Transcutaneous Glucose Sensor with Modular Electronics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional blood glucose monitoring methods, such as self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG), are uncomfortable and infrequent, leading to inadequate timely detection of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions in diabetic patients, hindering informed insulin therapy decisions.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous analyte sensor system with a sensor for insertion under the skin, a housing, and an electronics unit connected via a key mechanism, allowing for continuous glucose monitoring with calibration and data processing, and featuring a receiver for displaying sensor data and controlling sensor operation based on predetermined conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional self-monitoring blood glucose (SMBG) methods are used, then the measurement can be performed with simple equipment, but the monitoring frequency is insufficient and timely detection of glucose conditions is inadequate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical finger-pricking SMBG method with a transcutaneous sensor system that uses electrochemical sensing to detect glucose levels continuously through the skin, eliminating the need for repeated manual blood sampling
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements continuous glucose monitoring through a transcutaneous sensor that provides uninterrupted measurement of glucose levels, replacing the discontinuous nature of conventional SMBG where measurements are taken only at specific time intervals
2Measurement precision
If transcutaneous sensor is inserted for continuous monitoring, then frequent and accurate glucose data is obtained, but the device complexity and insertion procedure become more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the monitoring system into separate modular components: a transcutaneous sensor for glucose detection, an electronics unit for signal processing, and a receiver for data display, allowing each component to be optimized independently while reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an electronics unit as an intermediary between the transcutaneous sensor and the receiver, which processes and manages the complex signals from the sensor before transmitting them to the display device, thereby simplifying the overall system architecture
3Reliability
If transcutaneous sensor is used for continuous monitoring, then timely detection of hyperglycemic or hypoglycemic conditions is improved, but the device requires more complex electronics and data processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements automatic calibration and alert functions where the system self-adjusts and notifies users of glucose level changes without requiring manual intervention, reducing the complexity of user interaction despite sophisticated internal processing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms where the receiver provides real-time information about glucose levels and trends to the user, enabling timely therapeutic decisions while the electronics unit continuously processes sensor data to maintain accurate monitoring
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.