Analyte Meter Sealing Insert with Segmented Barriers
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte meters face challenges in preventing contamination of internal components and interference with measuring results due to fluid ingress, requiring complex construction measures to provide alternative fluid paths.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of successive sealing barriers along the test strip insertion path, comprising multiple sealing elements with slits and spacings to prevent fluid entry, combined with elastomeric materials and a stacked configuration for efficient contamination collection and fluid diversion, simplifies manufacturing and assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If alternative fluid paths are provided to guide fluid external to the device, then fluid contamination is prevented, but construction complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing insert is divided into multiple sealing elements (first, second, and third sealing elements) arranged in sequence along the insertion path. Each sealing element has its own slit and spacing configuration, creating segmented barriers that collectively prevent fluid contamination without requiring complex integrated structures.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces spacings between sealing elements that create three-dimensional fluid collection spaces between the slits. This dimensional approach allows fluid to be captured and redirected in the space between sealing elements rather than requiring complex two-dimensional fluid path routing.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple sealing elements are arranged consecutively, then contamination prevention is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing insert comprises multiple discrete sealing elements that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. This segmentation allows each sealing element to be produced using standard manufacturing processes, and the modular design simplifies assembly and replacement while maintaining effective contamination prevention.
Solution Approach 2:
Each sealing element serves multiple functions: it provides a sealed aperture through the slit, creates fluid collection spaces with adjacent elements, and contributes to the overall sealing barrier. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components, simplifying manufacturing.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If spacings are provided between sealing elements, then fluid collection is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spacing between sealing elements is achieved by dividing the sealing insert into discrete sealing elements with gaps between them. This segmentation naturally creates fluid collection spaces without requiring additional structural components, maintaining simplicity while improving fluid collection capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The spacing between sealing elements acts as an intermediary space that collects and redirects fluid away from the insertion path. This intermediate space serves as a buffer zone that simplifies the overall fluid management system by providing a natural collection area without complex routing structures.
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 solution effectively prevents contamination and ensures accurate measurements by using multiple sealing elements with slits and spacings to intercept and collect contaminants, while simplifying production and assembly, and enhancing the analyte meter's reliability and regulatory compliance.
Implementation Method 1
the gap having a width of less than 1.0 mm, preferably between 0.2 and 0.5 mm. By these measures, capillary forces can support the collection of unwanted liquids.
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
An analyte meter (10) for medical tests having a meter housing (12), a strip port (14) mounted in an opening of the meter housing (12) and configured to receive a measuring part of a test strip (18), and a sealing insert (16) which is arranged within the strip port (14) and provides an insertion path for the test strip (18). For improved screening against contamination, it is proposed that the sealing insert (16) comprises a plurality of sealing elements (42) which are arranged consecutively along the insertion path, wherein each of the sealing elements (42) has a slit (46) that forms a sealed aperture for the test strip (18) to pass through.