LED Light Source State Prediction by Stabilization Time

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional methods for determining the state and predicting the replacement time of LED light sources in analysis devices are inadequate due to variations in initial light amounts and environmental conditions, leading to unnecessary replacements despite sufficient light levels for analysis performance.

Innovation Solution

An analysis device that includes a photodetector to measure the time required for the LED light source to stabilize after turning on, using this time to determine the state and predict the replacement time based on a correlation with energization time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the LED light source is replaced when the light amount becomes less than or equal to a threshold (e.g., 70%) of the initial light amount, then the analysis performance is maintained, but unnecessary replacements occur due to variations in initial light amount among individual LED light sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveanalysis performanceVSAvoidreplacement frequency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the parameter used for replacement determination from absolute light amount to stabilization time. By measuring how long it takes for the LED light amount to stabilize after turning on, the system can determine replacement timing without being affected by individual differences in initial light amount among LED light sources

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent substitutes the conventional light amount measurement method with a time-based stabilization measurement method. Instead of measuring whether the light amount reaches a threshold value, the system measures the time required for the light amount to stabilize, thereby eliminating the need to account for individual variations in initial light output

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Duration of action of stationary object

If the LED light source is replaced when the lighting time reaches a preset life time, then the long-term stability is ensured, but replacements occur even when the light amount is sufficient for analysis performance

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveservice lifeVSAvoidreplacement timing accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Duration of action of stationary objectVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism that continuously monitors the stabilization time of the LED light source and compares it against reference values. This feedback loop enables dynamic adjustment of replacement timing based on actual LED performance rather than relying on predetermined time schedules, preventing premature replacements when the LED still performs adequately

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent transitions from a static replacement schedule based on preset lifetime to a dynamic assessment method. By measuring the stabilization time at different usage stages and comparing with reference data, the system adaptively determines the optimal replacement point, allowing the LED to remain in service as long as performance requirements are met

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Ease of operation

If conventional state determination methods are used without considering individual differences, then the determination process is simple, but the state determination accuracy varies among individual LED light sources

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetermination process simplicityVSAvoidstate determination accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables each LED light source to self-assess its state by measuring its own stabilization time characteristic. This self-service approach allows individual LEDs to be evaluated on their own terms without requiring complex external calibration or reference to other LEDs, maintaining operational simplicity while improving determination accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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

Accurately determines the state and predicts the replacement time of LED light sources, reducing maintenance costs and environmental impact by minimizing unnecessary replacements.

Implementation Method 1

a light-emitting diode (LED) light source configured to irradiate the liquid in the container with light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

a photodetector configured to detect light emitted from the liquid when the liquid is irradiated with light from the LED light source

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPhotoelectric Effect: Photoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentEP4692760A1Analysis device, determination method, and prediction method
Publication Date: 2026.02.11 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP
  • EP4692760A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4692760A1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP4692760A1 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The present disclosure proposes an automatic analysis device including: a reaction cell 108 configured to hold a reaction solution 107 to be analyzed; an LED light source 301 configured to irradiate a liquid in the reaction cell 108 with light; a detector array 3022 configured to detect light emitted from the liquid when the reaction solution 107 is irradiated with the light from the LED light source 301; and a data processing unit 203 configured to determine a state of the LED light source 301 using a time t required until a light amount of the light from the LED light source 301 is stabilized after the LED light source 301 is turned on, in order to determine the state of the LED light source and predict a replacement time of the LED light source using the time from turning on of the LED light source to the stabilization of the light amount (see FIG. 4).