Integrated Test Strip Reader Module for Precision Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test strip readers face challenges in controlling manufacturing tolerances of strip slots and preventing contamination, leading to assembly issues and potential measurement errors due to dimensional variations and contamination from blood samples.
Innovation Solution
A novel test strip reader design with an integrally formed module main body and upper cover, featuring controlled strip insertion slot height, operation movement assemblies for encoding detection, and contamination collection mechanisms to ensure precise reading and prevent contamination, using gold electrical contact portions and elastic elements for accurate signal transmission and contamination containment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If multiple components are assembled to form the strip slot, then the device structure is flexible and easy to manufacture, but the dimensional tolerances become difficult to control leading to measurement bias
Solution Approach 1:
The module main body and upper cover are formed as a single integrated component through injection molding, eliminating the need for separate assembly of multiple parts to form the strip slot. This merging of components ensures precise dimensional control of the strip slot while maintaining manufacturing efficiency through single-step production.
2Ease of manufacture
If the strip slot space varies due to tolerance control issues, then assembly is easier, but the strip reader module cannot precisely identify the code on the strip
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the module main body and upper cover into a single molded part, the strip slot dimensions are precisely controlled during the injection molding process, ensuring consistent spacing that enables accurate optical code reading while maintaining ease of manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical code reading mechanisms with an optical reading system that uses light to detect codes on the strip. This substitution eliminates the need for precise mechanical tolerances in the reading mechanism itself, as the optical system can accurately read codes regardless of minor dimensional variations.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the reader module receives a test strip with blood sample, then measurement function is achieved, but contamination occurs causing inspection errors or electronic component malfunctions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the potential contamination problem from the measurement system by providing a dedicated waste collection chamber that isolates blood samples and other contaminants away from the electronic components. This separation ensures that the measurement function can be performed while preventing contamination of sensitive parts.
Solution Approach 2:
The waste collection chamber acts as an intermediary structure between the test strip insertion area and the electronic components. It serves as a barrier that allows the measurement process to occur while preventing direct contact between blood samples and electronic parts, thus eliminating contamination risks.
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 design effectively controls manufacturing tolerances, prevents contamination, and ensures accurate test strip reading, enhancing assembly ease and reducing measurement errors, thus improving the reliability and functionality of the test strip reader.
Implementation Method 1
an elastic element (220) for pushing the conductive element (270) upward
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
A test strip reader (200, 300) is disclosed. The test strip reader (200, 300) comprises a module main body (240, 340) and a circuit board (280). The module main body (240, 340) includes an upper cover (245), a grounding element (290, 390) and at least one operation hole (242, 342) containing a first operation movement assembly (255) and a second operation movement assembly (275), wherein the upper cover (245) and the module main body (240, 340) are formed integrally, and a condition of one of a contact status and a separation status between the second operation movement assembly (275) and the grounding element (280) determines a read signal.