Wireless Electrochemical Test Sensor for Meter-Free Analyte Reading

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing analyte measurement systems require users to carry both test sensors and analyte meters, which can be cumbersome and require a learning curve, and updating algorithms is difficult and costly.

Innovation Solution

A system using electrochemical test sensors integrated with NFC- or Bluetooth-enabled dongles and readers that allow for wireless data transmission, eliminating the need for analyte meters and enabling easy algorithm updates without the need for firmware updates or device replacements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If users carry both test sensors and analyte meters for measurement, then measurement functionality is complete, but device complexity and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement functionalityVSAvoidnumber of devices to carry

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the analyte meter functionality with the test sensor by integrating a wireless communication module directly into the test sensor body. This merging eliminates the need for separate analyte meter devices, reducing user burden while maintaining complete measurement functionality through the integrated sensor-meter system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The test sensor is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both the electrochemical measurement capability and wireless data transmission capability into a single device. This universal design allows the test sensor to perform both measurement and communication functions, eliminating the need for separate analyte meter equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If analyte meters are used for processing test sensor data, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but ease of operation decreases due to learning curve

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalyte concentration accuracyVSAvoiduser setup complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test sensor performs self-service by automatically processing the electrochemical signal and generating the analyte concentration result without requiring external analyte meter equipment. The integrated wireless communication module enables the sensor to independently complete measurement, data processing, and result transmission, eliminating the learning curve associated with operating separate analyte meters while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Adaptability or versatility

If firmware updates are used for algorithm updates in analyte meters, then measurement algorithms can be updated, but cost and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvealgorithm update capabilityVSAvoidupdate cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a cost-effective update strategy by using a disposable or replaceable test sensor design where algorithm updates are embedded in new sensor versions. Instead of expensive firmware updates for expensive analyte meters, the system uses affordable test sensor replacements that come with updated algorithms, significantly reducing update costs while maintaining adaptability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

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 user convenience by eliminating the need for analyte meters and simplifying the measurement process, while allowing for frequent and cost-effective algorithm updates.

Implementation Method 1

The base includes an enzyme adapted to react with the analyte

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectEnzyme reaction: Enzyme

Implementation Method 2

The electrochemical test sensor further includes a plurality of electrodes

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Electrolysis

Implementation Method 3

The NFC-enabled reader is configured to wirelessly receive data from the NFC-enabled dongle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectNear field communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 4

The Bluetooth-enabled reader is configured to wirelessly receive data from the Bluetooth-enabled dongle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectBluetooth wireless communication: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS12520114B2Test sensor systems and methods using the same

Publication Date: 2026.01.06 ASCENSIA DIABETES CARE HLDG AG

AI summary

A system for determining analyte information of a fluid sample includes an electrochemical test sensor, an NFC-enabled dongle and an NFC-enabled reader. The test sensor includes a base, an enzyme adapted to react with the analyte, electrodes and test-sensor contacts. The NFC-enabled dongle includes a near field communication (NFC) tag chip, an analog front end (AFE), and a microcontroller. The dongle includes an exterior covering that forms an opening for receiving the test sensor. The NFC-enabled reader wirelessly receives data from the dongle to assist in determining the analyte information of the fluid sample. Another system for determining analyte information of a fluid sample includes an electrochemical test sensor, a Bluetooth-enabled dongle and a Bluetooth-enabled reader.