Test Sensor Temperature Measurement Using Thermal Coupling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining analyte concentration in body fluids are inaccurate due to temperature variations between the test sensor and the thermistor, leading to incorrect chemical reaction results.
Innovation Solution
A method and assembly that measure the temperature of the reagent on the test sensor using a temperature-measuring system, which includes a light source and detector, to accurately determine the analyte concentration by accounting for temperature changes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a thermistor is placed near the test-sensor opening to measure temperature, then the meter temperature can be measured, but the test sensor temperature measurement becomes inaccurate because the thermistor temperature differs from the test sensor temperature
Solution Approach 1:
A thermal coupling element is introduced as an intermediary between the test sensor and the thermistor. This element conducts heat between the test sensor surface and the thermistor, allowing the thermistor to indirectly measure the test sensor temperature while remaining physically separated. The thermal coupling element transfers thermal energy without requiring direct contact between the meter components and the test sensor, thus accurately capturing the test sensor temperature.
2Device complexity
If the thermistor is located on the printed circuit board inside the meter, then the device structure is simplified, but the temperature measurement becomes unreliable due to temperature differences between the meter body and test sensor
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal coupling element serves as a thermal bridge that connects the test sensor to the thermistor located on the printed circuit board. This maintains the simple internal structure of the meter while enabling accurate temperature measurement by conducting heat from the test sensor surface to the thermistor, ensuring the thermistor reads the test sensor temperature rather than the meter body temperature.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between the thermistor and test sensor with a thermal coupling mechanism. Instead of requiring the thermistor to be in direct contact with the test sensor (which would increase device complexity), the system uses thermal conduction through the coupling element to transfer temperature information, substituting a simple thermal field interaction for a complex mechanical arrangement.
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 provides a more accurate measurement of analyte concentration by ensuring the temperature of the reagent is accounted for, thereby improving the reliability of analyte detection in body fluids.
Implementation Method 1
The polarizing material causes a degree of polarization of light reflected from the polarizing material. The polarizing material has a structure that changes in response to temperature and changes the degree of polarization.
Implementation Method 2
The polarizing material has a structure that changes in response to temperature and changes the degree of polarization
Implementation Method 3
The light source is configured to direct incident light to the polarizing material, and the detector is configured to receive, from the polarizing material, an amount of reflected light that changes according to the degree of polarization.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3A~3B
Figure 3C~3D
AI summary
An assembly determines an analyte concentration in a sample of body fluid. The assembly includes a test sensor (100) having a fluid-receiving area (110) for receiving a sample of body fluid, where the fluid-receiving area (110) contains a reagent (115) that produces a measurable reaction with an analyte in the sample. The assembly also includes a meter (200) having a port or opening (210) configured to receive the test sensor (100) ; a measurement system (220) configured to determine a measurement of the reaction between the reagent and the analyte; and a temperature-measuring system (250) configured to determine a measurement of the test sensor (100) temperature when the test sensor (100) is received into the opening (210). The meter (200) determines a concentration of the analyte in the sample according to the measurement of the reaction and the measurement of the test sensor temperature.