Test Device Locking Mechanism for Stable Carrier Positioning

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing test devices for detecting infectious diseases face challenges in achieving accurate and practical visual reading due to interference from non-test areas and the need for precise light control, which complicates the detection process.

Innovation Solution

A test device with a detachable carrier and housing featuring a locking structure that includes an elastic compressible blocking structure and an unlocking mechanism, ensuring the carrier is securely positioned for consistent electrode contact and easy removal, while the unlocking structure is exposed for external operation, enhancing the comfort and longevity of the buckle.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple light-emitting elements irradiate on the corresponding areas on a narrow reagent strip, then the test coverage is improved, but the light reflected or transmitted from the corresponding areas cannot irradiate onto one or more specific optical detectors only, causing interference and reducing measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvetest coverageVSAvoiddetection accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the optical detection system into separate detection channels, with each optical detector positioned to receive light from a specific light-emitting element and corresponding test area. This segmentation ensures that reflected or transmitted light from each test area irradiates onto its designated optical detector only, preventing cross-interference while maintaining comprehensive test coverage across multiple test areas.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Measurement precision

If a baffle is disposed between a light-emitting element and an optical detector to avoid direct light irradiation, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetection accuracyVSAvoidstructural complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of using baffles to block light paths, the patent positions the optical detector in a different spatial dimension relative to the light-emitting element and test strip. The optical detector is arranged to receive reflected or transmitted light at an angle, allowing direct light from the light-emitting element to miss the detector naturally through geometric arrangement, thereby avoiding the need for additional light-blocking components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Device complexity

If the test stripe is located above the reader light source instead of covering the optical detector, then the device complexity is reduced, but the distance between the light source and optical detector needs to be controlled precisely, and too far distance leads to loss of light signal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructural simplicityVSAvoiddistance control precision
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a spring-loaded mechanism that automatically adjusts and maintains the optimal distance between the light source and the test strip, as well as between the test strip and the optical detector. This dynamic adjustment ensures consistent light signal strength without requiring precise manual positioning or complex fixed-distance mechanisms, thereby reducing manufacturing precision requirements while maintaining signal quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

4Reliability

If the carrier is securely locked in the housing to ensure consistent electrode contact, then the reliability is improved, but the ease of operation for removal decreases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontact consistencyVSAvoidcarrier removal ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses a snap-fit locking mechanism that engages with a clicking sound to indicate secure positioning, ensuring reliable and consistent electrode contact during testing. For removal, a simple pressing or pulling action disengages the snap-fit, providing easy carrier extraction. This periodic engage-disengage mechanism balances secure locking during operation with ease of removal when needed.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

Data Source

PatentUS12128413B2Test device
Publication Date: 2024.10.29 ZHEJIANG ORIENT GENE BIOTECH CO LTD
  • US12128413B2 patent drawing
  • US12128413B2 patent drawing
  • US12128413B2 patent drawing

AI summary

A test device includes a housing and a carrier detachable from the housing. The housing includes a socket, and the carrier contains a testing element, and the carrier along with the testing element therein is capable of being inserted into the housing through the socket. The housing includes a blocking structure and a locking structure. The blocking structure and the locking structure are integrated to form a locking component. When the carrier is inserted into the housing, and a position of the carrier is locked by the locking structure, the carrier is abutted against the blocking structure. The carrier keeps stable after being inserted into the housing; and the carrier is located in the same position for each insertion.