Blood Glucose Meter Dual Temperature Sensor Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Blood glucose meters used for self-measurement often encounter errors due to rapid temperature changes, as the internal temperature sensor inside the device takes longer to adjust to ambient temperature changes compared to the external measuring tip, leading to incorrect temperature correction and erroneous glucose readings.

Innovation Solution

A blood glucose meter equipped with both an internal and external temperature sensor, where the external sensor is positioned to quickly detect ambient temperature fluctuations, and a controller that temporarily halts measurement processing until the temperature stabilizes, ensuring accurate glucose readings.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the internal temperature sensor is used to measure ambient temperature, then the device structure is simple, but the temperature measurement is inaccurate during rapid temperature changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetemperature measurement accuracyVSAvoidtemperature sensor configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature sensing function into two separate sensors: an internal temperature sensor mounted on the circuit board and an external temperature sensor mounted on the case. Each sensor serves a specific purpose - the internal sensor monitors device temperature while the external sensor detects ambient temperature changes. This segmentation allows the system to accurately detect temperature fluctuations without requiring a complex single sensor solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The external temperature sensor acts as an intermediary between the ambient environment and the internal device components. By placing the external sensor on the case surface, it indirectly measures ambient temperature changes before they affect the internal circuit board, providing advance warning of temperature fluctuations that would otherwise cause measurement errors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If the blood glucose measurement is performed immediately after temperature change, then the measurement speed is fast, but the measurement accuracy is poor

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveblood glucose measurement accuracyVSAvoidtemperature stabilization time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary temperature monitoring using the external temperature sensor before initiating the blood glucose measurement. When rapid temperature changes are detected, the controller proactively delays the measurement process until temperature stabilization is confirmed, preventing inaccurate readings before they occur.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The controller continuously monitors temperature data from both internal and external sensors and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust the measurement timing. The system compares temperature readings, detects stabilization patterns, and automatically determines the optimal moment to proceed with measurement, ensuring accuracy without unnecessary delays.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Reliability

If the internal temperature sensor is mounted on the circuit board, then the device structure is compact, but the temperature sensor cannot correctly measure ambient temperature during rapid changes

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveambient temperature detection reliabilityVSAvoidtemperature sensing system
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the temperature sensing function into two separate sensors: an internal temperature sensor mounted on the circuit board and an external temperature sensor mounted on the case. Each sensor serves a specific purpose - the internal sensor monitors device temperature while the external sensor detects ambient temperature changes. This segmentation allows the system to accurately detect temperature fluctuations without requiring a complex single sensor solution.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The external temperature sensor is specifically positioned on the case surface where it is most effective at detecting ambient temperature changes, while the internal sensor remains on the circuit board for monitoring device temperature. Each sensor is optimally located for its specific function, improving overall temperature detection reliability without adding unnecessary complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 configuration allows for reliable detection of ambient temperature fluctuations and ensures accurate blood glucose measurements by ensuring the device operates within a stable temperature environment, reducing the risk of erroneous readings.

Implementation Method 1

an external temperature sensor which is adapted for measuring the external temperature, and is arranged at a position separated from the central portion of the case and thermally independent from the case

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Implementation Method 2

an internal temperature thermistor for measuring the internal temperature of the case is arranged inside the case of the blood glucose meter

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Implementation Method 3

a temperature check processing section adapted to compare temperature difference between the internal temperature sensor and the external temperature sensor with a predetermined threshold to judge whether or not the change of the ambient temperature of the case is suitable for measuring blood glucose level

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectTemperature comparison:

Data Source

PatentEP2479576B1Blood glucose meter and blood glucose level measurement method
Publication Date: 2016.03.30 TERUMO KK
  • EP2479576B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2479576B1 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2479576B1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

It is possible to reliably detect fluctuation of the temperature surrounding a blood glucose meter, and perform blood glucose measurement in an appropriate environment. An internal temperature sensor for measuring internal temperature of a case of the blood glucose meter is arranged inside the case of the blood glucose meter, and an external temperature sensor configured by components with low heat capacity and adapted for measuring external temperature is arranged at a position separated from the central portion of the case of the blood glucose meter. Further, a microcomputer of the blood glucose meter includes the following processing: judging whether or not the temperature fluctuation falls within the acceptable range based on the difference between the respective temperatures and, if the temperature fluctuation exceeds the acceptable range, temporarily stopping the processing until the temperature fluctuation falls within the acceptable range in the case where the blood glucose measurement has not yet been performed, or stopping the blood glucose measurement processing in the case where the blood glucose measurement is being performed.