Biological Sample Measurement Apparatus Self-Diagnosis Controller

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biological sample measurement devices require a dedicated management chip to be mounted before determining abnormalities, making the process inconvenient and time-consuming.

Innovation Solution

The device includes a controller with measurement preparation and measurement modes, using a detector to check for sensor mounting and performing two measurements (connected to a reference resistor and in an open state) to determine if the measurement component is functioning within pre-set reference ranges, eliminating the need for a separate management chip.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a dedicated management chip is mounted to determine abnormalities, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to the additional mounting step

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidconvenience of use
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the abnormality detection function from a separate management chip and integrates it into the main measurement device. The detector and switching component are built-in, allowing the device to perform self-diagnosis without requiring an external management chip to be mounted separately.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device is designed to perform multiple functions: normal measurement operation and abnormality detection. The switching component enables the device to switch between measurement mode and diagnostic mode, making the device universal and eliminating the need for a dedicated management chip.

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

2Reliability

If a dedicated management chip is mounted before measurement, then abnormalities are detected, but time is lost due to the additional mounting step

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveabnormality detectionVSAvoidtime for chip mounting
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs preliminary abnormality detection automatically when a sensor is mounted, before actual measurement begins. The detector checks the sensor mounting status and the controller executes diagnostic routines, ensuring the system is ready for measurement without requiring separate preparation steps.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The measurement device performs self-diagnosis using its own built-in detector and switching components. The system automatically determines whether a sensor is properly mounted and whether the measurement component is functioning normally, eliminating the need for external management chips or manual checking procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Reliability

If the measurement component is continuously monitored, then measurement reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidcomplexity of measurement component
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The device performs periodic abnormality detection at specific moments: when power is supplied and when a sensor is mounted. The controller executes diagnostic routines at these predetermined times rather than continuously monitoring, reducing complexity while maintaining reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs partial monitoring by checking only critical parameters (sensor mounting status and basic measurement component functionality) rather than continuously monitoring all possible parameters. This selective approach maintains reliability while minimizing added complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #16Partial or excessive action

Data Source

PatentEP2803986B1Biological sample measurement apparatus
Publication Date: 2018.02.14 PHC HLDG CORP
  • EP2803986B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2803986B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2803986B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A controller (11) performs the following Check 01 and Check 02 in a measurement preparation mode, and determines whether or not there is an abnormality in a measurement component (9). Check 01: In a state where the input side of the measurement component (9) is connected by a switching component (10) to a reference resistor (16), a first measurement value is found, and it is determined whether or not this first measurement value is within a first reference range stored in a memory component (12). Check 02: In a state where the switching component (10) puts the input side of the measurement component (9) in an open state, a second measurement value is found, and it is determined whether or not this second measurement value is within a second reference range stored in the memory component (12).