Multi-Unit Measurement System for Simultaneous Analyte Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing measurement systems for body fluid components require a significant time interval for reaction stability and are cumbersome for simultaneous and random measurement of multiple analytes, with users facing difficulties in associating measurement results with analyte providers.

Innovation Solution

A measurement system with multiple loading units, guided by display lamps and sensors, uses barcode readers and touch panels to associate analyte providers with specific loading units, ensuring accurate and efficient simultaneous measurement and result correlation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If multiple analytes are measured simultaneously using a single measurement tool, then productivity is improved, but the user must perform complex operations to verify analyte provider information and associate results with correct providers

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesimultaneous measurement capabilityVSAvoiduser operation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the measurement function into multiple independent loading units (first loading unit, second loading unit, etc.), each capable of independently measuring different analytes. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurements while maintaining simple operations at each unit, as each unit handles one analyte at a time without requiring complex cross-unit coordination.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit acts as an intermediary that automatically reads analyte provider information, determines which loading unit should process which analyte, and guides the user through the measurement process. This intermediary handles the complex information association tasks, freeing the user from manual verification and association operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a single loading unit is used for measurements, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to measure multiple analytes simultaneously is limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemulti-analyte measurement capabilityVSAvoidnumber of loading units
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Each loading unit is designed as a universal module that can measure different analytes by loading different measurement tools. The loading units share common components such as the measurement means and control unit, allowing them to perform multiple functions (measuring different analytes) while maintaining relatively simple individual structures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system combines multiple loading units with shared measurement means and control unit into an integrated measurement system. This merging allows the system to handle multiple analytes simultaneously while avoiding the complexity of completely independent measurement systems, as resources are shared across units.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Measurement precision

If reaction time is ensured for accurate measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but the time required for simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidtotal measurement time
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By segmenting the measurement process into multiple parallel loading units, each unit can independently ensure adequate reaction time for its specific analyte while other units simultaneously process different analytes. This segmentation allows the total measurement time to be reduced while maintaining sufficient reaction time for accuracy in each individual measurement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables continuous measurement operations across multiple loading units simultaneously. While one unit is completing a measurement cycle, other units can be loading new analytes or completing their own measurements, ensuring continuous productive action and reducing overall time loss while maintaining measurement precision through adequate reaction times in each unit.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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

Enables efficient simultaneous measurement of multiple analytes while ensuring accurate association of measurement results with their respective providers, reducing user error and increasing operational efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

uses a measurement tool such as a biosensor, a urine test paper, or an immunochromatographic test piece to react an analyte that is a measurement object with a reagent

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectChemical reaction: Chemical Bonding

Implementation Method 2

read an electric current value, a difference in electric potential, or changes in color tone appearing inside or on the surface of the test piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction: Redox Reactions

Implementation Method 3

read an electric current value, a difference in electric potential

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Implementation Method 4

read an electric current value, a difference in electric potential, or changes in color tone appearing inside or on the surface of the test piece

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectColor tone detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Data Source

PatentEP2495570B1Measurement system, measurement method, program for executing aforementioned method, and recording medium of said program
Publication Date: 2018.10.17 ARKRAY INC
  • EP2495570B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2495570B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2495570B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4

AI summary

The invention relates to a measurement system MS1 provided with a plurality of loading units 10 into which a measurement tool 4 supporting a reagent is loaded. The measurement system MS1 includes reading means 2 for reading information on an analyte provider that includes identification information, and guidance means 11 for guiding the measurement tool 4 to which an analyte derived from the analyte provider has been or is to be applied, to a loading unit that is selected from the plurality of loading units 10 and individually associated with the analyte provider based on the identification information that has been read by the reading means 2. With such configuration, the measurement results obtained from the analyte derived from the analyte provider can be easily associated with the information on the analyte provider that includes the identification information.