Biosensor Meter USB Port Electrical Shock Hazard Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
USB biosensor meters pose a risk of electrical shock to users due to potential coupling with faulty power supplies in computers, even when the computer is turned off or not properly grounded, as existing safety measures are inadequate for small, handheld devices.
Innovation Solution
The biosensor meter detects connection to a USB port of a computer, regardless of the computer's state, and disables fluid sample analysis by displaying warnings, sounding alarms, vibrating, or ejecting the test strip to prevent user interaction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If USB biosensor meter is connected to computer USB port for data transfer or power supply, then device functionality is enhanced, but electrical shock hazard increases due to potential coupling with faulty power supplies
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of USB connection status before allowing fluid sample analysis. The controller detects whether the biosensor meter is connected to a USB port, and based on this detection, preemptively disables the fluid sample analysis function or displays warning messages to prevent user interaction, thereby eliminating the electrical shock hazard before it can occur.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the USB connection interface and the fluid sample analysis function. It monitors the USB connection status and mediates the operational state of the biosensor meter, preventing direct interaction between the user and the potentially hazardous electrical system by disabling analysis functions or displaying warnings when USB connection is detected.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If safety warnings and alerts are displayed to prevent fluid sample application, then user safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to restricted functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts its operational state based on real-time USB connection status. When no USB connection is detected, the biosensor meter operates normally with full functionality. When USB connection is detected, the system dynamically transitions to a restricted state by disabling fluid sample analysis or displaying warning messages, allowing users to understand the safety condition and make informed decisions about their interaction with the device.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A biosensor meter (10a) is provided for determining an analyte concentration in a fluid. The biosensor meter includes a USB port (14a) having a first data signal port terminal (32d'), and a detection circuit (50a) including a first input terminal and an output terminal. The first input terminal of the detection circuit (50a) is coupled to the first data signal port terminal (32d'). The detection circuit (50a) provides at the output terminal a first output signal when a current sensed at the first input terminal is greater than or equal to a first predetermined amount, and a second output signal when the current sensed at the first input terminal is less than the first predetermined amount. The detection circuit (50a) is configured to detect whether the USB port (14a) of the biosensor meter (10a) is connected to the USB port (14b) of another electronic device, such as a computer (12) and even if the computer (12) is shut down, and to prompt the meter's user for not carrying out a measurement in order to reduce the risk of electrical shock.