Dry Test Strip Carrier With Controlled Compression And Flow Separation
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing dry test strip systems for bodily fluid analysis face challenges in accuracy and manufacturing efficiency, with inconsistent fluid flow leading to inaccurate results and high labor costs due to manual assembly and excessive use of permeable strip material.
Innovation Solution
A dry test strip carrier system with controlled compression and snap-on latch mechanism allows for precise fluid flow management, enabling automatic assembly and reducing material usage, while maintaining accuracy through separate fluid-tight compartments in a continuous strip.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If manual assembly is used for test strip manufacturing, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but labor costs increase and manufacturing efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is divided into separate modular components (carrier, test strip element, cover) that can be independently manufactured and then automatically assembled. The carrier includes separate elements like the base, cover, and compression mechanism that can be produced independently and combined through automated assembly processes, eliminating the need for manual handling while maintaining assembly flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier incorporates self-aligning and self-assembling features such as the snap-on latch mechanism and compression stops that automatically position and secure the test strip element during assembly. This self-service capability enables automated assembly equipment to efficiently manufacture test strips without requiring manual intervention for alignment or positioning.
2Ease of manufacture
If excessive permeable strip material is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but material waste increases and costs rise
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier is pre-configured with precisely defined openings, recesses, and positioning features that guide the insertion of the test strip element. The sample opening, test port, and compartment structures are formed in advance during carrier manufacturing, eliminating the need for excess material and reducing waste while maintaining ease of assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier design incorporates controlled compression through the cover and compression stops that apply precise pressure to the test strip element. This parameter control optimizes fluid flow characteristics and reagent distribution, allowing for reduced material usage while maintaining test accuracy and performance.
3Device complexity
If inconsistent fluid flow is present, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but test accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The carrier incorporates localized flow control features including separate fluid-tight compartments, specific permeability zones in the test strip element, and strategically positioned openings. These local quality variations ensure consistent and controlled fluid flow through different regions of the test strip, improving measurement precision without requiring complex overall system design.
Solution Approach 2:
The carrier design includes replicated flow channels and compartment structures that ensure uniform fluid distribution across multiple test regions. By copying proven flow patterns from successful test designs into the carrier architecture, consistent fluid flow is achieved while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing 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
The system enhances test strip accuracy and repeatability, allowing for automated assembly and reducing human handling, thereby improving manufacturing efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
a dry test strip compressed between the base and cover
Implementation Method 2
engagement elements on the carrier base and the cover configured to engage the cover to the carrier body
Implementation Method 3
The permeable strip includes several layers of material to separate the blood components
Implementation Method 4
U.S. Pat. No. 5,166,051 issued Nov. 24, 1992 to Killen et al. and entitled 'Membranes, Membrane Overlays, For Exclusion of Erythrocytes, And Method Of Immunoassay of Whole Blood Analytes'
Data Source
AI summary
A dry test strip assembly includes: a carrier base having a test port and a well adapted for receiving a dry test strip element, and a cover having a sample opening. The cover can be snapped onto the base with the sample opening aligned over the test port and with a test strip element compressed between the base and cover. A maximum dry test strip compression stop controls the maximum compression on the dry test strip, and a minimum dry test strip compression stop controls the minimum compression on the dry test strip. A rib between two test ports prevents fluid flow in the dry test strip element from one side of the rib to another, thereby separating the test strip element into a plurality of separate fluid compartments. A manufacturing system efficiently assembles the dry test strip assembly without handling by humans.