Automated Glucose Test Device Consumable Dispensing Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current glucose test devices require users to manually install and replace lancets and test strips, leading to complex installation steps and potential for bacterial infections due to repeated use, causing inconvenience and safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

A glucose test device with a carrying unit that automatically dispenses and replaces lancets and test strips using a locking mechanism controlled by a driving unit and control unit, preventing accidental lancet firing and enhancing user safety and convenience.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If manual installation and replacement of lancets and test strips is used, then the device structure is simple, but the operation process becomes complex and inconvenient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperation convenienceVSAvoiddevice structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrying unit pre-stores multiple lancets and test strips in ready-to-use positions. The automated pushing mechanism is activated in advance to deliver the next consumable before the current one is fully used, eliminating the need for manual installation during the testing process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The device performs self-service by automatically pushing lancets and test strips from the carrying unit to the operational position using the first and second pushing units. This automated consumable delivery system eliminates manual intervention, allowing the device to service itself during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Reliability

If manual replacement of consumables is allowed, then the device structure is simple, but the risk of bacterial infection increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinfection preventionVSAvoidcontrol mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The manual mechanical operation of installing and replacing lancets and test strips is replaced with an automated electromechanical pushing system. The control unit manages the automated delivery, ensuring that only sterile, single-use consumables are deployed, thereby preventing bacterial infection while reducing the need for complex manual handling procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The control unit monitors the status of consumables in the carrying unit and automatically activates the pushing units when lancets or test strips need replacement. This feedback-controlled system ensures that consumables are replaced at the appropriate time without manual intervention, maintaining sterility and preventing infection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If automated locking mechanism is added, then the safety is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccidental lancet firingVSAvoidlocking mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The locking component acts as an intermediary safety mechanism between the first pushing unit and the lancet. It controls the release of the lancet by requiring proper alignment and activation conditions, preventing accidental firing while allowing controlled deployment when needed. The control unit manages the locking component's state to ensure safe operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Ease of operation

If automated consumable delivery is implemented, then the operation convenience is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconsumable replacementVSAvoiddriving mechanism
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated delivery system is segmented into separate functional units: the carrying unit stores consumables, the first pushing unit delivers lancets, and the second pushing unit delivers test strips. Each unit operates independently under control of the control unit, simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining automated functionality for convenient operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS10602970B2Glucose test device
Publication Date: 2020.03.31 SKYLA CORP HSINCHU SCI PARK BRANCH
  • US10602970B2 patent drawing
  • US10602970B2 patent drawing
  • US10602970B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A glucose test device includes a casing, a carrying unit, consumables, a first push rod, a locking component, a first driving unit and a control unit. The carrying unit is disposed at the casing. The consumables are disposed in the carrying unit. The first push rod is movably disposed at the casing. The first push rod is suitable for moving to push one consumable out of the carrying unit. The locking component is movably disposed at the casing. The first driving unit is connected to the locking component. The control unit is electrically connected to the first driving unit. The control unit is suitable for controlling the first driving unit to drive the locking component to lock the first push rod as unmovable. The control unit is suitable for controlling the first driving unit to drive the locking component to release the first push rod.