Flared Sample Receiving Chamber for Test Strip Dosing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test strip designs with small capillary entrances face difficulties in accurately applying small sample volumes, particularly for individuals with impaired vision or dexterity, and often experience 'dose hesitation' where the sample fluid hesitates before being drawn into the capillary.
Innovation Solution
A test strip with a novel flared sample receiving chamber that terminates in a fluid receiving opening, aided by a hydrophilic reagent layer extending to the dosing end, promotes easier sample introduction and reduces dose hesitation by providing a wider target area and enhanced wicking of the sample into the chamber.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the capillary entrance width is reduced to decrease sample volume requirement, then the sample volume needed is reduced, but the ease of accurate sample application deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sample receiving chamber is divided into two distinct zones: a flared entrance portion with larger diameter for easy sample application, and a narrow capillary portion for actual analysis. This segmentation allows the device to accept larger samples easily while still requiring only small volumes for the analytical portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sample receiving chamber have different diameters tailored to their specific functions. The flared entrance portion has a larger diameter to facilitate sample application, while the capillary portion has a narrow diameter to minimize sample volume requirements. Each local region is optimized for its specific purpose.
2Quantity of substance
If the capillary entrance width is reduced to decrease sample volume requirement, then the sample volume needed is reduced, but the reliability of sample uptake deteriorates due to dose hesitation
Solution Approach 1:
The sample receiving chamber is divided into two distinct zones: a flared entrance portion with larger diameter for easy sample application, and a narrow capillary portion for actual analysis. This segmentation allows the device to accept larger samples easily while still requiring only small volumes for the analytical portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sample receiving chamber have different diameters tailored to their specific functions. The flared entrance portion has a larger diameter to facilitate sample application, while the capillary portion has a narrow diameter to minimize sample volume requirements. Each local region is optimized for its specific purpose.
3Quantity of substance
If the capillary entrance width is reduced to decrease sample volume requirement, then the sample volume needed is reduced, but the ease of operation for individuals with impaired vision or dexterity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sample receiving chamber is divided into two distinct zones: a flared entrance portion with larger diameter for easy sample application, and a narrow capillary portion for actual analysis. This segmentation allows the device to accept larger samples easily while still requiring only small volumes for the analytical portion.
Solution Approach 2:
Different portions of the sample receiving chamber have different diameters tailored to their specific functions. The flared entrance portion has a larger diameter to facilitate sample application, while the capillary portion has a narrow diameter to minimize sample volume requirements. Each local region is optimized for its specific purpose.
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 design facilitates easy and accurate dosing, reducing fluid collection times and user error, while allowing for the use of small liquid volumes, thereby improving the usability of the test strip for various demographics.
Implementation Method 1
it is known to provide test strips having a sufficiently small reaction chamber such that sample fluid is drawn therein by capillary action, which is a phenomenon resulting from the surface tension of the sample fluid and the thermodynamic tendency of a liquid to minimize its surface area
Implementation Method 2
the hydrophilic reagent layer extends to the dosing end or side of the test strip and further promotes wicking of the sample into the sample receiving chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A test strip with a sample receiving chamber having a novel flared portion that terminates in a sample receiving opening. The flared portion provides a reservoir from which sample fluid can be drawn into the capillary or sample receiving chamber. The wider opening provided by the present invention is easier to “target” with a sample fluid. In preferred embodiments, the hydrophilic reagent layer extends to the dosing end or side of the test strip and further promotes wicking of the sample into the sample receiving chamber and thus reduces dose hesitation. In other preferred embodiments, a tapered dosing end is provided on the test strip in combination with the flared portion, and this combination create a test strip that will draw sample fluid into the sample receiving chamber regardless of where along the dosing edge of the test strip the fluid sample makes contact.