Test Strip Ejector Mechanism for Glucose Meter
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing medical devices for testing, such as blood glucose meters, face issues with test strip ejection systems that can cause damage or misalignment due to interference or sliding contacts during insertion, and existing solutions either fail to prevent racking or rotation, or add complexity with braking systems.
Innovation Solution
A test strip ejector system using a mechanism assembly with an electric motor and digital display/user interface, where user actuation initiates the ejection of the test strip through a controlled displacement, minimizing contact and preventing racking by using a sled with multiple contact legs and guide rails to ensure continuous, positive contact.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single projection part is used to drive the sensor during ejection, then the structure is simple, but the control precision and reliability of ejection are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The single projection part is divided into multiple projection parts (first projection part and second projection part) that are spatially separated. The first projection part contacts the first side wall of the sensor, while the second projection part contacts the second side wall of the sensor. This segmentation provides multiple contact points for controlling the sensor during ejection, improving reliability without significantly increasing overall structural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
Different projection parts are positioned at different locations on the pushing member to contact different side walls of the sensor. This local differentiation of contact points allows for precise control of the sensor's movement in multiple directions, ensuring reliable ejection while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
2Ease of manufacture
If clearance is provided between the projection part and pushing member cover, then assembly is easy, but the control precision is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing member is designed with multiple projection parts that extend into the pushing member cover, creating multiple localized contact points rather than a single large contact area. This segmentation allows for precise control at each contact point while maintaining overall assembly ease through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection parts act as intermediary elements between the pushing member and the sensor. These intermediaries provide controlled contact points that transmit force precisely to the sensor while accommodating manufacturing tolerances, thus maintaining both assembly ease and control precision.
3Speed
If a braking system is added to limit ejection velocity, then the sensor exit speed is controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of adding a separate braking system, the pushing member is segmented into multiple projection parts that contact different side walls of the sensor. This segmentation inherently controls the sensor's movement and exit speed through the geometric arrangement and contact mechanics of the projection parts, eliminating the need for additional braking components.
Solution Approach 2:
The speed control function is extracted from a separate braking system and integrated into the fundamental structure of the pushing member itself. The multiple projection parts and their spatial arrangement provide the necessary speed limitation through their geometric configuration, removing the need for separate braking hardware.
4Device complexity
If the projection part is off-center of the sensor, then the structure is simpler, but racking and misalignment occur
Solution Approach 1:
The pushing member includes multiple projection parts positioned at different locations, with at least one projection part contacting a first side wall and another projection part contacting a second side wall of the sensor. This segmented, distributed contact arrangement maintains structural simplicity while preventing racking and misalignment through balanced force distribution across multiple contact points.
Solution Approach 2:
The projection parts are asymmetrically positioned relative to the sensor to create a stable contact configuration. By strategically placing projection parts at specific locations that contact different side walls, the design prevents racking while maintaining overall structural simplicity and avoiding the need for complex alignment mechanisms.
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 system effectively ejects test strips without causing damage or misalignment, ensuring reliable operation and reducing the risk of racking or rotation, while also allowing for adjustable ejection force and velocity through user selection.
Implementation Method 1
an electric motor connected to the power source. The electric motor has an armature displaced when the electric motor is energized
Data Source
AI summary
A test strip ejector system for receiving and ejecting a fluid testing medical device test strip includes a mechanism assembly supported by the device whereby user actuation of the mechanism assembly induces displacement of the test strip in at least a test strip ejection direction to eject the test strip. The mechanism assembly includes a power source and an electric motor such as a piezo-electric linear micro motor connected to the power source. The electric motor has an armature displaced when the electric motor is energized. A digital display/user interface is provided. Selection of an ejection function presented on the digital display/user interface initiates operation of the electric motor and displacement of the armature thereby displacing the test strip in the ejection direction. An operating system including a microprocessor is connected to the display/user interface. The microprocessor controls direction of operation and operating speed of the motor.