Interim Auto-Calibration Circuit for Sensor Package
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing glucose testing systems face challenges in launching new modified test sensors without delaying the market introduction of the new system or incurring costly inventory purges, as they require calibration with existing sensors, which complicates the transition and affects market timing.
Innovation Solution
An interim auto-calibration circuit or label is introduced, featuring a plurality of electrical connections with contact areas that can be used by both existing and future instruments, allowing for auto-calibration of test sensors, enabling seamless integration and calibration across different instruments and reagents.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the manufacturer delays launching the new modified test sensor until existing test sensors are purged from the marketplace, then the new system can be properly calibrated, but the market introduction is delayed and productivity is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an interim auto-calibration circuit as a mediator that enables existing instruments to automatically calibrate with new test sensors. This intermediary calibration mechanism allows the transition from old to new sensors without requiring instrument replacement or market delay, resolving the contradiction between calibration accuracy and launch timing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-programming the auto-calibration circuit with calibration data before the sensor modification is launched. This allows existing instruments to be prepared in advance for the new sensor type, enabling immediate calibration accuracy without requiring post-launch instrument swaps or delays.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the manufacturer swaps existing test sensors with modified test sensors after launch, then the new system can be fully implemented, but costs increase due to removal and replacement operations
Solution Approach 1:
The interim auto-calibration circuit serves as an intermediary that enables seamless transition from old to new sensors without physical replacement. Existing instruments automatically detect and switch between sensor types through the calibration circuit, eliminating costly swap operations while maintaining full adaptability to sensor modifications.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service by enabling instruments to automatically detect sensor type changes and perform self-calibration without human intervention. The auto-calibration circuit autonomously manages the transition process, eliminating manual sensor swapping and associated costs while maintaining adaptability to new sensor designs.
3Ease of manufacture
If the manufacturer maintains existing test sensor inventory, then production costs are reduced, but the ability to implement new modified sensors is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing the interim auto-calibration circuit to work with both old and new test sensor types. This multi-functional calibration system allows existing instruments to support multiple sensor generations simultaneously, enabling the manufacturer to maintain existing inventory while implementing new modified sensors without sacrificing adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by creating a flexible calibration system that can dynamically adapt to different sensor types. The auto-calibration circuit dynamically detects and adjusts calibration parameters based on the specific sensor being used, allowing the same instrument hardware to support both legacy and modified sensors throughout their respective lifecycles.
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 solution allows for the immediate launch of new test sensors without the need to swap out existing ones, reducing market delays and costs, while ensuring accurate analyte concentration measurements by automating the transfer of calibration information.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid is drawn into a capillary channel that extends in the sensor from the testing end to the reagent material by capillary action
Implementation Method 2
The fluid then chemically reacts with the reagent material in the sensor resulting in an electrical signal indicative of the glucose level
Data Source
AI summary
An interim auto-calibration circuit or label adapted to be used with a sensor package. The sensor package is adapted to be used with first and second instruments to determine the analyte concentration of fluid sample. The instruments are different and include respective first and second plurality of pins that are in different patterns. The sensor package comprises a plurality of electrical connections that includes a plurality of contact areas. The contact areas have a first and second contact sections being shorted together. The first contact sections are adapted to contact a respective one of the first pins. The second contact sections are adapted to contact a respective one of the second pins. The electrical connections assist in conveying information corresponding to the test sensors. The information is adapted to be utilized by the first and the second instruments to auto-calibrate for the test sensors.