Infrared Thermopile Sensor for Test Sensor Temperature Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining analyte concentration in body fluids, such as glucose testing, are inaccurate due to temperature variations between the test sensor and the thermistor, leading to incorrect chemical reaction results.
Innovation Solution
A temperature-measuring system is implemented to accurately measure the test sensor temperature, using a thermopile sensor to detect infrared radiation and correct analyte concentration calculations, with a diagnostic system to calibrate and ensure the accuracy of temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermistor is placed near the test-sensor opening to measure temperature, then the meter temperature can be measured, but the test sensor temperature cannot be accurately measured due to temperature difference between meter and sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an infrared-transparent window as an intermediary element that allows the thermopile sensor to detect infrared radiation from the test sensor through the meter housing. This window acts as a mediator that transmits thermal information from the test sensor to the temperature-measuring system without direct contact, resolving the temperature measurement discrepancy between the meter and the test sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the conventional thermistor-based temperature measurement system with an infrared detection system using a thermopile sensor. This substitution allows non-contact temperature measurement of the test sensor by detecting infrared radiation, eliminating the need for direct thermal contact and the associated temperature differences between the meter and sensor.
2Device complexity
If the thermistor is located on the printed circuit board inside the meter, then the device structure is simplified, but the temperature measurement reflects meter temperature rather than test sensor temperature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the contact-based thermistor measurement system with a non-contact infrared detection system. The thermopile sensor detects infrared radiation emitted by the test sensor through an infrared-transparent window, allowing temperature measurement without physical contact and without reflecting the meter's internal temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The infrared-transparent window serves as an intermediary that enables the thermopile sensor to measure test sensor temperature through the meter housing. This window allows infrared radiation to pass from the test sensor to the sensor while maintaining the structural integrity of the meter housing.
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 provides more accurate and reliable analyte concentration measurements by accounting for the reagent's temperature sensitivity, improving the precision of glucose testing and similar analyte determinations.
Implementation Method 1
A temperature-measuring system measures the test sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the receiving port
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and systems accurately determine an analyte concentration in a fluid sample. In an example embodiment, a receiving port receives a test sensor. The test sensor includes a fluid-receiving area for receiving a fluid sample. The fluid-receiving area contains a reagent that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the fluid sample. The test sensor has a test-sensor temperature and the reagent has a reagent temperature. A measurement system measures the reaction between the reagent and the analyte. A temperature-measuring system measures the test sensor temperature when the test sensor is received into the receiving port. A concentration of the analyte in the fluid sample is determined according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test sensor temperature. A diagnostic system determines an accuracy of the temperature-measuring system. The calculation of the analyte concentration may be adjusted according to the accuracy of temperature-measuring system.