Glucose Meter Illuminated Test Strip
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing handheld diabetes management devices are inadequate for providing comprehensive illumination of test strips in low light conditions, as they often rely on light pipes that increase device size, weight, and cost, and fail to illuminate the surrounding area effectively.
Innovation Solution
A handheld diabetes management device with a light source mounted on a circuit board that emits light perpendicular to the test strip, creating a secondary illumination effect around the dosing area, using a multi-layer test strip with a transparent and opaque layer to reflect and distribute light efficiently.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Illumination intensity
If a light pipe is used to direct light to the test strip, then illumination is provided, but device size, weight, and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the light pipe component from the device architecture. Instead of using a light pipe to direct illumination, the design places the light source in direct proximity to the test strip insertion port, eliminating the intermediate light directing apparatus and its associated size, weight, and cost
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a reflective surface as an intermediary element that redirects light from the light source onto the test strip. This reflective surface enables effective illumination without requiring a light pipe, as it simply redirects existing light rather than transporting it through a dedicated conduit
2Illumination intensity
If known illumination systems are used, then some illumination is provided, but the surrounding area and dosing location are not adequately illuminated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by positioning the light source specifically at the test strip insertion port area and using a reflective surface to direct light precisely onto the dosing location. This localized illumination approach ensures that the critical dosing area receives adequate light while minimizing unnecessary illumination elsewhere
Solution Approach 2:
The reflective surface acts as an intermediary that expands the coverage of the light source. By strategically positioning this reflective element, the system achieves comprehensive illumination of both the insertion port and surrounding dosing area, overcoming the limitations of direct light source placement
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
Enhances visibility and precision during glucose testing by providing effective illumination of the test strip and surrounding area, eliminating the need for additional light directing apparatuses and reducing device complexity.
Implementation Method 1
A light source is mounted on the circuit board and is operable to emit light substantially perpendicular to the opposing top surface of the test strip
Implementation Method 2
using a multi-layer test strip with a transparent and opaque layer to reflect and distribute light efficiently
Data Source
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Figure 3
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AI summary
A handheld medical device is configured to illuminate a test strip inserted therein and may include a housing having a port configured to receive a test strip. A circuit board may be mounted inside the housing. A measurement module may be mounted to the circuit board and may be cooperatively operable with the test strip inserted into the port to measure a sample of fluid residing on the test strip. The circuit board faces an opposing top surface of the test strip inserted into the port. A light source may be mounted on the circuit board and operable to emit light substantially perpendicular to the opposing top surface of the test strip inserted into the port. The light source may project the light along an optical axis substantially perpendicular to the opposing top surface of the test strip and illuminate an area surrounding a dosing end of the test strip.