Diagnostic Tape Unit for Rear-Side Reflection Photometry
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dry chemistry test strips are not suitable for creating a tape unit with a plurality of tests spooled as a reel, as they are thick and not compatible with optical reflection measurements, limiting user-friendliness and reliability in blood sugar testing.
Innovation Solution
A diagnostic tape unit with a test tape wound onto a spool, featuring a multi-layer system comprising a transport tape, a carrier foil with an analytical reagent layer, and adhesive tape, designed for rear-side reflection-photometric measurement, where the refractive indices and optical properties of the layers are matched to minimize interfering effects and ensure accurate signal detection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional dry chemistry test strips are used, then optical reflection measurement can be carried out relatively easily, but the test strips are too thick to be spooled as a tape reel
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip system is segmented into multiple thin layers (substrate layer, reagent layer, protective layer) that can be spooled together as a tape reel, while maintaining the functional integrity of each layer for optical reflection measurement
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses thin film structures for the substrate and reagent layers, enabling the test strip to be flexible enough for spooling while maintaining optical properties for reflection measurement
2Adaptability or versatility
If a multi-layer system is used to enable spooling, then the test tape can be wound onto a spool, but scattering losses increase and interfere with measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The refractive indices of the substrate layer, reagent layer, and protective layer are specifically matched to each other to minimize optical scattering and interference, thereby maintaining measurement accuracy in the multi-layer spooled structure
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a composite multi-layer structure where each layer is optimized for its specific function while maintaining optical compatibility, combining the benefits of spooling capability with measurement precision
3Extent of automation
If test elements are mounted on a transport tape in a tape unit, then user-friendliness and automation are improved, but the complexity of the optical multi-layer system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The transport tape serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for spooling, enables automated transport of test elements, and maintains optical properties for measurement, thereby reducing overall system complexity despite the multi-layer structure
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
Enables reliable and accurate blood sugar measurements by reducing scattering losses and maintaining signal quality, allowing for a compact, mass-produced tape unit that can be used in a handheld device for automated self-testing with minimal user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
the test elements in combination with the light transmitting transport tape in each case form an optical multi-layer system for a rear-side, reflection-photometric measurement of the reagent layer
Implementation Method 2
light transmitting transport tape
Implementation Method 3
when the refractive index and/or the transmission and/or the haze of the layers of the multi-layer system is formed by the carrier foil, the piece of adhesive tape and the transport tape are matched on each other
Implementation Method 4
the refractive index of the transport tape, the carrier tape and the piece of adhesive tape is in each case between about 1.4 and 1.7
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a diagnostic tape unit with a test tape that can be wound onto a spool which comprises a transport tape and a plurality of test elements mounted thereon, where the test elements have an analytical reagent layer, a carrier foil supporting the reagent layer and a piece of adhesive tape connecting the carrier foil with the transport tape, and where the front side of the reagent layer facing away from the carrier foil is designed for the application of a sample substance. According to the invention it is proposed that the test elements in combination with the light transmitting transport tape in each case form an optical multi-layer system for a rear-side reflection-photometric measurement of the reagent layer.