Single-Use Control Solution Container With Nested Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing control solution containers for medical and laboratory applications are prone to contamination, result in inefficient use due to large volume sizes leading to expired solutions, and lack precision in dispensing, posing risks and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
The development of containment systems with a foil laminate seal and nested wells that simulate a patient's finger for precise delivery of control solutions to medical devices, incorporating a secondary fill liquid and vapor barriers to minimize evaporation, and a status indicator to ensure single-use integrity.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If a large volume control solution container is used to provide multiple doses, then the number of dosages available is increased, but the solution is prone to contamination and may expire before complete use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control solution into multiple single-use sealed containers, each containing a precise dose. This segmentation eliminates contamination risk between uses while providing multiple dosages, as each container is independently sealed and used once then discarded.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable single-use control solution containers that are sealed and discarded after one use. This approach prioritizes reliability and contamination prevention over reusability, allowing multiple doses to be available while ensuring each dose remains uncontaminated.
2Loss of substance
If a reusable control solution container is used, then cost is reduced, but the solution must be repeatedly opened exposing it to contaminants
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses disposable single-use containers that eliminate contamination risk by being sealed until use. While each container is discarded after one use, the system reduces overall waste by providing precise dosing and preventing solution degradation from repeated opening and closing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the control solution from a single large reusable container and distributes it into multiple smaller sealed containers. This extraction allows the solution to remain protected in sealed containers until the moment of use, eliminating exposure to contaminants while maintaining availability of multiple doses.
3Ease of operation
If a conventional container opening is used for dispensing, then ease of operation is improved, but dispensing precision is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a self-priming droplet dispensing mechanism that automatically forms and releases a precise droplet when the container is tilted. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual squeezing while maintaining ease of operation, and simultaneously achieves precise dosing through controlled droplet formation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual squeezing mechanics with a self-priming droplet formation mechanism. The container design allows gravity and surface tension to automatically form a precise droplet at the dispensing opening, eliminating variability from manual pressure while maintaining simple operation.
4Ease of operation
If control solution is dispensed by squeezing the container, then ease of operation is improved, but dosing precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The container automatically forms a precise droplet through its self-priming mechanism when tilted, eliminating the need for manual squeezing. This self-service approach maintains ease of operation while ensuring consistent, accurate dosing through controlled droplet formation rather than variable manual pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual squeezing mechanics with a gravity-based self-priming droplet formation system. This substitution eliminates the variability introduced by manual pressure while keeping the operation simple—users only need to tilt the container rather than squeeze it.
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
These systems provide stabilized control solutions with minimized contamination risk, precise dosing, extended shelf life, and cost-effectiveness, ensuring accurate analyte measurements and reducing waste.
Implementation Method 1
vapor barriers to minimize evaporation
Implementation Method 2
nested wells that simulate a patient's finger for precise delivery
Data Source
AI summary
Aspects and embodiments of the present disclosure are directed to devices and methods for the containment and presentation of a control solution to a medical device. Such devices and methods can be directed to containers (e.g., containment and presentation devices) that include structures such as nested containment wells for maintaining a stabilized control solution. Embodiments can include an indicator, such as one to indicate status of a seal for a container and/or for a liquid inside such a container.