Test Strip Pin Coding and Non-Destructive Path Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test strip designs face issues with non-destructive quality testing of conductive paths, regional and customer-specific coding, and reliable reagent deposition, leading to manufacturing inefficiencies and potential damage during testing.
Innovation Solution
Incorporation of pin connections for regional or customer coding and analog switches in the analytical apparatus, along with non-conductive test probe areas for quality testing without degrading signal integrity, and a reagent absorptive pad for controlled deposition.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If testing of conductive paths is performed during manufacturing, then quality lapses can be detected, but the testing may damage the conductive paths and reduce manufacturing yields
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive path is divided into two functional segments: a testing portion that extends beyond the electrochemical cell boundaries and can be accessed for quality testing, and a functional portion that remains protected within the cell. This segmentation allows non-destructive testing of the conductive path connectivity without compromising the integrity of the path used during actual analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing portion of the conductive path is prepared in advance during manufacturing, extending to accessible locations on the strip. This preliminary configuration enables quality control testing to be performed before the strip is used for patient testing, ensuring conductive path integrity without requiring destructive testing during actual use.
2Adaptability or versatility
If regional or customer coding is implemented in test strips, then geographic region or customer specificity is achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Coding information is embedded in the spatial arrangement and connectivity pattern of connector pins rather than requiring additional complex coding components. The specific configuration of which pins are connected to which conductive paths creates a unique connectivity signature for each region or customer, encoding information in the dimensional arrangement of connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The connector serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for signal transmission and simultaneously encodes regional or customer information through its specific pin connectivity configuration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate coding mechanisms, reducing overall device complexity while achieving adaptability.
3Manufacturing precision
If conductive paths are extended for testing purposes, then quality testing becomes possible, but the path length increases and may affect signal integrity
Solution Approach 1:
The conductive path has different structural characteristics in different regions: in the testing portion, the path extends to accessible locations with sufficient width and conductivity for probe contact; in the functional portion within the electrochemical cell, the path is optimized for minimal resistance and maximal signal integrity. This local differentiation allows testing without compromising overall path performance.
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 non-destructive quality testing of conductive paths, ensures regional or customer-specific functionality, and ensures reliable reagent deposition, enhancing manufacturing yields and measurement accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
a reagent absorptive pad for controlled deposition
Data Source
Figure 1
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AI summary
A test strip and analytical apparatus have pin connections permitting the definition of geographic regions or of particular customers. A test strip made for use in a particular region or for a particular customer will have pin connections matching features of the apparatus made for use in that region or by that customer. Insertion of the strip into the apparatus does not merely turn on the apparatus, but provides the regional or the customer coding. Analog switches within the apparatus allow coding of a larger number of distinct regions or customers than would otherwise be possible, all without degrading the quality of the measurements made of the fluid being tested. Conductive paths in the strips permit testing the strips during manufacture so as to detect quality lapses regarding the printing of deposition of the paths.