Handheld Analyzer Dual Sensor Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Handheld analyzers for testing medically significant components, such as blood glucose levels, often experience malfunctions due to soiled electric contacts, leading to issues like continuous strip pile-up and strip jam, especially in mobile use where they are exposed to moisture and dust.
Innovation Solution
A handheld analyzer with a test unit that combines an electric switch component and an optical sensor unit to verify the correct positioning of analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway, preventing malfunctions by analyzing switch and sensor signals to ensure accurate detection and preventing unnecessary consumable means withdrawal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If an electric switch component is used to detect the presence of analytical consumable means, then the detection mechanism is simple and reliable, but the electric contacts become soiled in mobile use conditions leading to malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
An optical sensor unit is introduced as an intermediary detection mechanism that uses light to detect the presence of analytical consumable means without requiring direct physical or electrical contact. This mediator approach allows detection to occur while the consumable means remains in its sealed state, preventing soiling of detection components while maintaining reliable detection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanical/electrical detection system (electric switch component) is replaced with an optical detection system (optical sensor unit). This substitution eliminates the need for physical contact between the detection mechanism and the consumable means, thereby preventing soiling of electric contacts while maintaining detection functionality.
2Device complexity
If only an electric switch component is used for detection, then the device complexity is low, but detection accuracy is insufficient due to soiled contacts
Solution Approach 1:
The electric switch component and optical sensor unit are merged into a dual-detection system. The electric switch provides basic presence detection while the optical sensor verifies correct positioning. This combination maintains relatively low device complexity while significantly improving detection accuracy by cross-validating signals from both detection mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit analyzes signals from both the electric switch component and optical sensor unit, comparing them to verify correct positioning. This feedback mechanism ensures that detection accuracy is maintained by requiring agreement between both detection systems before confirming proper consumable means positioning.
3Speed
If the withdrawal device continuously checks for consumable means, then the system responds quickly to presence/absence, but malfunctions occur due to soiled contacts causing false readings
Solution Approach 1:
The optical sensor unit performs a preliminary verification of consumable means positioning before the withdrawal device activates. By checking the position optically first, the system can prevent false readings from soiled contacts from triggering unnecessary withdrawal actions, thereby maintaining quick response while improving reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit continuously monitors and compares signals from both the electric switch component and optical sensor unit. This feedback loop allows the system to quickly respond to genuine presence/absence conditions while filtering out false readings caused by soiled contacts, thus maintaining both speed and reliability.
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
Significantly reduces malfunctions associated with soiled electric contacts, such as continuous strip pile-up and strip jam, by ensuring accurate detection of consumable means positioning, thereby enhancing the reliability and usability of the analyzer.
Implementation Method 1
an optical sensor unit which optically senses the positioning of an analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a handheld analyzer for testing a sample, in particular of a biological fluid, for a medically significant component. It comprises a test unit, which detects the correct positioning of an analytical consumable means in a conveyance pathway. According to this invention, the test unit has both an electric switch component which mechanically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means and an optical sensor unit which optically senses the positioning of the analytical consumable means on the conveyance pathway. The handheld analyzer is controlled as a function of a comparison of the signals of the electric switch component and the optical sensor unit. It is possible in this way to reduce malfunctions or operating errors associated therewith.