Method for determining the presence of an analyte

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample are inaccurate and prone to false positives or negatives, especially in uncontrolled environments where temperature fluctuations affect voltammetric signals, and interferants complicate signal recognition.

Innovation Solution

A method involving the selection of reference voltage ranges associated with specific temperature ranges, allowing for accurate detection of analyte signals by measuring voltammetric responses across these ranges, irrespective of temperature variations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If voltammetric measurement is performed in uncontrolled environments with temperature variations, then portability and immediate detection capability are improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to temperature-dependent signal shifts

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveportabilityVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies parameter changes by using multiple reference voltage ranges that are specifically associated with different temperature ranges. Instead of attempting to control the temperature, the system adapts to temperature variations by selecting the appropriate reference voltage range based on the measured sample temperature, thereby maintaining measurement precision across varying environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements dynamics by making the reference voltage range selection dynamic rather than static. The system continuously monitors the sample temperature and dynamically selects the most appropriate reference voltage range from multiple pre-defined ranges, allowing the detection system to adapt in real-time to changing environmental conditions

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Device complexity

If a single reference voltage range is used for analyte detection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to false positives and false negatives caused by temperature-induced signal shifts

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemethod simplicityVSAvoiddetection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies segmentation by dividing the single reference voltage range into multiple distinct reference voltage ranges, each associated with a specific temperature range. This segmentation allows the system to match the appropriate reference range to the measured temperature, improving detection reliability without requiring complex additional hardware

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements preliminary action by pre-defining multiple reference voltage ranges and their associated temperature ranges before actual analyte detection. This preparatory work allows the system to quickly select the appropriate reference range based on measured temperature, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations during detection

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If multiple reference voltage ranges are used to account for temperature variations, then measurement precision is improved across varying temperatures, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidmethod complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent manages the increase in complexity by systematically organizing multiple reference voltage ranges with their associated temperature ranges. The method complexity is justified by the significant improvement in measurement precision across varying temperatures, and the complexity is minimized through automated temperature-based selection logic

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

Enables precise and rapid analyte detection with reduced false positives/negatives across varying temperatures and interferant conditions, without the need for laboratory transfer.

Implementation Method 1

a compound, such as an analyte, may have a well-defined voltammetric signal, for example at which the analyte is oxidized or reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectOxidation: Oxidation

Implementation Method 2

a compound, such as an analyte, may have a well-defined voltammetric signal, for example at which the analyte is oxidized or reduced

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectReduction: Reduction

Implementation Method 3

measuring a voltammetric response of the sample

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElectrochemical reaction:

Data Source

PatentEP4063867B1Method for determining the presence of an analyte
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 UNIVERSITEIT ANTWERPEN
  • EP4063867B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4063867B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4063867B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

Method for determining the presence of an analyte in a sample at a sample temperature comprising: selecting a reference voltage range amongst at least a first reference voltage range and a second reference voltage range, wherein the selected reference voltage range is associated with a temperature range in which the sample temperature falls, wherein the first reference voltage range is associated with a first temperature range and the second reference voltage range is associated with a second temperature range, each reference voltage range comprising a plurality of different voltage values at which a voltammetric signal of the analyte can be detected at a temperature falling in the temperature range associated with the reference voltage range; measuring a voltammetric response of the sample across the selected reference voltage range; determining whether the analyte is present in the sample by analyzing whether the voltammetric signal can be detected in the voltammetric response.