Test Strip Barrier Ledge for Fluid Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical test strips for bodily fluid analysis, such as blood glucose meters, face challenges in preventing excess sample fluid from entering the meter, leading to potential malfunctions, corrosion, and inaccurate measurements due to contamination and inappropriate sample sizes.
Innovation Solution
A test strip design featuring a raised barrier ledge that separates the proximal and distal sections, restricting sample dispersal and preventing excess fluid from entering the medical meter, while facilitating proper insertion and ensuring accurate analysis by allowing a predetermined amount of sample to enter capillaries for measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the test strip allows free dispersal of sample fluid across the strip surface, then the sample can be easily applied and distributed, but excess fluid enters the medical meter causing contamination, malfunctions, and inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is divided into distinct functional zones separated by raised barrier ledges. The sample application area is segmented from the meter insertion area, with intermediate barrier ledges creating controlled flow paths. This segmentation prevents uncontrolled fluid dispersal while maintaining ease of sample application to the designated area.
Solution Approach 2:
Raised barrier ledges act as intermediary structures between the sample application zone and the meter insertion zone. These ledges serve as physical mediators that control fluid flow, allowing capillary action to transport the required sample amount while blocking excess fluid from reaching the meter, thus preventing contamination and malfunction.
2Ease of manufacture
If the test strip uses a planar surface design, then manufacturing is simple and成本低, but excess sample fluid flows freely into the medical meter
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip transitions from a purely two-dimensional planar surface to a three-dimensional structure with raised barrier ledges. These ledges add vertical dimensionality to control fluid flow paths, creating physical barriers that prevent excess fluid from reaching the meter while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through techniques like molding or lamination.
3Speed
If the test strip allows unrestricted sample flow, then the sample reaches the measurement area quickly, but inappropriate sample sizes cause inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the test strip are assigned different functional qualities. The sample application area allows free fluid distribution, while intermediate areas with barrier ledges control and regulate flow. The measurement area receives a precisely controlled sample volume. This local differentiation of fluid flow characteristics ensures both rapid transport and accurate measurement by preventing both insufficient and excessive sampling.
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 raised barrier ledge effectively prevents contamination and ensures accurate measurements by controlling sample flow, reducing the risk of malfunctions and enhancing the reliability of medical meter results.
Implementation Method 1
at least part of the sample enters capillaries of the test strip and is transported by capillary action from the proximal section to a test chamber
Implementation Method 2
at least one raised barrier ledge capable of restricting a dispersal of the sample on the test strip. The raised barrier ledge separates the distal section from the proximal section
Data Source
Figure 1~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A test strip (11, 21) for a medical meter (6) capable of analysing a sample of a bodily fluid comprises a proximal section (12, 22) and a distal section (13, 23). The distal section (13, 23) is adapted to be inserted into the medical meter (6). According to the invention, at least one raised barrier ledge (15, 25) capable of restricting a dispersal of the sample on the test strip (11, 21). The raised barrier ledge (15, 25) separates the distal section (13, 23) from the proximal section (12, 22).