Removable Tip Test Sensor for Moisture Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current test sensors are prone to moisture and contaminant sensitivity, leading to inaccurate results and require bulky packaging that complicates automatic installation and storage.
Innovation Solution
A test sensor design featuring a removable tip portion with a detachable area that exposes a fluid-receiving channel, preventing moisture and contaminants while eliminating the need for sealed packaging, using a base, lid, and optional spacer made from polymeric materials like polycarbonate and polyethylene terephthalate, with notches or other features for easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test sensors are sealed in containers or packaging to prevent moisture or contaminants from affecting the reagent, then the reliability of the reagent system is improved, but the device complexity and storage bulk increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test sensor is divided into separate functional components: a reusable body containing the reagent system and electrodes, and disposable test strips or tips. This segmentation allows the sensitive reagent system to be protected within the reusable body while the disposable components can be easily replaced, eliminating the need for complex sealed packaging of the entire sensor assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable test strips or tip components that are discarded after a single use. These disposable elements contain the reagent system in a controlled environment during use, then are discarded rather than requiring long-term sealed packaging. This approach protects the reagent system during critical periods while simplifying storage and handling of the overall device.
2Measurement precision
If test sensors are sealed in containers to prevent moisture or contaminants from affecting the reagent, then the measurement precision is improved, but the ease of operation and automatic installation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By separating the test sensor into a reusable body and disposable test strips/tips, the design enables simple loading procedures where only the small disposable component needs to be inserted into the meter. This segmentation maintains measurement precision through protected reagent systems while dramatically simplifying the operation and enabling automatic installation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The critical protective function is extracted from the entire sensor packaging and concentrated in the disposable test strip or tip component. This extraction allows the reusable body to be openly stored and handled without complex sealing, while the disposable component provides the necessary protection during the critical measurement phase, facilitating easier operation and automatic installation.
3Reliability
If bulky packaging is used to protect test sensors from moisture and contaminants, then the reliability is improved, but the volume and storage requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The use of disposable test strips or tips eliminates the need for bulky long-term sealed packaging. The disposable components are designed to provide adequate protection during storage and use, then are discarded after a single measurement. This approach maintains reagent protection reliability while dramatically reducing the volume required for storage and transport of multiple test sensors.
Solution Approach 2:
Segmenting the system into reusable and disposable components allows the protective packaging to be minimized to only the essential disposable elements. The reusable body can be stored without extensive packaging, and multiple disposable components can be stored in compact arrangements, significantly reducing overall storage volume while maintaining reliability during critical measurement periods.
Data Source
AI summary
A test sensor includes a base, a lid and a channel for receiving a fluid sample. The channel includes a reagent. The test sensor also includes a tip portion extending from at least one of the base and lid. The tip portion prevents or inhibits moisture or contaminants from entering the channel and affecting the reagent. The test sensor further includes a detachable area located adjacent the tip portion. The detachable area is formed so as to assist movement of the tip portion or removal of the tip portion from the remainder of the test sensor. The movement or removal of the tip portion exposes the channel for receiving the fluid sample.