Sensor Dispensing Cartridge with Moveable Seals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood glucose testing systems require unpacking of individually packaged sensors each time for use, which is inconvenient and not suitable for users with physical limitations, and are sensitive to ambient humidity, necessitating desiccant packaging that adds complexity.
Innovation Solution
A disposable cartridge with a housing containing multiple test sensors, a mechanical mechanism to eject sensors one at a time, and moveable seals to maintain moisture and air-tightness, allowing for easy use without unpacking and protecting the sensors from humidity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If sensors are individually packaged with desiccant to protect from humidity, then sensor reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to requiring unpacking before each use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individually packaged sensors into a single cartridge unit that maintains individual sensor sealing. The cartridge housing contains multiple sensors in a compact arrangement, allowing multiple sensors to be protected simultaneously without requiring separate unpacking operations for each sensor. This merging of multiple units into one while preserving individual protection addresses both reliability and ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge is pre-assembled with multiple sensors already positioned and sealed within the housing before use. This preliminary arrangement eliminates the need for users to unpack and prepare individual sensors before each test, as the sensors are ready for immediate use. The desiccant is also pre-positioned within the cartridge to provide continuous humidity protection throughout the storage and use period.
2Reliability
If desiccant packaging is used to protect sensors from ambient humidity, then sensor reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the desiccant function directly into the cartridge housing structure, combining the protection function with the storage function. Rather than using separate desiccant packages that would increase complexity, the desiccant is incorporated as an integral part of the cartridge design, providing humidity protection without adding separate components or packaging layers.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge housing serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural containment for multiple sensors, maintains a sealed environment for humidity protection, and houses the desiccant for active moisture absorption. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining sensor reliability.
3Ease of operation
If multiple sensors are stacked in a cartridge to eliminate unpacking, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity increases due to mechanical mechanism requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The cartridge is designed with a segmented structure where multiple sensors are arranged in a stacked configuration within the housing. Each sensor is positioned in its own designated space within the cartridge, allowing sequential access through a standardized ejection mechanism. This segmentation enables multiple sensors to be stored and accessed systematically without requiring complex individual handling mechanisms for each sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The cartridge incorporates a spring-loaded ejection mechanism that automatically advances and ejects sensors sequentially when the cartridge is inserted into the testing device. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual sensor handling or complex user-operated mechanisms, as the spring automatically performs the sensor ejection function. The mechanical complexity is contained within the cartridge itself rather than requiring complex external control systems.
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 cartridge provides a convenient, user-friendly mechanism for sequential sensor use while maintaining sensor integrity by ensuring moisture-proof and air-tight conditions, reducing the need for desiccant packaging and enhancing usability for all users.
Implementation Method 1
The plurality of moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge
Implementation Method 2
The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the plurality of test sensors in a first direction. One of the plurality of test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge
Implementation Method 3
During the movement of the flat bar from the first position to the second position, the flat bar contacts one of the plurality of test sensors and pushes it at least partially through at least one of the moveable seals
Data Source
AI summary
A disposable cartridge adapted to be used with a sensor-dispensing instrument comprises a housing, test sensors, a mechanical mechanism and moveable seals. The housing forms at least one opening therethrough. The test sensors are stacked in the housing. The test sensors are adapted to assist in testing at least one analyte. The mechanical mechanism is adapted to urge the test sensors in a first direction. One of the test sensors is positioned for ejection from the cartridge. The moveable seals is adapted to be in a closed position that seals the at least one opening so as to provide a substantially moisture-proof and a substantially air-tight cartridge, and one of the moveable seals is adapted to be in an open position that allows one of the test sensors to be moved therethrough.