Orientation-Nonspecific Sensor Port for Analyte Meters
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current analyte meters require specific sensor orientation for accurate measurement, complicating the testing process, especially for young children or individuals with impaired vision, making it difficult for certified educators to teach correct usage.
Innovation Solution
Development of orientation-nonspecific analyte meters with sensor ports that can detect and quantify analyte levels in fluid samples, allowing sensors to be inserted in two effective orientations, facilitated by turn-on/selection contacts and demarcation schemes to ensure correct insertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If orientation-specific sensor ports are used in analyte meters, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring specific insertion orientation
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor port employs asymmetric conductive elements with different geometries (e.g., circular vs. rectangular shapes) that correspond to asymmetric contact pads on the sensor. This asymmetric design enables the port to automatically recognize and adapt to the sensor's insertion orientation, allowing accurate measurement regardless of how the sensor is inserted, thereby resolving the contradiction between measurement accuracy and ease of operation
2Reliability
If orientation-specific sensor ports are used in analyte meters, then signal detection reliability is maintained, but ease of operation worsens for users with impaired vision or young children
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor port detects changes in electrical parameters (such as resistance, capacitance, or conductance) that occur when a sensor is inserted in different orientations. By monitoring these parameter changes, the system can automatically identify the correct orientation and configure the signal detection circuitry accordingly, ensuring reliable signal detection while eliminating the need for users to visually identify or remember the correct insertion orientation
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conductive elements are added to sensor ports to enable orientation detection, then adaptability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive elements in the sensor port are designed to serve multiple functions: they act as both electrical contacts for signal transmission and as geometric features for orientation detection. For example, a circular conductive element can serve as a contact pad while its circular shape also provides orientation information when paired with asymmetric contact pads on the sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate orientation detection mechanisms, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an orientation-nonspecific sensor port for use in analyte meters designed to detect and quantify analyte levels in a fluid sample along with methods of using the same. The present disclosure also provides compositions and methods for facilitating the correct insertion of a sensor into a corresponding analyte meter.