Angled Test Field Edges for Smooth Tape Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing devices for analyzing body fluids, such as blood sugar tests, face challenges in optimizing tape movement due to abrupt edge contacts between test fields and seals, leading to peak forces and uneven tape movement.
Innovation Solution
The geometry of test fields and seals is adapted by angling or curving their leading edges and sealing edges relative to the transverse direction of the carrier tape, allowing for a gradual force increase and reducing peak forces during tape passage, with the leading edge and sealing edge enclosing an angle of at least 5° and the seal being profiled for a gentle entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the test fields have a leading edge that runs against a sealing edge of the seal perpendicular to the tape direction, then the seal provides effective sealing, but abrupt edge contacts occur causing peak forces and uneven tape movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies curvature by angling the leading edge of the test fields and the sealing edge of the seal relative to the transverse direction of the tape. This creates a gradual transition zone where the test field leading edge meets the sealing edge at an angle (at least 5°), distributing the contact force over a longer period and reducing peak forces while maintaining effective sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the test field leading edge and seal sealing edge from a perpendicular arrangement (90°) to an angled arrangement (at least 5° deviation from perpendicular). This parameter change transforms the abrupt edge contact into a gradual contact, reducing peak forces during tape passage through the seal.
2Ease of manufacture
If the test fields are arranged with perpendicular leading edges to the tape direction, then the structure is simple and manufacturing is easy, but the tape movement becomes uneven and peak forces occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a slight curvature/angle to the leading edge of test fields and the sealing edge of the seal, deviating from a perfectly perpendicular arrangement. This geometric modification, while adding minor manufacturing complexity, dramatically improves tape movement smoothness by distributing contact forces gradually rather than abruptly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent modifies the geometric parameter of the edge arrangement from perpendicular (90°) to angled (at least 5° deviation). This parameter change optimizes the interaction between the test field leading edge and seal sealing edge, ensuring smooth tape movement while maintaining reasonable manufacturing simplicity.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the seal provides strong sealing to protect against environmental influences, then protection is improved, but the tape passage requires higher forces and becomes less efficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses an angled geometry for the test field leading edge and seal sealing edge interaction. This creates a gradual engagement profile that allows the seal to maintain its protective function while reducing the force required for tape passage, thereby improving efficiency without compromising sealing effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the edge contact from perpendicular to angled (at least 5°). This parameter modification optimizes the balance between sealing strength and passage efficiency, allowing the seal to protect against environmental factors while minimizing the force required for tape movement through the seal.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a device for analyzing a body fluid. The device includes a test tape having a carrier tape and test fields for the detection of an analyte in the body fluid, the test fields being distributed along the carrier tape and raised above the carrier tape and a container for the test tape. The container has a seal for passage of the test tape, wherein the test fields have a leading edge which runs against a sealing edge of the seal when the test field passes through the seal. The leading edge of the test fields or/and the sealing edge of the seal at least in parts are angled or curved relative to the transverse direction of the tape.