Biosensor Meter Connection Error Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensor systems face issues with electrical connection errors such as shorts and opens between the biosensor and the meter, which can lead to erroneous readings and potentially harmful consequences due to faulty contacts or defective leads.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for self-detecting short and open conditions by applying a voltage and measuring current between connector contacts before and after a fluid sample is applied, utilizing a multi-contact connector assembly to ensure proper connection and alerting users to faulty conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple leads and connector contacts are used to enable proper electrical connection for biosensor operation, then the biosensor can function correctly, but the risk of connection errors such as shorts and opens increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of short and open conditions by applying a detection voltage and measuring current between connector contacts before the actual biosensor measurement begins. This advance checking prevents erroneous readings by identifying connection errors early in the process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors electrical current between connector contacts and provides feedback about connection status. By measuring current during a detection phase before sample application, the system can alert users to faulty connections and prevent inaccurate measurements.
2Measurement precision
If connection error detection is performed by applying voltage and measuring current between connector contacts, then short and open conditions can be detected, but additional detection time and processing steps are required
Solution Approach 1:
Connection error detection is performed as a preliminary step before the actual analyte measurement. By detecting shorts and opens in advance during a separate detection phase, the system ensures measurement accuracy without significantly delaying the overall testing process.
Solution Approach 2:
The system applies voltage between specific pairs of connector contacts to detect errors. Rather than testing all possible combinations, the method focuses on detecting current between adjacent or relevant contact pairs, providing sufficient detection capability with minimized testing steps.
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
Effectively detects and alerts users to electrical connection errors, preventing erroneous readings and ensuring accurate analyte concentration measurements, thereby reducing user risk and improving measurement reliability.
Implementation Method 1
applying a voltage and measuring current between connector contacts
Implementation Method 2
The fluid is drawn into a capillary channel that extends in the biosensor from the tip of the testing end to the reagent/electrodes by capillary action
Implementation Method 3
The reagent will enzymatically react with blood glucose and produce redox current at the electrodes
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
Figure 4a~4b
AI summary
A method of operating a meter for determining the concentration of an analyte in a current sample and for self-detecting electrical connection errors like short or open circuit between the electrodes of a biosensor. The method includes providing a connector with a plurality of contacts and coupling each of the plurality of contacts to one of a plurality of electrical leads on a biosensor, such that each of the plurality of connector contacts electrically contacts a corresponding one of the plurality of electrical leads. The meter obtains a first measurement between a pair of the plurality of connector contacts prior to the fluid sample being applied. The meter also obtains a second measurement between the pair of the plurality of connector contacts after the fluid sample is applied. In response to either the first or the second measurements being outside a predetermined range, a fault is indicated.