RFID-Enabled Disposable Electrochemical Test Unit for Allergen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Individuals with severe food allergies or intolerances face challenges in reliably identifying allergens and food intolerance ingredients in prepared foods, especially in untrusted environments, as existing methods rely on staff reports or limited product labeling, and there is a need for a versatile system to conduct multiple types of tests.
Innovation Solution
A handheld apparatus comprising a test meter and disposable electrochemical test unit with embedded electrodes and a passive RFID/NFC tag for qualitative, semi-quantitative, or quantitative analysis, using reagent compositions and electron transfer agents to detect allergens and intolerance ingredients, allowing for easy, accurate testing of prepared foods.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If disposable electrochemical test units with RFID tags are used, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable electrochemical test units that are discarded after a single use. Each test unit contains pre-loaded reagents, electrodes, and RFID tags. This eliminates the need for complex calibration, cleaning, and maintenance procedures, thereby improving measurement precision while the disposability aspect manages the complexity by removing the need for complex maintenance systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The test units are designed to be self-contained with pre-loaded reagents and calibration data stored in RFID tags. The system automatically performs calibration and measurement without requiring user intervention for complex setup procedures. This self-service approach improves precision by ensuring consistent calibration while reducing the operational complexity for the user.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple types of allergen tests are integrated, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the allergen testing functionality into separate disposable test units, each designed for detecting specific allergens or groups of allergens. Each test unit contains specific reagents and electrodes tailored for its intended purpose. This segmentation allows the system to offer versatile allergen testing capabilities while keeping each individual test unit simple and easy to use.
Solution Approach 2:
The handheld apparatus is designed as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of disposable test units through a standardized interface. The system reads RFID tags to automatically configure itself for the specific test being performed. This universality allows one device to perform multiple allergen testing functions without increasing the complexity of the core apparatus, as the complexity is distributed across the disposable test units.
3Measurement precision
If electrochemical sensing with multiple electrodes is used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The electrochemical test units with multiple electrodes (working, counter, and reference electrodes) are designed as disposable components. The complexity of setting up and managing multiple electrodes is eliminated because the entire test unit is discarded after use. This allows the system to achieve high measurement precision through proper electrochemical design without burdening the user with complex operational procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The test units come pre-assembled with properly positioned and connected electrodes. The handheld apparatus automatically identifies the electrode configuration by reading the RFID tag and configures the measurement parameters accordingly. This self-service approach maintains high measurement precision through proper electrochemical design while keeping the operation simple for the user, who only needs to insert the pre-configured test unit.
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
Enables users to safely determine the presence and concentration of allergens and intolerance ingredients in prepared foods through a user-friendly, multi-test capable system, providing confidence in food safety by generating clear indications of allergen presence or concentration.
Implementation Method 1
A passive RFID tag is arranged on the test strip. A RFID-reader is arranged inside the meter for receiving of the radio frequency signals of the RFID-chip.
Implementation Method 2
The disposable electrochemical test unit is adapted for electrochemical sensing of an allergen and/or food intolerance ingredient... using reagent compositions and electron transfer agents to detect allergens and intolerance ingredients
Data Source
AI summary
A handheld apparatus for testing a sample of prepared food for allergens and/or food intolerance ingredients. An electronic identification tag comprising information on the type of disposable electrochemical test unit is embedded in the disposable electrochemical test unit.