Color-Coded Chemistry Identification System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Ensuring consistency and easy identification of chemistries and instruments used for testing various parameters across different aqueous samples is challenging due to similar packaging, labels, and the risk of grabbing the wrong chemistry or instrument, leading to incorrect tests and wasted time.
Innovation Solution
A system and method that assigns unique, visually distinguishable colors to each parameter across chemistries and instruments, using a color chemistry chart to ensure a delta E value greater than 10 between colors, allowing for quick identification of the parameter being tested, and applying these colors consistently across all relevant products and product lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If chemistries and instruments use similar packaging and labels, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but identification accuracy deteriorates leading to errors in selecting the correct test parameter
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies color coding to packaging, labels, and identifiers of chemistries and instruments. Each parameter is assigned a unique color that appears on the packaging and labels, enabling rapid visual differentiation between different parameters without requiring complex packaging designs or additional manufacturing costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the visual parameter (color) of the packaging and labels to encode parameter information. By varying the color parameter while keeping the packaging structure similar, the system achieves both cost efficiency and improved identification accuracy.
2Device complexity
If users rely on reading labels or storage locations to identify parameters, then packaging can be simplified, but time to correctly identify and select the right chemistry or instrument increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses color as a visual cue that allows users to instantly identify parameters without reading labels. The color is displayed prominently on packaging, labels, and identifiers, enabling rapid recognition and selection of the correct chemistry or instrument based solely on visual perception.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the identification process into visual recognition (color) and verification (parameter name). The color provides immediate identification while the label serves as confirmation, reducing the cognitive load and time required for accurate parameter selection.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple chemistries and instruments are stocked for different parameters, then testing capability is comprehensive, but the risk of selecting the wrong item increases due to visual similarity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent assigns unique colors to each parameter and applies them consistently across all chemistries and instruments testing that parameter. This creates a visual code system where the color alone provides sufficient information to distinguish between different parameters, eliminating selection errors even when multiple items are stocked.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal color-coding system that applies across all chemistries and instruments. The same color consistently represents the same parameter regardless of the specific chemistry or instrument type, enabling reliable identification across a diverse portfolio of testing products.
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
The solution enables users to easily and accurately identify the correct chemistry or instrument for a specific parameter, reducing errors and time wastage by providing a clear visual distinction on labels, tags, and packaging, thus ensuring the right test is performed without needing to read labels or rely on storage locations.
Implementation Method 1
selecting a different color other than the color for designating a chemistry or an instrument as corresponding to the parameter, wherein the selecting a color other than the color comprises identifying a color having a measure of change in visual perception of the different color against other previously selected colors a predetermined value from the other previously selected colors
Data Source
AI summary
An embodiment provides a method for selecting a color for a chemistry or instrument based upon a parameter of a test, the method including: identifying a color corresponding to a parameter of a test for the parameter; selecting, if the color corresponding to the parameter has not previously been used for another parameter, the color for designating a chemistry or an instrument as corresponding to the parameter; selecting, if the color corresponding to the parameter has previously been used for another parameter, a different color other than the color for designating a chemistry or an instrument as corresponding to the parameter, wherein the selecting a color other than the color comprises identifying a color having a measure of change in visual perception of the different color against other previously selected colors a predetermined value from the other previously selected colors; and utilizing the selected colors for parameters across both chemistries and instruments that are utilized in tests for the parameters.