Integrated Diagnostic Meter with On-Container Calibration Coding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Diagnostic testing systems are cumbersome and prone to errors due to the need for separate components and complex calibration processes, particularly for users who struggle with managing multiple devices and ensuring correct calibration of test media, which can lead to incorrect results in self-testing scenarios.

Innovation Solution

A container integrated with a media dispenser and a diagnostic meter, featuring a closure portion and positioning devices to manage test media, along with on-container coding methods such as conductive coding patterns, memory chips, or RF tags for automatic calibration, ensuring correct usage and minimizing the risk of incorrect test strip lots.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If separate components (meter, test media container, sampling device) are used, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedevice versatilityVSAvoidease of operation

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the meter, test media container, and sampling device into a single integrated diagnostic testing system. The meter housing incorporates a receptacle for the test media container and a holder for the sampling device, eliminating the need for users to manage separate components and reducing the risk of component separation during testing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated meter housing serves multiple functions: it houses the electronic meter for performing diagnostic tests, contains a receptacle to hold the test media container, and includes a holder for the sampling device. This multi-functional design maintains versatility while simplifying the overall system structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Manufacturing precision

If manual calibration coding is required, then manufacturing precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates and loss of time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecalibration precisionVSAvoidease of calibration

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The test media container is equipped with an automated calibration coding system that performs the calibration function without requiring user intervention. The system automatically reads the code from the test media container and configures the meter accordingly, eliminating manual coding steps and reducing calibration errors while maintaining manufacturing precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces manual mechanical coding operations with an automated electronic reading system. The meter automatically detects and reads the calibration code from the test media container through an interface, substituting the manual mechanical process of entering codes with an automated electronic process that is both faster and more accurate.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If test media from different manufacturers are used, then adaptability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates due to calibration errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest media compatibilityVSAvoidtest accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically adjusts calibration parameters based on the specific test media container being used. The automated coding system identifies the manufacturer and lot-specific calibration requirements, then configures the meter with the appropriate parameters, ensuring accurate measurements across different test media brands and lots without requiring manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

4Device complexity

If multiple components are managed separately, then device complexity increases, but loss of time increases due to coordination requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidtest preparation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the meter, test media container, and sampling device into a single integrated unit with a unified housing structure. This integration eliminates the time required to coordinate and assemble separate components during testing, as everything is pre-assembled and ready for immediate use.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS8388906B2Apparatus for dispensing test strips

Publication Date: 2013.03.05 TRIVIDIA HEALTH INC

AI summary

A container for a diagnostic testing system consists essentially of a media dispenser embedded in the container and configured to house a plurality of test media; a first positioning device arranged on or near a first surface of the media dispenser and configured to push the plurality of test media toward a second surface of the media dispenser; and a meter for performing a diagnostic test on a sample applied to one of the plurality of test media, the meter including a closure portion configured to close the container.