Test Strip Meter Movable Read-Head Alignment Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing glucose testing systems in body fluids face issues with inconvenient and unsafe disposal of used sensors, inadequate protection against environmental moisture, and wear and tear, which affect the accuracy and longevity of reagents.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a test strip with a reagent that reacts with analytes in a fluid sample and a meter with a movable read-head and test strip holder mechanism, which includes springs for precise alignment and protection, allowing for accurate analysis and convenient handling of the test strips.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If test strips are delivered from a container without integrated storage, then the container structure is simpler, but the disposal of used sensors becomes inconvenient and unsafe
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the test strip storage function with the container structure by integrating a recessed storage compartment into the container body. This allows used test strips to be stored within the container itself, providing convenient and safe disposal while maintaining a unified device structure.
2Reliability
If test strips are exposed to environmental moisture, then the container structure is simpler, but the reagent degradation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible seal member (such as a gasket or O-ring) that forms a protective barrier between the test strips and the external environment. This thin film structure prevents environmental moisture from reaching the reagents while maintaining container simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The container is segmented into distinct functional zones: a dry storage recess for test strips, a sealed reading area for the sensor, and a separate waste compartment. This segmentation isolates the reagents from environmental moisture while keeping the overall structure relatively simple.
3Productivity
If the read-head is always exposed for testing, then the operation speed is faster, but the protection from environmental factors decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The read-head is designed to be movable between a retracted position (for protection) and an extended position (for testing). This dynamic positioning allows the system to switch between protected storage mode and active testing mode, balancing protection and productivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The read-head is nested within a protective housing or recess in the container body. When not in use, the read-head is stored within this nested structure, shielding it from environmental factors. During testing, the read-head extends from this nested position to contact the test strip.
4Manufacturing precision
If the test strip holder mechanism includes multiple movable portions and springs, then the alignment precision is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism is designed to be self-aligning, where the springs automatically adjust the position of the test strip holder to ensure proper alignment with the read-head. This self-service alignment function achieves precise positioning without requiring complex external adjustment mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The mechanism uses spring constant parameters to control the force applied during alignment. By adjusting the spring stiffness and pre-load, the system achieves precise alignment while maintaining operational simplicity. The spring parameters are optimized to provide sufficient alignment force without excessive complexity.
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 provides a safe, efficient, and accurate method for determining analyte concentrations, ensuring proper disposal and protection from environmental factors, enhancing the reliability of glucose testing.
Implementation Method 1
a first spring connected to the first movable portion and biasing the first movable portion to the second position
Implementation Method 2
a second spring connected to the second movable portion and biasing the second movable portion to the second position
Implementation Method 3
The central portion of the test strip includes a reagent adapted to react with an analyte in a fluid sample and to produce a reaction indicative of the concentration of the analyte
Implementation Method 4
The meter further includes a read-head adapted to analyze the reaction between the analyte and the reagent
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a system, method, and meter for determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample provided on a test strip. The meter (10) may include a body (12), an optical reader (28), and a test strip holder (90). The body (12) has first (14) and second ends (16) and defines a longitudinal axis y extending between the first and second ends (14,16). The optical reader (28) may be coupled to the body (12) and adapted to analyze the analyte on the test strip. The test strip holder (90) may be coupled to the body (12) and include first and second arms (92,94). One of the optical reader (28) or the test strip holder (90) may be movable along the longitudinal axis of the body between a first position, in which the first and second arms (92,94) of the test strip holder (90) overlie the optical reader (28), and a second position, in which the optical reader (28) extends beyond the first and second arms (92,94) of the test strip holder (90). Such configuration allows to push the test strip against the optical reader (28). Pins (58, 60) are also disposed on the test strip holder (90) to grasp the extremities of the test strip and stretch said strip against the optical reader (28).