Biosensor Thermal Conductive Layer for Temperature Correction

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional biosensor measurement systems face challenges in achieving precise temperature correction, particularly when users handle biosensors with bare hands, leading to measurement errors due to ambient temperature differences from actual sample temperatures, and existing solutions are either costly, impractical for disposable biosensors, or reduce measurement precision and reproducibility.

Innovation Solution

A method and apparatus that measure the time from biosensor attachment to sample application and correct measurement results based on ambient temperature, using a time measurement means and temperature correction means to minimize the impact of temperature variations on measurement precision.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature correction is performed using ambient temperature, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement accuracy deteriorates when biosensor is handled with bare hands

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement precisionVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a thermal conductive layer as an intermediary between the biosensor and the measurement device. This layer acts as a thermal bridge to rapidly equalize the temperature between the biosensor and the measurement device, eliminating the temperature difference caused by hand handling without requiring direct contact between the user's hand and the biosensor's reagent reaction part.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent performs preliminary temperature equalization by allowing the biosensor to acclimatize to the measurement device's temperature through the thermal conductive layer before the actual measurement begins. This preliminary thermal equilibrium ensures that the biosensor is at the correct temperature for accurate measurement, preventing temperature-related errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If thermal conductive layer is provided on the biosensor to measure its temperature, then measurement accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal conductive layer serves as a passive thermal intermediary that facilitates heat transfer without requiring active temperature sensing components on the biosensor itself. The measurement device's existing temperature detector suffices when combined with this thermal bridge, avoiding the need for additional sensors on the disposable biosensor.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The thermal conductive layer automatically performs the temperature equalization function through its inherent thermal conductivity properties, without requiring additional control systems, sensors, or power sources on the biosensor. The system uses the measurement device's existing temperature detection capability in conjunction with the passive thermal bridge.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Productivity

If measurement is performed immediately after biosensor insertion, then productivity is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature difference

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement speedVSAvoidmeasurement precision
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal conductive layer enables preliminary temperature equalization to occur rapidly during the brief period between biosensor insertion and measurement. This quick thermal acclimatization allows the system to achieve both fast measurement speed and high precision by eliminating the temperature difference before the measurement begins.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the thermal parameter relationship by introducing the thermal conductive layer, which fundamentally alters the heat transfer dynamics between the biosensor and measurement device. This enables rapid thermal equilibrium to be achieved, allowing measurements to be performed immediately after insertion with high precision.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 approach enables highly precise measurements by correcting for temperature influences, improving measurement accuracy even with short measurement times without the need for additional temperature sensors, thus reducing costs and enhancing reproducibility.

Implementation Method 1

a thermal conductive layer for allowing heat to be conducted from the measurement device to the biosensor

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Implementation Method 2

the blood penetrates along the sample supply channel 34 by capillary phenomenon to reach the reagent layer 35

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCapillary action: Capillary Action

Data Source

PatentEP2040065B1Method and apparatus for measuring liquid sample
Publication Date: 2015.12.30 PANASONIC HEALTHCARE HLDG CO LTD
  • EP2040065B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2040065B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2040065B1 patent drawingFigure 3(a)~3(b)

AI summary

A liquid sample measurement apparatus of the present invention is provided with a timer (122) for measuring the time from when a biosensor (30) is attached to a liquid sample measurement device (110a) which measures the concentration of a specific component in a liquid sample that is applied to the biosensor (30) to when the liquid sample is applied to the biosensor (30), and correction based on the time measured by the timer (122) is performed to the measurement result of the concentration of the specific component in the liquid sample that is applied to the biosensor (30). Thereby, the measurement precision can be enhanced with utilizing the correction algorithm in which the ambient temperature and the temperature of the biosensor itself are considered.