Antenna Electrode Segmentation for Handheld Glucose Meter

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Solution Overview

Problem

Small biological sample measurement apparatuses face a decrease in transmission performance due to radio wave absorption by the user's hand, requiring increased transmission power to compensate.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a measurement electrode and antenna electrode on a test piece, which functions as both a measurement and communication antenna, reduces radio wave absorption and allows for efficient transmission with lower power consumption.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Weight of moving object

If the biological sample measurement apparatus is made small and held in the hand, then portability is improved, but transmission performance deteriorates due to radio wave absorption by the hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapparatus sizeVSAvoidtransmission performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Weight of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the antenna system into two separate antennas: a first antenna for communication when the apparatus is not held in the hand, and a second antenna for communication when the apparatus is held in the hand. This segmentation allows each antenna to be optimized for its specific operating condition, resolving the contradiction between portability and transmission performance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamic switching between the first and second antennas based on whether the apparatus is being held in the hand or not. The control unit determines the holding state and switches the active antenna accordingly, allowing the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal transmission performance regardless of portability requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Reliability

If transmission power is increased to compensate for radio wave absorption, then transmission performance is improved, but power consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetransmission performanceVSAvoidpower consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna system into two specialized antennas, allowing each to operate at optimal power levels for its specific function. The second antenna is designed specifically for hand-held conditions, enabling effective communication at lower power levels compared to increasing the power of a single general-purpose antenna.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the antenna parameter (which antenna is active) based on the operating condition. By switching between different antenna configurations optimized for different scenarios, the system maintains transmission performance while avoiding the need to continuously increase power consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If a single antenna is used for both measurement and communication, then device complexity is reduced, but transmission performance deteriorates when held in the hand

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveantenna configurationVSAvoidtransmission performance
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the antenna function into two separate antennas with distinct purposes: the first antenna for general communication and the second antenna specifically for hand-held conditions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by providing specialized antennas for different operating modes rather than relying on a single multi-purpose antenna.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a universal antenna system where two antennas work together to provide communication capability across different holding conditions. The control unit selects the appropriate antenna based on the operating state, giving the system universal communication capability whether held in hand or placed on a surface.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

This solution enhances communication performance by minimizing radio wave absorption, enabling efficient data transmission with reduced power consumption and a smaller, lighter apparatus.

Implementation Method 1

the antenna electrode (39) functions as a communications antenna in a state of being inserted and held in the biological sample measurement apparatus

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a measurement electrode (2) for electrochemically measuring the biological sample that has been placed in the form of a spot in a specific location

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical measurement: Electrochemiluminescence

Data Source

PatentUS8262876B2Test piece for measuring biological sample and biological sample measurement apparatus
Publication Date: 2012.09.11 PHC HLDG CORP
  • US8262876B2 patent drawing
  • US8262876B2 patent drawing
  • US8262876B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A blood glucose measurement device (50) comprises a test piece insertion unit (10) for inserting, holding, and electrically connecting a test piece on which an electrode pattern has been formed, a measurement circuit (16) for electrochemically measuring a biological sample that has been placed in the form of a spot on the test piece, a communication circuit (15) for transmitting the result of measurement with the measurement circuit (16) by wireless communication using an antenna electrode (2C) equipped with the test piece, and a switch (14) that is connected to the test piece insertion unit (10) for switching between the measurement circuit (16) and the communication circuit (15).