Electrochemical Test Strip Electrode Segmentation for Insertion Verification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electrochemical test strips cannot determine if they are inserted correctly into an instrument or if a sample is properly injected into and covering the reaction region.
Innovation Solution
An electrochemical test strip with an insulating substrate, an electrode system including measurement and identifying electrodes, and a resistor, which allows for proper insertion detection and sample coverage verification through resistance and current measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only two electrodes are used for measurement, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to determine sample injection and coverage is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode system is segmented into three distinct electrodes: a reference electrode, a working electrode, and a third electrode positioned farther from the entry. This segmentation allows the system to perform multiple functions - standard electrochemical measurement between the reference and working electrodes, and sample coverage detection using the third electrode - without requiring a completely separate detection system.
Solution Approach 2:
The third electrode serves dual purposes: it participates in electrochemical measurements when needed and acts as a detection electrode for sample coverage. By positioning it farther from the entry than the reference and working electrodes, it can detect whether sample has reached the measurement region, thus providing multi-functionality to the electrode system.
2Measurement precision
If three electrodes are added to detect sample coverage, then the measurement capability is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection function for sample coverage is merged with the existing electrochemical measurement system by adding a third electrode to the same electrode system that performs measurements. This merging allows sample coverage detection to be integrated into the existing device architecture rather than requiring a separate detection system, thus limiting the increase in device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The third electrode is positioned in advance at a location farther from the entry than the reference and working electrodes. This preliminary positioning allows the system to detect sample coverage before the sample reaches the measurement electrodes, providing advance warning and enabling the system to prepare for measurement.
3Reliability
If the test strip insertion detection is not implemented, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of measurement is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously monitoring the electrical connection status between the test strip electrodes and the measurement instrument. The processor receives signals from the electrodes and determines whether the test strip is properly inserted based on the presence or absence of electrical connection, providing real-time feedback on insertion status.
Solution Approach 2:
The test strip itself provides the detection capability for proper insertion through its electrode configuration. When the test strip is inserted into the measurement instrument, the electrodes automatically form an electrical connection that can be detected, eliminating the need for separate mechanical or optical detection 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
Enables accurate insertion verification and sample coverage assessment, ensuring reliable electrochemical testing by forming a loop with the electrodes and using a processor to measure electrical variations.
Implementation Method 1
measuring a resistance between the first identifying electrode and the second identifying electrode to determine whether the electrochemical test strip is inserted into the measurement instrument properly
Implementation Method 2
measuring an electrical variation between the reference electrode and the working electrode caused by the sample
Data Source
AI summary
An electrochemical test system comprising an electrochemical test strip capable of initiating an instrument, determining if it is inserted into a correct position of the instrument, a sample is injected into a reaction region of the electrochemical test strip, and the sample covers the reaction region properly. The electrochemical test strip includes an insulating substrate, an electrode system, and an insulating layer. The electrode system includes a resistor, a set of measurement electrodes which includes a reference electrode and a working electrode insulated from each other, and a set of identifying electrodes which includes first and second identifying electrodes connected through the resistor. A method for detecting a sample includes the steps of inserting the electrochemical test strip into a measurement instrument, providing the sample in the reaction region, and applying a voltage between the reference electrode and the working electrode, and measuring a current corresponding to the voltage.