Test Strip Container Sealing and Wireless Data Transmission
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Solution Overview
Problem
Portable blood glucose measurement devices face issues with test strip contamination, moisture exposure, and inconsistent batch performance due to inadequate sealing and manual data entry of batch information, leading to inaccurate measurements and potential medical errors.
Innovation Solution
A portable analytical measurement system with a test strip container featuring a sealing device, counter, data carrier, and wireless data transmission, which automatically records and transmits batch-specific data and opening events to an analysis module, ensuring test strips remain dry and clean and eliminating the need for manual data entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If test strips are stored in a container without adequate sealing, then the container is easier to open and access, but the test strips become contaminated by air moisture leading to inaccurate measurements
Solution Approach 1:
A sealing device acts as an intermediary between the test strip container and the external environment. The sealing device includes a seal element that creates a barrier against moisture and air, preventing contamination of test strips while allowing controlled access when opened
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual sealing operations with an automated sealing device that automatically seals the container when not in use. The sealing device is integrated into the container structure and operates automatically, eliminating the need for manual capping or closing actions by the user
2Device complexity
If batch information is transmitted manually by user action, then the system structure can be simpler, but errors occur when users forget or make mistakes in data entry leading to incorrect measurements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic data transmission of batch information from the test strip container to the analysis module without requiring user intervention. The container automatically transmits its batch information when placed in or near the analysis module, eliminating manual data entry and associated errors
Solution Approach 2:
The analysis module receives batch information automatically from the container and uses this information to correctly interpret measurement data. The system provides feedback by confirming successful data reception and using the batch information to adjust measurement parameters or calibration factors
3Device complexity
If a ROM key is attached loosely to the container for batch information storage, then the container structure can be simpler, but the ROM key can be lost leading to loss of batch information and unusable test strips
Solution Approach 1:
The data carrier is merged with the test strip container structure itself rather than being a separate attachable component. The batch information is stored directly in memory integrated into the container's electronic circuitry, eliminating the risk of loss associated with separate ROM keys or data carriers
Solution Approach 2:
The data carrier and batch information storage system are nested within the container structure. The electronic memory and circuitry are integrated inside the container housing, with the batch information physically contained within the container assembly rather than attached externally
4Ease of operation
If test strips are exposed to air for extended periods, then the user can access and use the test strips more freely, but the test strip quality deteriorates leading to false measurement results
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device is pre-configured to automatically seal the container when not in use, preventing exposure before it can cause damage. The container maintains a sealed state by default, and the user only opens it when actively preparing to use a test strip, minimizing exposure time
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for measuring substance concentrations is provided. The system has a test strip container for receiving a test strip(s). The container has a sealing device, a counter device that counts a number of opening processes of the sealing device, a data carrier that stores batch-specific data of the test strip(s), a data transmission device for wireless transmission of the data and of the number. An analysis module has a device for measuring substance concentrations by the test strip(s), and a data-receiving device for wireless reception of the data from the data transmission device and of the number. The method records the number and stores the number on the data carrier; sends data and the number by wireless transmission to the analysis module, and determines a substance concentration by the test strip(s). Also or instead, the counter device counts a time duration of the opening processes.