RFID Test Strip for Remote Glucose Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood glucose measurement systems face challenges in accurately measuring glucose concentrations due to confounding variables like reaction product concentration changes over time and require dexterity to insert test strips into meters, which is cumbersome and prone to contamination.
Innovation Solution
A remote measurement system using RFID technology allows test strips to transmit data to a meter without physical contact, eliminating the need for strip insertion and reducing dexterity requirements, while maintaining meter cleanliness and avoiding contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test strips are inserted into the meter for measurement, then the measurement system can function properly, but the meter becomes prone to contamination and requires frequent cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the sample chamber from the meter and places it in a disposable test strip. This allows the blood sample to be contained entirely within the strip, preventing contact with the meter's internal surfaces. The measurement function is maintained through wireless or contactless data transmission, while the harmful contact between sample and meter is eliminated.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (wireless communication or optical coupling) between the test strip and the meter. This intermediary allows data transfer without physical contact, enabling the meter to receive measurement data while remaining isolated from potential contaminants in the blood sample.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the meter and test strip are kept separate for remote measurement, then contamination is reduced, but signal transmission between components becomes less reliable
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical connection system (physical insertion of test strip into meter) with an electromagnetic field-based communication system. RFID, NFC, or other wireless technologies enable data transmission without mechanical contact, maintaining signal reliability while preventing contamination.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the transmission parameter from physical contact to electromagnetic field coupling. By operating at specific frequencies and optimizing antenna designs, the system achieves reliable signal transmission across the air gap between the separate test strip and meter components.
3Measurement precision
If test strips require insertion into the meter before dosing, then the measurement process can be controlled, but the operation becomes more complex and requires greater dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dosing to be performed beforehand, before the test strip is brought near the meter. The user can apply the blood sample to the strip in advance, then simply bring the completed strip near the meter for wireless data transfer. This eliminates the need to manipulate small components inside the meter during the critical dosing phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the measurement process into distinct phases: dosing (performed away from the meter), data transmission (wireless proximity interaction), and reading (displayed on meter or mobile device). This segmentation allows each phase to be optimized independently, with dosing requiring minimal dexterity since it occurs away from the complex meter assembly.
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
The system provides accurate, fast, and convenient glucose measurements with enhanced meter robustness, reducing contamination risks and improving user handling by allowing remote data transmission and automatic calibration, thus addressing the limitations of existing systems.
Implementation Method 1
The test strip includes a radio frequency identification (RFID) circuit that transmits a carrier signal modulated with measurement data
Implementation Method 2
The meter detects the modulated signal and determines the measurement data therefrom
Data Source
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AI summary
A remote measurement system measures the concentrations of analytes in fluid samples. The system includes a metering device that can receive signals from a test strip or alternatively interrogate the test strip to obtain information. The test strip includes an area for receiving a fluid sample and electrochemically producing a current response that is sensed within the fluid sample. The test strip also includes an antenna and a radio frequency signal circuit for transmitting a signal indicative of the current response of a fluid sample to be analyzed. The metering device receives the signal and can convert it into a readable display in some embodiments. Remote electrochemical analysis of a fluid sample is thereby obtained.