Laser-Ablated Conductive Patterns for Biosensor Test Strip Encoding
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing biosensor test strips lack an efficient method to encode information necessary for proper identification and calibration, leading to potential inaccuracies and user errors in measuring analyte concentrations in biological fluids.
Innovation Solution
The use of laser ablation techniques to pattern conductive materials on the test strips, allowing for the direct encoding of information such as lot IDs and calibration data onto the strips, which can be read by the test meter, ensuring accurate matching and operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual verification of lot numbers is required, then calibration accuracy can be maintained, but user error and measurement inaccuracies increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip automatically encodes its own lot number and calibration information through laser-ablated conductive patterns, eliminating the need for manual verification by the user. The test meter automatically reads this encoded information and performs calibration, making the system self-identifying and self-calibrating without user intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The manual mechanical verification process of comparing printed lot numbers is replaced by an automated electrical reading system. The test meter electrically reads the laser-ablated conductive patterns on the test strip to automatically identify the lot number and retrieve corresponding calibration data, substituting manual visual verification with automated electronic identification.
2Reliability
If ROM keys are used for calibration, then calibration data can be stored, but device complexity and user操作步骤 increase
Solution Approach 1:
The calibration identification function is extracted from the separate ROM key device and integrated directly into the test strip itself. The lot number and calibration information are now encoded on the test strip through laser-ablated conductive patterns, eliminating the need for a separate calibration key and reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The previously separate functions of the test strip (sensing) and the ROM key (calibration storage and identification) are merged into a single integrated system. The test strip now contains both the sensing reagents and the encoded calibration information, allowing the test meter to automatically read and apply the correct calibration data without requiring separate key insertion.
3Measurement precision
If more information is encoded on the test strip, then identification accuracy improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of encoding information directly into the physical structure of the test strip, the invention uses laser ablation to create conductive patterns that serve as electrical copies of the lot number and calibration data. This allows the test meter to read the information electrically without requiring ultra-precise physical encoding features, reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining high identification accuracy.
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
This approach enhances the accuracy of analyte concentration measurements by eliminating user-dependent verification processes and ensuring that the test meter receives the correct calibration data, reducing the risk of measurement errors and improving the interaction between the test strip and meter.
Implementation Method 1
The use of laser ablation techniques to pattern conductive materials on the test strips
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention provides a test strip for measuring a concentration of an analyte of interest in a biological fluid, wherein the test strip may be encoded with information that can be read by a test meter into which the test strip is inserted.