Continuous Test Tape with Functional Sections for Compact Glucose Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing blood glucose monitoring systems require significant space and complex mechanisms for storing and processing disposable test strips, and lack additional functionalities beyond measurement.
Innovation Solution
A test tape with multiple test sections and functional sections that can be advanced to perform auxiliary functions, such as calibration, cleaning, protection, and information display, integrated into a portable instrument, allowing for efficient use of unused tape space for additional functions like optical calibration, environmental sensing, and user information.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If disposable test strips are used for blood glucose monitoring, then measurement can be performed simply and rapidly, but storage and processing require large space and complicated drives
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple test sections are integrated onto a single continuous test tape that is wound on a spool, combining what would traditionally be separate test strips into one compact reusable carrier, thereby reducing storage space while maintaining ease of use
Solution Approach 2:
The test tape serves multiple functions: it provides sequential test sections for glucose monitoring and includes functional sections for calibration, cleaning, and protective fields, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity
2Volume of stationary object
If a continuous test tape with multiple test sections is used, then storage space is reduced, but the device requires tape advancement mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The test tape is designed to be manually advanced by the user through simple operations, eliminating the need for complex automated tape transport mechanisms while still providing sequential access to multiple test sections
Solution Approach 2:
The test tape is divided into discrete functional sections (test sections, calibration sections, cleaning sections) that can be sequentially accessed, allowing the device to use simple advancement mechanics rather than complex random access mechanisms
3Measurement precision
If functional sections are added to the test tape for auxiliary functions, then measurement accuracy and hygiene are improved, but the tape design becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The test tape is designed as a multi-functional carrier that includes not only test sections but also calibration fields, cleaning fields, and protective fields, all integrated into a single tape structure, thereby improving measurement accuracy and hygiene without requiring separate components
Solution Approach 2:
Calibration and cleaning functions are pre-integrated into the test tape at specific positions, allowing these auxiliary functions to be performed automatically during tape advancement without requiring additional user intervention or complex separate mechanisms
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
Enhances measurement accuracy, simplifies handling, and improves hygiene by utilizing the test tape for multiple functions beyond glucose analysis, reducing the need for additional components and user intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The test section comprises a reagent which reacts with the body fluid to produce a response to a constituent in the body fluid
Implementation Method 2
a measuring unit is disposed in the test instrument for detecting the constituent of the body fluid on an active test section
Implementation Method 3
a white, black, grey, coloured or transparent calibration field which is especially useful for the optical calibration of the measuring unit
Data Source
AI summary
A test instrument for analyzing body fluids such as blood or urine. The instrument includes a wound test tape which can be transported from a storage space into a waste space by advancing the tap. The test tape has a plurality of test sections to which body fluid can be applied at a receiving position and also includes a measuring unit for detecting a constituent of the body fluid on an active test section. In order to carry out auxiliary instrument functions, in addition to the test sections, the test tape has one or more functional sections which can be brought into a functional position by advancing the tape.