Integrated Meter System with Removable Test Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing analyte determination systems require multiple steps and added bulk due to separate locations of penetrating members and test sensors, complicating operation and convenience.
Innovation Solution
An integrated meter system with a housing containing removably located test sensors, each equipped with a penetrating member and a channel, and a test-sensor advancement mechanism for convenient and single-handed operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the penetrating member and test sensor are located in different positions, then the system can perform lancing and testing functions, but the operation becomes more complex and the device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the penetrating member and test sensor into a single integrated test sensor assembly where the penetrating member is positioned at the front end and the test sensor is positioned at the rear end of the same cartridge. This merging eliminates the need for separate lancing and testing devices, reducing operational complexity while maintaining both functions.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the penetrating member and test sensor are located in different positions, then the system can perform lancing and testing functions, but the device bulk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the penetrating member and test sensor into a single cartridge assembly, eliminating the need for separate devices. This merging significantly reduces the overall device bulk while maintaining both lancing and testing capabilities in one compact unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The test sensor is positioned within the cartridge structure that also houses the penetrating member, creating a nested arrangement where components are efficiently packed within the same spatial envelope, minimizing overall device volume.
3Reliability
If multiple steps are required for operation, then the system can ensure proper sequence of operations, but the ease of operation decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The test sensor is pre-positioned at the rear end of the cartridge with the penetrating member at the front end, so that when the cartridge is inserted into the meter, both lancing and testing are already configured for automatic sequential operation. This preliminary arrangement ensures proper operation sequence while enabling single-handed use.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated cartridge design allows the system to automatically perform the sequence of lancing followed by testing without requiring manual intervention between steps, enabling single-handed operation while maintaining reliable operational sequence.
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
Simplifies the process of determining analyte information by integrating penetrating members and test sensors within a single system, reducing operational complexity and bulk, while ensuring efficient fluid sample collection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The test sensor draws the fluid into the channel using capillary action so that a sufficient amount of the fluid to be tested is drawn into the test sensor's testing portion.
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated meter system for determining information related to an analyte of a fluid sample includes a meter including a housing and a plurality of test sensors. Each of the plurality of test sensors includes a penetrating member, a testing portion, and a channel. The channel is adapted to receive the fluid sample. The test sensors are removably located within the housing. At least one of the test sensors is removably connected to an adjacent test sensor. The integrated meter system also includes a test-sensor advancement mechanism that is configured to advance the test sensors.