Measuring Meter Voltage Control for Glucose Sensor Stability

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing glucose measurement systems face issues with oxygen dependence and interference, leading to measurement errors, especially in home use applications with small sample volumes and short measurement times, due to unstable oxygen levels and consumption by red blood cells.

Innovation Solution

A method for operating a measuring meter that applies a repeatedly varying voltage during sample presence detection and incubation periods, reducing electron consumption and preventing oxygen bubble formation, thereby stabilizing the measurement process and maintaining a precise electrode surface area.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a constant voltage is applied to the electrodes during sample presence detection and incubation period, then the measurement process is simple to operate, but electron consumption occurs leading to measurement errors and oxygen bubble formation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation simplicityVSAvoidmeasurement accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies a repeatedly varying voltage that alternates between a first value (during sample presence detection) and a second value (during incubation period), rather than maintaining a constant voltage. This periodic voltage variation prevents continuous electron consumption at the electrode surface, thereby preventing oxygen bubble formation and maintaining measurement accuracy while still providing automated operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

2Measurement precision

If a repeatedly varying voltage is applied to the electrodes, then measurement accuracy is improved by preventing oxygen interference, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidvoltage control complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamic voltage control system where the voltage applied to the electrodes changes over time according to the measurement phase. The voltage switching between first and second values is synchronized with the measurement process (sample presence detection followed by incubation period), creating an adaptive system that responds to the operational state while maintaining measurement accuracy.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Stability of the object's composition

If the voltage is repeatedly increased and decreased during measurement, then oxygen bubble formation is prevented maintaining stable electrode surface area, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveelectrode surface area stabilityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the voltage parameter over time during the measurement process. By switching between a first voltage value during sample presence detection and a second voltage value during the incubation period, the system maintains optimal electrode surface area stability during each phase while managing overall energy consumption through phase-appropriate voltage levels.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enhances the accuracy of glucose measurements by minimizing oxygen interference and electron consumption, ensuring stable and precise readings even with small sample volumes and short measurement times.

Implementation Method 1

H 2 O 2 (Apply Voltage) → O 2 + 2H +[0006]By oxidation, two electrons e- will be delivered and H 2 O 2 will be oxidised to oxygen O 2 and two hydrogen 2H +

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

O 2 + GOD (red) → H 2 O 2 + GOD (OX)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectRedox reactions: Redox Reactions

Data Source

PatentEP1860432B1A method for operating a measuring meter and a measuring meter
Publication Date: 2017.12.13 BIONIME
  • EP1860432B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP1860432B1 patent drawingFigure 2A~2B
  • EP1860432B1 patent drawingFigure 2C~2D

AI summary

In a method for operating a measuring meter (10) for an electrochemical test strip (20) a voltage (VD, VI) is applied to electrodes (21, 22) of the test strip (20) at least during a sample presence detection period (D) or an incubation time (I). The voltage applied to the electrodes (21, 22) is repeatedly increased or decreased. In particular, the voltage is applied as a series of pulses.