Test Tape Optical Positioning for Body Fluid Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing test tapes for analyzing body fluids face challenges in maintaining accurate positioning of test fields due to mechanical fluctuations during tape transport, leading to deviations in sample application and measurement.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating indicator areas on the test tape that can be scanned by optical sensors to determine the position and displacement of test fields independently of the tape drive, allowing for precise and rapid positioning without contact, and enabling a shorter test field length and reduced sample volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If tape-positioning drives with positioning transmitters are used to advance the tape, then the tape can be transported automatically, but mechanical tolerances, reel diameter variations, and tape slippage cause deviations from the targeted test field position
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical positioning system (drives with transmitters on shafts) with an optical measurement system. Optical sensors detect the position of test fields directly on the tape by recognizing reference markings, converting mechanical position detection into an optical measurement process that is not affected by mechanical tolerances or slippage.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces optical sensors as an intermediary between the tape transport system and the positioning control. These sensors serve as a mediator that directly measures test field positions on the tape without being coupled to the mechanical drive components, thereby eliminating the transmission of mechanical errors.
2Measurement precision
If longer test fields are used to ensure accurate positioning, then positioning accuracy improves, but the space required for the test tape increases and larger sample volumes are needed
Solution Approach 1:
By replacing mechanical positioning with direct optical detection of test field positions using reference markings, the system achieves high positioning accuracy without requiring long test fields. The optical measurement directly determines position independent of field length, allowing shorter test fields and reduced sample volumes.
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 ensures accurate and rapid positioning of test fields, reduces the space required for the test tape, and simplifies manufacturing processes like cutting and gluing, while also reducing the sample volume needed for analysis.
Implementation Method 1
indicator areas to register the distance or indicate the position or amount of displacement during tape transport without contacting the test tape, such as with optical sensors
Data Source
AI summary
A test tape for analyzing body fluids is provided comprising a flexible carrier tape and a plurality of test fields arranged spaced apart thereon for the detection of an analyte in the body fluid. The carrier tape is provided with indicator areas to register the distance and/or determine the position of the test tape or its components during tape transport.