Multi-Fluid Test Strip with Barrier Zone for Brake and Coolant Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current testing methods for brake and coolant fluids are cumbersome and often require multiple separate devices, leading to infrequent testing and potentially unsafe vehicle operation due to the lack of timely detection of fluid degradation or contamination.
Innovation Solution
A multi-fluid test strip with distinct zones for testing different fluids, including a third zone that prevents cross-contamination between them, allowing for simultaneous or sequential testing of brake and coolant fluids, along with grip zones for easy handling without direct contact with the testing zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple separate testing devices are used for brake and coolant fluids, then each fluid can be tested individually, but the testing process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate testing devices into a single integrated multi-fluid test strip that can simultaneously test both brake fluid and coolant fluid. The test strip includes distinct testing zones for each fluid type, allowing both fluids to be tested using one device rather than requiring separate testing equipment for each fluid.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip is designed with multi-functionality to perform various fluid tests (brake fluid and coolant fluid) using a single universal device. The strip includes multiple testing zones that can detect different fluid properties such as copper levels, pH levels, and other degradation metrics for both fluid types.
2Reliability
If separate testing devices are used for brake and coolant fluids, then cross-contamination is prevented, but testing frequency decreases due to the cumbersome process
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is segmented into distinct testing zones for brake fluid and coolant fluid, with physical separation between the zones. This segmentation prevents cross-contamination between different fluid types while allowing both to be tested in a single operation, thereby maintaining detection accuracy and increasing testing frequency.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip acts as an intermediary device that safely handles both brake fluid and coolant fluid through its designated zones. The physical structure of the strip with separate testing areas serves as a mediator that prevents mixing of different fluids while enabling simultaneous testing, thus improving both reliability and productivity.
3Productivity
If a single multi-fluid test strip is used for both brake and coolant fluids, then testing efficiency increases, but the risk of cross-contamination between fluids increases
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is divided into separate, physically distinct testing zones for brake fluid and coolant fluid. This segmentation allows both fluids to be tested on the same strip while preventing cross-contamination through the physical separation of the testing areas, thus maintaining testing efficiency without compromising fluid integrity.
4Measurement precision
If multiple separate testing devices are used, then each fluid can be tested with dedicated equipment, but the overall testing process becomes time-consuming and maintenance delays occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple testing functions into a single integrated test strip that can simultaneously evaluate both brake fluid and coolant fluid. This combination allows both fluids to be tested in parallel within the same operation, significantly reducing the total testing time compared to using separate devices sequentially, while maintaining dedicated testing zones for each fluid type to ensure measurement precision.
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-fluid test strip may include a first zone to test a first fluid, a second zone to test a second fluid, and a third zone intermediate the first zone and the second zone. The third zone may prevent cross-contamination of the first fluid with the second zone and prevent cross-contamination of the second fluid with the first zone. The multi-fluid test strip may also include a first grip zone and a second grip zone. The first zone may be intermediate the first grip zone and the third zone and the second zone may be intermediate the second grip zone and the third zone. The first grip and second grip zones may be dimensioned to permit gripping of the first and second grip zones without touching the first or second zones.