Transcutaneous Sensor Dual Electrode Withdrawal Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Transcutaneous sensors prone to withdrawal from the patient's skin due to unidirectional forces, leading to inaccurate or artificially depressed sensor output signals, which are difficult to detect, especially in the case of partial withdrawal.
Innovation Solution
A transcutaneous sensor design with first and second working electrodes longitudinally offset, allowing detection of partial withdrawal by comparing the ratio of their output signals to the ratio of their active sensing areas, and compensating for signal reductions accordingly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single working electrode is used in the transcutaneous sensor, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect partial withdrawal from the patient is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor is divided into multiple working electrodes (first and second working electrodes) with distinct active sensing areas positioned at different locations along the insertion path. This segmentation allows independent measurement of signals from different depths, enabling detection of partial withdrawal while maintaining relatively simple overall device structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention adds a spatial dimension to the sensing capability by positioning active sensing areas of different working electrodes at different longitudinal positions along the insertion path. This dimensional arrangement allows the system to detect changes in sensor depth relative to the patient's skin, providing withdrawal detection capability without significantly increasing device complexity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the active sensing areas of the first and second working electrodes are positioned at the same location, then the manufacturing precision is simplified, but the detection of partial withdrawal becomes impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The active sensing areas of the first and second working electrodes are deliberately positioned asymmetrically at different longitudinal locations along the insertion path. This asymmetric positioning creates distinct signal patterns when the sensor is fully inserted versus when it is partially withdrawn, enabling detection of withdrawal events while maintaining straightforward manufacturing processes.
3Device complexity
If no reference signal is provided, then the device complexity is reduced, but the accuracy of detecting signal reduction due to withdrawal deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback by continuously monitoring the ratio of signals from the first and second working electrodes and comparing it to the expected ratio when fully inserted. This feedback mechanism enables automatic detection of partial withdrawal and triggers appropriate responses without requiring complex external reference systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor performs self-diagnosis by using its own dual working electrodes to detect changes in its insertion status. The system monitors its own signal characteristics and automatically identifies when partial withdrawal occurs, eliminating the need for external reference signals or additional complex monitoring systems.
Data Source
AI summary
A transcutaneous sensor configured to measure one or more physiological conditions of a patient. The transcutaneous sensor includes a substrate and first and second working electrodes on the substrate. The first working electrode includes a first active sensing area and the second working electrode includes a second active sensing area. The first active sensing area of the first working electrode is longitudinally offset along the substrate from the second active sensing area of the second working electrode.