous glucose monitoring through a transcutaneous sensor that remains in place and continuously measures glucose levels in interstitial fluid. This eliminates the discontinuous nature of finger pricking (2-4 times daily) and provides uninterrupted monitoring, enabling timely detection of hyperglycemic and hypoglycemic conditions without increasing procedural complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The continuous sensor provides advance warning of glucose level changes before they become critical. By continuously monitoring interstitial fluid glucose levels, the system detects trends and alerts patients to impending hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic events, allowing preventive action before dangerous conditions develop
3Loss of information
If conventional SMBG monitor is used, then glucose measurement is possible, but the patient cannot determine if blood glucose is going up or down based on single values
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous feedback by constantly monitoring glucose levels and providing real-time data about glucose trends. The system compares current readings with previous measurements, enabling patients to understand whether glucose levels are rising or falling, thus recovering the trend information that is lost in discrete single-value measurements
4Productivity
If transcutaneous sensor with housing and electronics unit is used, then continuous monitoring is enabled, but the device structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functional components (sensor element, housing, electronics unit with working/counter/reference electrodes) into an integrated transcutaneous monitoring system. This merging of functions enables continuous monitoring capability while managing structural complexity through systematic integration of necessary components
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.