Capillary Flow Enhancers for Blood Sample Transport
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing bio-sensors for measuring bio-analyte concentrations in blood samples face challenges in consistently and efficiently transporting blood samples from the sampling site to the analysis zone, leading to inefficiencies in glucose monitoring.
Innovation Solution
A wired enzyme sensor module with a funnel structure and capillary flow enhancers that facilitate capillary action to transport blood samples from the sampling site to the analysis zone, using a skin piercing member and a movable housing to ensure reliable and quick sample delivery.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If conventional sample transport arrangements are used, then the sensor module structure remains simple, but the blood sample transport is inconsistent and slow
Solution Approach 1:
The sample transport arrangement is segmented into multiple functional components: a funnel structure for initial blood collection, capillary flow enhancers for active blood movement, and a flow passage for directed transport. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently, achieving rapid and consistent blood sample transport while keeping the overall design manageable through modular functionality.
2Reliability
If capillary flow enhancers are added to the funnel structure, then blood sample transport reliability improves, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary flow enhancers utilize capillary action, a self-service mechanism that automatically draws blood from the funnel structure through the flow passage without requiring external power sources or complex mechanical actuators. This passive transport mechanism significantly improves blood sample transport reliability while avoiding the addition of complex active pumping systems, thereby minimizing the increase in device complexity.
3Ease of operation
If the skin piercing member is made movable, then sampling accessibility improves, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The skin piercing member is designed with movability, transitioning from a static to a dynamic component that can be extended and retracted. This dynamic design allows the piercing member to access different sampling locations and improve ease of operation. The movability is achieved through a slide member that moves along a slot in the main housing, providing controlled motion without requiring complex mechanical systems, thus balancing ease of operation with ease of manufacture.
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
The solution enables consistent, rapid, and reliable transportation of blood samples to the analysis zone, enhancing the accuracy and efficiency of bio-analyte concentration measurements, particularly for glucose monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
The capillary flow enhancers receive blood from the funnel structure and cause the blood to flow toward the sample fluid analysis zone by capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor module is disclosed herein. The sensor module includes a main housing defining an analysis zone within the housing. The sensor module also includes a skin piercing member mounted within the main housing. The skin piercing member is movable relative to the main housing between a retracted position and an extended position. The main housing of the sensor module defines a fluid sample flow passage that extends from a sampling end of the main housing to the analysis zone. The fluid sample flow passage includes a funnel structure through which the skin piecing member extends when in the extended position. The fluid sample flow passage also includes capillary flow enhancing slots that extend outwardly from opposite sides of the funnel structure.