Calibration Label Electrical Contacts Auto-Readout
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for calibrating analyte concentration in diagnostic systems, such as blood-glucose testing, rely on user input or separate calibration chips, which can lead to errors or loss, and are inflexible in packaging and environmental protection.
Innovation Solution
A test system with a sensor container and a testing device that includes a calibration label with electrical contacts, allowing auto-calibration by external calibration elements without inserting the container or label into the device, providing flexible packaging and reliable calibration information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If user enters calibration information manually, then the system can be simple and flexible, but the reliability and accuracy of calibration deteriorate due to user error
Solution Approach 1:
The system enables self-service calibration by automatically reading calibration information from the container label through optical scanning, eliminating the need for manual user input while ensuring accurate calibration data transfer to the sensor cartridge
Solution Approach 2:
An optical scanning system serves as an intermediary between the calibration label on the container and the sensor cartridge, automatically capturing and transferring calibration information without direct user intervention in the data entry process
2Extent of automation
If calibration chip is included in sensor packaging, then calibration information transfer is automated, but the device complexity increases and the calibration chip can be lost or misplaced
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration information is extracted from the sensor cartridge and placed on the outer container label, separating the calibration data storage from the sensitive electronic components and eliminating the need for a separate calibration chip that could be lost
Solution Approach 2:
The calibration information is copied from the sensor cartridge to the container label, creating a redundant external copy that can be read by the optical scanner without requiring the physical presence of the sensor cartridge or calibration chip
3Object-affected harmful factors
If sensors are packaged in individual compartments, then environmental protection is improved, but the flexibility to vary the number of sensors deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor array uses a flexible membrane that can dynamically adjust to accommodate different numbers of sensor cartridges, allowing the packaging to maintain environmental protection while adapting to varying sensor quantities
4Adaptability or versatility
If sensors are stacked in a common compartment, then packaging flexibility is improved, but environmental seal quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A flexible membrane dynamically seals the common compartment, adapting to the presence or absence of sensor cartridges while maintaining environmental protection, allowing the system to accommodate variable sensor numbers without compromising seal quality
Data Source
AI summary
A test system comprises a sensor container and a testing device. The sensor container has a base and a lid. The container encloses test sensors therein. The container includes a calibration label attached thereto. The label includes electrical contacts located thereon. The electrical contacts encode calibration information onto the calibration label. The testing device has an auto-calibration feature externally located thereon. The testing device is adapted to determine the analyte concentration in a fluid sample. The auto-calibration feature includes calibration elements that communicate with the electrical contacts on the calibration label. The testing device is adapted to determine the calibration information encoded on the calibration label in response to the calibration elements engaging the electrical contacts. The encoded calibration information is determined without inserting the sensor container or the calibration label into the testing device.