Test Strip Dispenser with Moisture-Controlled Single-Strip Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for test strips are complex, costly, and fail to maintain a consistent moisture-free environment, leading to contamination and degradation of the strips, with difficulties in reloading and desiccant replacement.
Innovation Solution
A simple, inexpensive, reusable container with a transparent design, an internal planar capture element, and a partially rotatable spring-loaded cap that allows for single-strip dispensing while maintaining humidity control and visual confirmation of strip removal, along with a removable base cap for desiccant replacement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If a simple vial container is used, then manufacturing cost is low, but the device fails to maintain a moisture-free environment and allows contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The container is divided into a reusable dispenser unit and replaceable vial components. The dispenser unit maintains the moisture-free environment through its sealed structure and desiccant system, while the vials can be independently replaced without compromising the overall moisture protection. This segmentation allows the complex moisture-protection function to be isolated to specific components.
Solution Approach 2:
A desiccant is introduced as an intermediary substance within the sealed dispenser unit to actively absorb moisture and maintain the moisture-free environment. The desiccant acts as a mediator between the external environment and the test strips, preventing moisture contamination while keeping the overall device structure relatively simple.
2Ease of operation
If complex dispensing mechanisms are used, then single-strip dispensing is achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser unit is designed to self-singulate and self-dense strips through its internal mechanical structure. When a strip is dispensed, the mechanism automatically prepares the next strip for dispensing without requiring additional user actions or complex control systems. The strip density feature automatically engages to prevent premature dispensing.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functions are merged into a single integrated dispenser unit: moisture protection, single-strip dispensing, strip density control, and visual indication. By combining these functions into one unit rather than separate components, the overall device complexity is reduced while maintaining all necessary functionalities.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the container is sealed to protect strips, then contamination is prevented, but reloading and desiccant replacement become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The container system is segmented into a permanent sealed dispenser unit and replaceable vial components. The dispenser unit maintains the sealed moisture-free environment, while the vials can be removed and replaced by the user without breaking the seal of the main dispenser. This allows easy reloading while maintaining contamination protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows for easy replacement of consumable components (vials and desiccant) while retaining the reusable dispenser unit. Used vials can be discarded and new ones installed without affecting the permanent dispenser structure, facilitating easy maintenance and reloading while preserving the protective sealing system.
4Device complexity
If manual strip extraction is used, then no additional components are needed, but strips are touched and contaminated by skin oils
Solution Approach 1:
The dispenser unit acts as an intermediary mechanism between the stored strips and the user's hand. Instead of direct contact, the user operates the dispenser controls, and the mechanism delivers the strip to the user. This intermediary system eliminates skin oil contamination while adding minimal complexity to the overall device.
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 effectively prevents contamination, maintains strip integrity, and allows easy reloading and desiccant replacement, ensuring consistent humidity and visual confirmation of strip dispensing, making it suitable for frequent use without exposing strips to outside contaminants.
Implementation Method 1
the desiccant, if present, adsorbs it
Implementation Method 2
partially rotatable spring-loaded cap
Data Source
AI summary
A container device for storing, singulating and dispensing rigid and semi-rigid strips such as diagnostic test strips. A plurality of strips is contained and protected within a transparent container having an internal capture element for capturing and positioning a single strip adjacent a narrow normally-closed dispensing aperture. The aperture is exposed by rotating a spring-loaded container top cap to an open position. A detachable container base cap contains a desiccant and is replaceable. An optional stand stores the device in an upright position, and incorporates a tool to facilitate removal of the base cap for replenishing the container's contents or replacing the desiccant. A radio frequency identification (RFID) tag can be incorporated for electronic inventory control. The device can also be used as an integrated test strip container/single strip dispensing means for an automated analyte meter module.