Test Strip Segmented Tab for Moisture Protection and Handling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing diagnostic test strip systems face challenges in preventing moisture-induced deterioration and efficient packaging, leading to issues with resealing, handling, and automatic feeding in compact housings.
Innovation Solution
The design includes a test strip with a base, capillary channel, and a removably attached tab featuring a break line, which exposes an inlet when separated, allowing for fluid sampling while incorporating a desiccant to prevent moisture ingress, and a vent channel for air escape, facilitating efficient stacking and handling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If test strips are individually packaged in foil for desiccation, then moisture protection is improved, but handling difficulty and automatic feeding complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The test strip is segmented into two functional parts: a reusable base containing the capillary channel and test element, and a disposable tab containing the desiccant. This segmentation allows the desiccant to be separated from the test strip proper, enabling easy removal of the tab after use while maintaining moisture protection during storage.
Solution Approach 2:
The desiccant is extracted from the main test strip body and placed in a separate removable tab. This extraction allows the desiccant to provide moisture protection when attached, while enabling easy removal and disposal after the test is completed, resolving the conflict between moisture protection and handling ease.
2Volume of moving object
If multiple test strips are stacked in a compact cartridge, then storage efficiency is improved, but resealing capability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Each test strip is self-contained with its own integrated desiccant tab, eliminating the need for a central resealing mechanism in the cartridge. The individual desiccant tabs provide moisture protection at the strip level, allowing multiple strips to be stored compactly without compromising resealing capability.
3Reliability
If excess packaging material is used for individual desiccation, then moisture protection is improved, but waste generation and package size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The desiccant tab is merged with the test strip structure itself rather than being a separate packaging component. The tab is formed from the same material as the strip and integrates seamlessly, eliminating the need for additional foil packaging and reducing waste while maintaining effective moisture protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The tab serves multiple functions: it contains the desiccant for moisture protection, provides structural support during handling, and acts as a convenient grip feature for removing the test strip from the cartridge. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate packaging materials.
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
This solution effectively protects test strips from moisture, enables efficient handling and automatic feeding, and allows for compact storage without excess packaging, improving the reliability and usability of diagnostic test strips.
Implementation Method 1
a base including a capillary channel and a test element. The capillary channel is in fluid communication with the test element and the test element is adapted to receive the fluid sample
Data Source
AI summary
A test strip to assist in determining the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample comprises a base, at least one tab and a break line. The base includes a capillary channel and a test element. The capillary channel is in fluid communication with the test element. The test element is adapted to receive the fluid sample. The at least one tab is removably attached to the base. The capillary channel extends from the base into a portion of the tab. The break line intersects the capillary channel in which an inlet to the capillary channel is exposed along the break line when the tab is separated from the base.