Biosensor Test Strip Encoding via Conductive Link Segmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensor test strips lack an efficient method to encode information, limiting the amount of data that can be coded and requiring significant surface area, which complicates proper identification and calibration, potentially leading to inaccurate measurements.
Innovation Solution
The integration of conductive contact pads and potential conductive links on the test strip allows for encoding information by varying the presence or absence of links between pads, enabling the test meter to read and verify calibration data directly from the strip, enhancing data capacity and accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If traditional identification methods are used for test strips, then the test meter can identify the test strip type, but the amount of information that can be coded is severely limited and requires significant surface area
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the test strip into multiple contact pads (first contact pad, second contact pad, third contact pad) that can be independently configured. Each contact pad can be selectively conductively coupled to measurement electrodes through potential conductive links, creating segmented coding regions. This segmentation allows multiple binary states to be encoded across different pad configurations, significantly increasing data capacity without requiring additional surface area beyond the standard contact pad layout.
2Measurement precision
If more information is encoded on the test strip, then identification and calibration accuracy improve, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal coding scheme where the same contact pad structure serves dual purposes: maintaining electrical connection for measurement functionality and encoding identification/calibration information. The potential conductive links between contact pads and measurement electrodes serve both as measurement pathways and as binary coding elements. This multi-functionality allows the test strip to convey multiple bits of information (test type, calibration lot number, manufacturer ID) without adding separate dedicated coding components, thereby avoiding increased device complexity while improving measurement precision.
3Reliability
If manual verification of calibration data is required, then users can check lot numbers, but human error increases and accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements an automatic feedback mechanism where the test meter reads the encoded information from the test strip's contact pad configuration and automatically verifies calibration data matching. The system provides immediate feedback by either proceeding with the measurement if calibration is correct or displaying an error message if there is a mismatch between the test strip's encoded calibration lot number and the meter's stored calibration data. This eliminates manual verification steps, preventing human error while maintaining operational simplicity through automated processes.
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 significantly increases the data encoding capacity on the test strip, allowing for precise identification and calibration verification, reducing human error and ensuring accurate analyte concentration measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The integration of conductive contact pads and potential conductive links on the test strip allows for encoding information by varying the presence or absence of links between pads
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.