Test Strip Light Shielding for Accurate Optical Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing component measurement systems face limitations in measurement accuracy due to deviations in light guidance to the measurement spot, leading to inconsistent light amounts and reduced precision.

Innovation Solution

A test strip with a light shielding portion that defines the measurement spot, ensuring consistent light guidance and accurate measurement, even with positional deviations, by using a black film member to shield measurement light and a transparent measurement opening.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If the light from the LED is narrowed by a collimating opening in the component measurement device, then the light direction is controlled, but measurement accuracy is limited due to deviation from the reading region

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemeasurement accuracyVSAvoidlight guidance consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a light shielding portion as an intermediary element between the light source and the reading region. This light shielding portion defines the measurement spot and guides the measurement light accurately, serving as a mediator that ensures consistent light delivery to the correct location on the test strip, thereby resolving the deviation issue and improving measurement reliability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The light shielding portion creates a localized measurement spot with specific optical properties. By defining a precise reading region through the light shielding structure, the system ensures that light is concentrated and guided consistently to the exact location where the reaction product is formed, improving both measurement accuracy and reproducibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

2Adaptability or versatility

If the test strip is attached in a position-deviated manner, then attachment flexibility is maintained, but the light amount reaching the measurement spot becomes inconsistent

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment flexibilityVSAvoidlight amount consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The light shielding portion defines a specific measurement spot location on the test strip with precise optical characteristics. This localized definition ensures that regardless of attachment position deviations, the light is consistently guided to the correct reading region, maintaining measurement precision while allowing attachment flexibility

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the optical parameters by introducing the light shielding portion that actively shapes and directs the light path. This modification ensures that the light amount reaching the measurement spot remains consistent even when attachment position varies, decoupling measurement precision from attachment precision

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

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 more precise component measurement by ensuring a consistent light amount reaches the measurement spot, improving accuracy and reproducibility.

Implementation Method 1

a light shielding portion (32) that shields the measurement light

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight shielding: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a transparent measurement opening (34) that transmits the measurement light in the thickness direction of the main body portion (20)

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight transmission: Refraction

Data Source

PatentEP3889587B1Test strip and component measurement system
Publication Date: 2026.03.11 TERUMO KK
  • EP3889587B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3889587B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3889587B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A component measurement system (10) includes a test strip (12) that includes a main body portion (20) for holding a sample, and a component measurement device (14) to which the test strip (12) is attached and that optically measures a component contained in the sample. The component measurement device (14) emits measurement light traveling in a thickness direction of the main body portion (20). The main body portion (20) includes a light shielding portion (32) that shields the measurement light, and the light shielding portion (32) includes a measurement opening (34) through which a measurement spot (44) of the measurement light is formed on a reaction product of the sample that reacts with a reagent.