Integrated Glucose Sampling Cartridge for Discreet Meter Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current glucose meters for diabetes management are cumbersome, requiring multiple components and complex procedures, which reduces user compliance due to their lack of discreetness and ease of use.
Innovation Solution
A meter and cartridge system with integrated sampling, analysis, and imaging capabilities, featuring a meter housing and cartridges with reusable or disposable options, including sampling arrangements, light-blocking materials, and imaging systems for efficient glucose concentration measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If current glucose meters use multiple components and complicated steps, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but device complexity increases and ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate components (lancet, sampling cartridge, test cartridge, reader) into an integrated meter device. The sampling arrangement includes a lancet, sampling cartridge with reagent pad, and test cartridge with electrode all integrated within a single meter housing, eliminating the need for separate components while maintaining measurement accuracy through the unified design
2Measurement precision
If current glucose meters use multiple components and complicated steps, then measurement accuracy can be maintained, but ease of operation worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated meter performs self-alignment and self-execution of the glucose testing process. The meter automatically positions the lancet, sampling cartridge, and test cartridge in the correct sequence without requiring manual alignment or complex user procedures. The system self-regulates the entire testing workflow from blood collection to result display
Solution Approach 2:
The meter device performs multiple functions within a single unit: it serves as the lancet holder, sampling cartridge mechanism, test cartridge holder, and result display device. This multi-functional design consolidates what were previously separate components into one versatile device that handles all aspects of glucose monitoring
3Measurement precision
If current glucose meters use multiple components, then measurement capability is maintained, but user compliance decreases due to lack of discreetness
Solution Approach 1:
By merging all testing components into a single compact meter, the patent eliminates the need for patients to carry and manage multiple separate items (lancets, cartridges, readers). This consolidation creates a more discreet and convenient solution that fits easily in a pocket or bag, improving user compliance by making the device more acceptable for daily use
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
Facilitates discreet and efficient glucose testing by simplifying the process, reducing the number of components needed, and enhancing user compliance through a compact and user-friendly design.
Implementation Method 1
The sampling arrangement may comprise a penetration member for piercing, puncturing or otherwise penetrating a sampling site
Implementation Method 2
The sampling arrangement may comprise a spring (e.g., a torsional spring, a linear spring, leaf spring) or another actuator that may move the sampling arrangement relative to the cartridge
Implementation Method 3
The cartridge may be placed in a light source and light detector to determine an analyte concentration
Data Source
AI summary
Described here are meters and methods for sampling, transporting, and/or analyzing a fluid sample. The meters may include a meter housing and a cartridge. In some instances, the meter may include a tower which may engage one or more portions of a cartridge. The meter housing may include an imaging system, which may or may not be included in the tower. The cartridge may include one or more sampling arrangements, which may be configured to collect a fluid sample from a sampling site. A sampling arrangement may include a skin-penetration member, a hub, and a quantification member.