Single LED Indicator Illumination via Wavelength Filtration
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte testing systems are limited by the need for multiple lighting elements to illuminate multiple indicators, leading to increased size, cost, and reduced efficiency in conveying information to users, who often require quicker and clearer results.
Innovation Solution
A testing system utilizing a single lighting element, such as an RGB LED, combined with light guides and filters to illuminate multiple visual indicators in different colors independently, allowing for efficient and aesthetically pleasing information conveyance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple lighting elements are used to illuminate multiple indicators, then each indicator can be illuminated independently, but the device size increases and cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple lighting elements into a single integrated lighting element that can emit multiple wavelengths. This single element replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate LEDs, thereby reducing device volume while maintaining the capability to independently illuminate different indicators through wavelength-selective filtering.
Solution Approach 2:
The single lighting element is designed to perform multiple functions by emitting light across a broad spectrum. By combining this universal light source with wavelength-specific filters for each indicator, the system achieves multi-functionality (independent control of multiple indicators) without requiring multiple specialized lighting elements.
2Ease of operation
If multiple lighting elements are used to illuminate multiple indicators, then each indicator can be illuminated independently, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple lighting elements into one, reducing the total component count and associated manufacturing costs. The single lighting element with integrated wavelength control replaces multiple separate LEDs, simplifying the bill of materials and assembly process while maintaining independent indicator illumination capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The universal lighting element serves multiple indicators simultaneously, reducing the need for multiple specialized components. This multi-functional approach lowers manufacturing complexity and cost by consolidating what would otherwise require multiple separate lighting solutions.
3Volume of moving object
If a single lighting element is used with filters, then device size is reduced and cost is reduced, but the ability to convey different color information is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces wavelength-selective filters as intermediary components between the single broadband lighting element and the multiple indicators. These filters act as mediators that selectively transmit specific wavelengths to different indicators, enabling rich color information conveyance without requiring multiple lighting elements, thus maintaining compact device size.
Solution Approach 2:
The system utilizes color changes achieved through wavelength filtration rather than through multiple lighting elements. The single lighting element emits broadband light that is then spectrally separated by filters, allowing different indicators to display different colors (information states) while maintaining a compact form factor.
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
The solution enables smaller, less expensive testing systems that can convey information more quickly and clearly, with indicators operating independently to provide distinct alerts and results, enhancing user experience and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a lighting element capable of emitting light of a number of different wavelengths corresponding to a number of different colors
Implementation Method 2
a light guide coupled to the lighting element and configured to transmit light emitted by the lighting element
Implementation Method 3
a first filter configured to filter light of a first wavelength and coupled to a first visual indicator and a second filter configured to filter light of the first wavelength and coupled to a second visual indicator
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A testing system configured to determine an analyte concentration has a user interface that includes a number of visual indicators on its exterior housing. The visual indicators convey different types of information to a user of the testing system when illuminated. Additionally, the indicators are independent of one another in that they can each be illuminated in different colors from one other and turn on and/or off independently of one another. Further, the visual indicators are illuminated using a common lighting element (e.g., a single light emitting diode ("LED")) in combination with one or more waveguides and one or more filters located inside the testing system.