Integrated Blood Glucose Meter Strip Cartridge Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing integrated blood glucose meters have complex structures and inefficient test strip supply systems, requiring separate strip storage containers and inconvenient handling of test strips.

Innovation Solution

An integrated blood glucose meter with a simple structure and operating method, where a strip cartridge is accommodated, allowing test strips to be loaded individually through a linear movement of an operating knob, and a loading sensor detects the number of remaining strips to notify users when replacement is needed.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If test strips are stored in a separate strip storage container, then the blood glucose meter can measure glucose, but the user must carry and handle multiple separate components which is inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconvenience of test strip handlingVSAvoidnumber of separate components
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the strip storage container and blood glucose meter into a single integrated device. The strip container is built into the meter housing, and the test strips are automatically supplied from the integrated storage compartment through a supply opening, eliminating the need for separate strip containers and manual handling.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Productivity

If multiple test strips are stored in one strip cartridge, then the user needs to replace the entire cartridge when strips are exhausted, but tracking when replacement is needed becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveefficiency of test strip supplyVSAvoidtracking of remaining test strips
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent incorporates a sensor that detects the number of test strips remaining in the cartridge and provides feedback to the user through a display. This allows real-time monitoring of strip inventory without requiring manual counting or complex tracking systems, enabling users to anticipate when replacement is needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Manufacturing precision

If test strips are supplied individually from the strip cartridge, then accurate supply is achieved, but the structure for individual dispensing becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccuracy of test strip supplyVSAvoidstructure of strip loading mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically pushes test strips forward one at a time through a supply opening. The mechanical design inherently controls individual strip dispensing without requiring complex electronic control systems, achieving accurate supply through self-regulating mechanical action.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3616616B1Integral blood glucose meter displaying information on number of remaining test strips
Publication Date: 2023.01.04 I SENS INC
  • EP3616616B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3616616B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3616616B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to an integral blood glucose meter, and provides an integral blood glucose meter configured so as to be capable of receiving therein a strip cartridge for holding a plurality of test strips, and to enable the test strips to be loaded one by one from the strip cartridge by linearly moving an operation knob, and thus has a simple operation method and structure and enables accurately supplying and discharging the test strips, and detects whether a strip loading unit is operating so as to calculate the number of remaining test strips in the strip cartridge, thereby enabling a user to identify the number of remaining test strips in advance and make preparations by anticipating the time when the strip cartridge has to be replaced, and thus enabling improved stability in use.