Bottled Glucose Sensor with Pivoting Meter Catches
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sensor strips, particularly optical sensors, are difficult to handle and remove from containers without intricate manipulations, posing challenges for users due to their design and the need for protecting the read-head from contamination.
Innovation Solution
A sensor strip design with an elongated body comprising sections and dividers, along with a meter system featuring pivoting catches and cam elements, allows for easy retrieval and tensioning of the strip around the read-head, enabling user-friendly handling and protection from contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensor strips are designed with wrap-around configuration to protect read-head from contamination, then protection reliability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult removal from container
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip is divided into multiple sections (first section, intermediate section, second section) with distinct openings and raised sections. This segmentation allows the meter to selectively engage with specific portions of the strip through the openings, enabling easy removal without requiring the user to manually manipulate the entire wrapped configuration.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a meter component with catches and cam elements that act as an intermediary mechanism between the user and the sensor strip. This intermediary device automatically performs the complex task of unwrapping and removing the sensor strip from the container, eliminating the need for intricate manual manipulations by the user.
2Ease of manufacture
If sensor strips are made inexpensive to produce, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but ease of operation deteriorates due to difficult handling
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor strip design incorporates multiple functional features within a single structure: the openings serve both as structural elements defining the sections and as engagement points for the meter; the raised sections provide both structural integrity and tactile guidance for proper positioning. This multi-functionality maintains manufacturing simplicity while significantly improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor strip is designed to be self-aligning and self-engaging with the meter through its asymmetric geometry and opening positions. The strip automatically positions itself correctly during insertion, eliminating the need for complex user manipulation or precise manual alignment, thus improving ease of operation without increasing manufacturing complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
A device and system for automatic handling of a sensor strip by a part of a meter that includes a sensor strip having a first section, a second section, and an intermediate section. The sensor strip includes at least a first opening about a first end thereof and a second opening about a second end thereof. A meter part includes a pair of pivoting catches configured to engage and grasp a sensor strip from a container containing a plurality of sensor strips. The sensor strip may thus be removed from a container for testing without need for manual handling of the strip by a user.