Dual Clock In-Vitro Diagnostic Apparatus Expiration Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
In-vitro diagnostic apparatuses struggle to prevent the misuse of test media with expired expiration dates, as existing systems allow for arbitrary time settings, leading to inconsistent determinations of expiration dates across different regions and potential errors due to mechanical defects.
Innovation Solution
An in-vitro diagnostic apparatus with a dual clock system, where the first clock sets a standard time for determining the expiration date, and the second clock allows for arbitrary time settings, ensuring that the test medium is only analyzed if its expiration date has not passed, and includes a sensor to recognize expiration dates via barcodes, QR codes, or RFID, and an output unit to inform users of expired media.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a single clock with arbitrary time settings is used, then the device is simple to operate, but the expiration date determination becomes inconsistent across different regions and mechanical defects cannot be detected
Solution Approach 1:
The timekeeping function is segmented into two independent clocks: a first clock that provides standard time for expiration date determination and a second clock that allows arbitrary time settings for other operations. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by separating the reliability-critical function from the flexibility-critical function, allowing each to operate independently with appropriate constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller acts as an intermediary between the two clocks and the expiration date determination process. It selectively uses the first clock's time for expiration date checks while allowing the second clock to be used for other timing operations, thereby mediating between the conflicting requirements of reliability and operational flexibility.
2Reliability
If time information can be arbitrarily set, then the device is adaptable to different user needs, but users may intentionally misuse expired test media for economic reasons
Solution Approach 1:
The time setting functionality is segmented into two independent systems: the first clock with locked standard time that cannot be arbitrarily modified, and the second clock with flexible arbitrary time settings. This prevents users from manipulating time to extend test medium usage beyond its actual expiration date, while still maintaining adaptability for legitimate operational needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system preemptively prevents misuse by using the first clock's standard time as the authoritative reference for expiration date determination. This preliminary anti-action blocks the potential harmful effect of intentional time manipulation before it can occur, while the second clock retains flexibility for non-critical operations.
3Reliability
If mechanical defects in timekeeping are not detected, then the device operates continuously, but expiration date checks may produce errors leading to incorrect analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The controller implements feedback by continuously monitoring the first clock's time information and using it to verify expiration dates. This feedback mechanism detects timekeeping errors and prevents incorrect expiration date determinations, ensuring that analysis operations are only performed when the test medium is genuinely valid.
Solution Approach 2:
The controller serves as an intermediary that uses the first clock's standard time information to mediate the expiration date check process. This intermediary role ensures that even if other system components have timing errors, the critical expiration date determination remains accurate based on the reliable first clock.
Data Source
AI summary
An in-vitro diagnostic apparatus includes a loading unit which receives a test medium including a test object; a first clock including first time information that is set as a standard clock time and used to determine whether an expiration date of the test medium has passed; a second clock including second time information that can be set as an arbitrary time; a sensor which acquires the expiration date of the test medium; a controller which determines whether the expiration date of the test medium has passed, based on the first time information; and an analyzer which analyzes the test object based on the second time information when it is determined that the expiration date of the test medium has not yet passed.