Test Strip Dispensing Mechanism for Contamination Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users with impaired vision or physical dexterity face difficulties in retrieving diagnostic test strips from storage vials without contaminating them, as existing storage methods do not facilitate safe and convenient dispensing.
Innovation Solution
A storage apparatus with a container, a roller or spring mechanism, and an actuator that allows for the controlled dispensing of test strips one at a time, ensuring minimal contact and contamination, featuring various embodiments such as a thumbwheel-operated roller, pushbutton-activated gear train, or hinge-connected linkage assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If users reach into storage vials to retrieve test strips, then they can access the test strips, but they may accidentally touch multiple strips and contaminate unused ones
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism (dispensing mechanism with roller or spring) between the user and the test strips. This intermediary system allows users to retrieve test strips without directly touching them, thereby preventing contamination while maintaining ease of access. The intermediary device mediates the interaction by automatically advancing and dispensing single strips.
Solution Approach 2:
The storage vial system performs self-service by automatically advancing test strips using a roller or spring mechanism. The system serves itself by maintaining the strips in a protected state and automatically positioning the next strip for dispensing without requiring user intervention to handle multiple strips, thus preventing contamination while enabling easy retrieval.
2Ease of operation
If test strips are stored in open vials for easy access, then users can easily retrieve strips, but the strips are exposed to environmental contamination and humidity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where test strips are contained within a protective storage vial that maintains a controlled environment. The strips are nested within the vial in a protected state, with only the necessary portion exposed for dispensing. This nesting provides environmental protection while allowing easy access through the controlled dispensing mechanism.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism acts as an intermediary that allows access to test strips while maintaining their protected environment. The mechanism enables users to retrieve strips without opening the vial completely or exposing multiple strips to the external environment, thus preserving strip integrity while facilitating easy access.
3Productivity
If users manually handle test strips for retrieval, then they can obtain the strips, but they may touch multiple strips and compromise sterility
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-service by automatically advancing and dispensing test strips through a roller or spring mechanism. This eliminates the need for users to manually handle multiple strips, maintaining sterility while enabling rapid retrieval. The system serves itself by automatically positioning and dispensing single strips without user contact with multiple items.
Solution Approach 2:
The dispensing mechanism serves as an intermediary that transfers test strips from the protected storage state to the user without requiring manual handling of multiple strips. This intermediary system maintains sterility by ensuring users only contact the dispensed strip, while enabling efficient retrieval through automated advancement.
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 solution enables safe, convenient, and contamination-free dispensing of test strips, ensuring environmental protection and ease of use for users with disabilities, while maintaining the strips' integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a spring disposed in the container, the spring adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips
Implementation Method 2
a roller disposed in the container, the roller adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus for storing and dispensing a test strip includes a container configured to store a stack of test strips. The container maintains appropriate environmental conditions, such as humidity, for storing the test strips. An engaging member is disposed in the container and is adapted to contact one test strip of the stack of test strips. An actuator actuates the engaging member to dispense the one test strip from the container. Since one test strip is dispensed at a time, the remaining test strips are not handled by the user. Accordingly, the unused test strips remain free of contaminants such as naturally occurring oils on the user's hand.