Test Strip Retainer With Flexible Fingers for Versatile Support
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test strip containers fail to support a variety of test elements, requiring multiple retainers for different configurations and struggle to maintain test strips in an upright and conveniently graspable position.
Innovation Solution
A resealable container with a basket and retainer system that provides side-to-side and front-to-back support for test strips using flexible fingers and end springs, allowing for a single retainer to hold different test strip configurations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple test element retainers (baskets) are used to support different test element configurations, then the ability to support various test elements is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer is designed with a single universal structure that can support multiple different test element configurations. The retainer includes a base portion and a wall portion that can be positioned at different locations along the test strip, allowing one retainer to replace multiple specialized retainers for different test element types, sizes, and quantities.
Solution Approach 2:
The retainer incorporates movable and adjustable components, including the wall portion that can be positioned at different locations and the use of springs to provide flexible retention force. This dynamic design allows the single retainer to adapt to various test element configurations rather than requiring fixed, specialized retainers for each configuration.
2Ease of operation
If prior art retainers are used, then test strips can be held in the container, but the test strips cannot be maintained in an upright and conveniently graspable position
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer applies localized retention forces at specific points along the test strip through the wall portion. By positioning the wall portion at different locations, the retainer can locally support the test strip to maintain its upright position while allowing easy access and grasping at other locations, creating different functional zones on the same retainer structure.
3Device complexity
If a single retainer is designed to hold different test strip configurations, then the device complexity is reduced, but the reliability of supporting all configurations may worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The retainer uses springs to provide flexible, adaptive retention forces that can accommodate different test element configurations reliably. The spring mechanism adjusts the retention force dynamically based on the specific test strip being held, ensuring reliable support across various configurations without requiring multiple specialized retainers.
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 effectively maintains test strips in an upright position, facilitating easy insertion and removal, and supports various test strip sizes and shapes without the need for multiple retainers.
Implementation Method 1
a spring positioned at the second end wall and in engagement with the test strip such that the spring exerts a force on the test strip to maintain the test strip in an upright position
Implementation Method 2
The retainer includes a first end wall, a second end wall, a floor, and a wall portion extending from the floor between the first end wall and the second end wall
Data Source
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AI summary
A resealable container (20) comprising: a housing (21); a lid (36) coupled to the housing (21); and a basket (24) received within the housing (21) and including side walls (56) defining an interior space (28), and a retainer (64, 92, 128) extending over at least a portion of the interior space and configured to support at least one test element (80) in at least one of a side-to-side direction and a front-to-back direction within the basket (24); wherein the retainer includes a plurality of fingers (68); wherein the fingers (68) extend to a parting line (72) and are arranged on opposing sides of the parting line; wherein the plurality of fingers (68) is configured such that when a test element (80) is loaded into the container, fingers that are contacted by the test element are deflected by the test element inwards towards the interior space thereby exerting a force on the side of the test element to support the test element in a side-to-side direction; and fingers that are not contacted by the test element are not deflected by the test element thereby providing front-to-back support for the test element.