Sensor Release Mechanism for Meter Ejection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood glucose testing systems face difficulties in sensor handling and disposal, particularly for users with limited dexterity, due to complex packaging and release mechanisms that may lead to contamination or incomplete ejection of used sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor-dispensing instrument with a mechanical mechanism including an indexing disk, knife-blade assembly, and sensor release aid arm, which facilitates easy loading, testing, and removal of sensors from a pack, ensuring proper handling and disposal without manual contact with used sensors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional packaging methods (tear-away packages, blister packaging) are used to maintain sensor humidity, then sensor integrity is preserved, but package opening becomes difficult and requires user force
Solution Approach 1:
The packaging is pre-designed with a rupture disk and sealed cavity that automatically opens when inserted into the instrument, eliminating the need for user tearing or force application. The packaging structure itself performs the opening action through its interaction with the instrument's loading mechanism.
2Productivity
If sensors are handled manually for removal from the device, then complete sensor ejection is achieved, but contamination risk increases and user dexterity requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
A sensor release aid arm serves as an intermediary mechanical element that contacts the sensor and assists in its ejection from the slot. This mediator performs the sensitive handling function, allowing complete sensor removal without requiring the user to directly grasp or handle the contaminated sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The instrument's mechanical system automatically performs the sensor ejection function through the release aid arm, making the system self-sufficient in handling the sensor removal task without requiring user manual intervention.
3Ease of operation
If gravity-based release mechanisms are used for sensor ejection, then simple operation is achieved, but sensors with contaminants or static electricity remain in the device
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor release aid arm acts as a mechanical intermediary that actively contacts and pushes the sensor out of the slot, supplementing or replacing gravity-based ejection. This ensures complete sensor removal even when contaminants or static electricity prevent gravity-driven ejection.
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 instrument simplifies the process of loading and removing sensors, reducing the risk of contamination and improving usability for users with limited dexterity by providing a mechanical aid for sensor ejection and handling, ensuring proper disposal and efficient testing.
Implementation Method 1
The fluid is drawn into a capillary channel that extends in the sensor from the testing end to the reagent material by capillary action so that a sufficient amount of fluid to be tested is drawn into the sensor
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor-dispensing instrument adapted to handle a sensor pack contains sensors and performs a test using one of the sensors. The instrument includes an outer housing and a mechanical mechanism for rotating the sensor pack and ejecting one of the sensors from the sensor pack and through a sensor slot on the housing. The instrument also includes a sensor actuator to engage with a sensor disposed in the sensor slot, and a sensor release that is movable to disengage the sensor actuator from the sensor disposed in the sensor slot and permit the discharge of the sensor. The sensor release activates a sensor release mechanism that has a sensor release aid arm, a mounting block, and a pivot pin. The sensor release aid arm contacts the sensor disposed in the sensor slot to assist removal of the sensor from the sensor slot.