Diagnostic Strip Embedded Code for Auto-Calibration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing diagnostic test strips for measuring blood glucose levels require manual input of lot-specific codes, leading to potential user errors and increased manufacturing costs due to the need for bar-code readable information and additional hardware, which can result in inaccurate measurements.

Innovation Solution

Incorporating an embedded code on the test strip that provides lot-specific data directly to the meter's microprocessor, allowing for auto-calibration and eliminating the need for manual input, while also enabling the use of a check strip for electrical calibration verification.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If manual input of lot-specific codes is required, then user control over calibration data selection is maintained, but user errors increase and measurement accuracy decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoiduser input requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip automatically provides lot-specific calibration data to the meter through embedded conductive indicators that electrically communicate the code to the meter's microprocessor, eliminating the need for manual user input and reducing errors while maintaining measurement accuracy

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Loss of information

If bar-code readable information is incorporated onto individual strips, then lot-specific data can be provided to the meter, but manufacturing costs increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvelot-specific data transmissionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical/optical bar-code system with an electrical communication system using conductive indicators and conductive pins that transfer lot-specific data through electrical contact, eliminating the need for bar-code printers and readers while reducing manufacturing costs

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Loss of information

If a bar-code reader is incorporated within the meter, then bar-code information can be read from strips, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebar-code data reading capabilityVSAvoidmeter hardware complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the optical bar-code reading system with an electrical communication system where conductive indicators on the strip make direct electrical contact with conductive pins in the meter, transferring data through the electrical circuit without requiring optical sensors or decoding hardware

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The conductive indicators and conductive pins serve as an intermediary electrical connection mechanism between the test strip and the meter's microprocessor, enabling data transfer without requiring complex bar-code reading hardware in the meter

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If manual code input is required, then flexibility in data selection is maintained, but the risk of improper input increases leading to inaccurate measurements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemeasurement reliabilityVSAvoidmanual input process

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test strip autonomously provides its lot-specific calibration code to the meter through electrical contact, eliminating the manual input process that causes errors and improving measurement reliability without sacrificing user control, as the meter automatically receives and uses the correct calibration data

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 enhances measurement accuracy by reducing user error, simplifies the manufacturing process, and allows for bulk packaging of test strips from different lots, improving reliability and cost-effectiveness.

Implementation Method 1

the code is presented to a corresponding test meter by virtue of a predetermined arrangement of a plurality of electrically conductive indicators on a bottom surface of the test strip which are brought into electrical communication with a plurality of electrically conductive pins of a test port when the test strip is engaged in the test port

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical conduction: Conduction (electrical)

Data Source

PatentEP2463647B1Diagnostic strip coding system

Publication Date: 2017.03.22 TRIVIDIA HEALTH INC

AI summary

A diagnostic test strip comprising at least one electrically insulating layer; a conductive pattern formed on the base layer providing at least one electrode disposed on the base layer at a proximal region of the strip, electrical strip contacts disposed on the base layer at a distal region of the strip, conductive traces electrically connecting the electrodes to at least some of the electrical strip contacts, and a distinct distal conductive region provided distal to the electrical strip contacts, said conductive pattern comprising at least one region having a predetermined electrical resistance; a reagent layer contacting at least a portion of at least one electrode; wherein said predetermined electrical resistance at least partially forms distinct information readable to identify data particular to the test strip.