Analyte Test Strip Vial Restrictor for Controlled Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Users of standard vials for analyte test strips face difficulties in withdrawing a controlled number of test strips due to lack of dexterity and hand-eye coordination, often resulting in accidental spilling of multiple strips.
Innovation Solution
A restrictor is introduced with appropriately sized openings and surface features such as tabs, cavities, and tapered surfaces to facilitate the controlled dispensing of analyte test strips, allowing for manageable withdrawal of strips while preventing unintended spilling.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a standard vial with open ends is used for storing analyte test strips, then the vial allows easy access and storage of test strips, but users experience difficulties in withdrawing a controlled number of strips and accidentally spill multiple strips due to lack of dexterity
Solution Approach 1:
The vial opening is segmented into multiple openings of different sizes. The first opening is sized to allow withdrawal of one or a limited number of test strips, while the second opening is sized to allow withdrawal of a greater number of test strips. This segmentation enables users to control the number of strips dispensed by selecting which opening to use, thereby resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and control over quantity dispensed.
2Ease of operation
If the vial opening is made large to facilitate easy withdrawal of test strips, then users can access strips more easily, but users cannot control the number of strips withdrawn and accidentally spill multiple strips
Solution Approach 1:
Different regions of the vial opening have different qualities in terms of size and function. The first opening is designed with specific dimensions to limit the number of strips that can be withdrawn, while the second opening is designed with different dimensions to allow greater withdrawal. This local differentiation of opening qualities enables both easy access and reliable control over the number of strips withdrawn, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and reliability.
Data Source
AI summary
An analyte test strip vial having a restrictor to dispense analyte test strips in a controlled manner. In general, the restrictor includes one or more openings (e.g., central and/or arc-shaped openings) that are appropriately sized to facilitate the dispensing of a manageable number of analyte test strips from the vial container. The restrictor may also include one or more surface features (e.g., tabs, cavities, and/or tapered surfaces) to facilitate in the removal of analyte test strips, and the matting and/or removal of the restrictor from the vial container.