Disposable Test Unit with Adjustable Lancet and Pressure Cup
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current self-contained test wands for body fluids are not optimized for size, cost, or compatibility with various meters, and there is a need for improved performance and user convenience, particularly in terms of lancet depth adjustment and pain minimization during blood sampling.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained disposable test unit with a moveable support member and body member, featuring a pivotable lancet with adjustable piercing depth, a pressure cup for fluid flow, and a capillary system for efficient blood separation and analysis, designed to be compact, cost-effective, and adaptable for use with different types of meters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the test wand includes all primary disposable components (lancet, pressure cuff, swab, test member) in a unitary device, then self-containment and convenience are improved, but device size and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two main segments: a reusable body member containing the meter and electronics, and a disposable test member cartridge containing the lancet, pressure cup, swab, and test strip. This segmentation allows the complex components to be reused while only the consumable parts are discarded, reducing overall device complexity and cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The body member is designed with universal compatibility to accept different types of test member cartridges, and the lancet mechanism can accommodate various lancet styles. This multi-functionality allows a single device to perform multiple testing functions while maintaining a manageable complexity level.
2Ease of operation
If the lancet is spring-loaded for automatic deployment, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The spring-loaded mechanism is extracted from the reusable body member and placed entirely within the disposable test member cartridge. This allows the body member to have a simpler, more cost-effective design, while the cartridge absorbs the complexity of the deployment mechanism as a one-time cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The lancet deployment mechanism is implemented using inexpensive components within the disposable cartridge, such as a simple tab or button that releases a pre-loaded spring. Since the entire cartridge is discarded after use, the complexity and cost of the deployment mechanism do not affect long-term device costs.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the support member is moveable between multiple positions, then adaptability and user comfort are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The support member is designed to be moveable relative to the body member, allowing dynamic adjustment of the testing area position to accommodate different body parts (fingertip, forearm, etc.). This dynamic positioning is achieved through simple mechanical means such as sliding guides or flexible connections rather than complex motorized systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The support member can be nested within or against the body member when not in use, with the moveable portion collapsing or retracting into the main device body. This nesting approach minimizes the device footprint while maintaining position adjustment capability, avoiding the need for separate storage compartments or complex deployment mechanisms.
4Volume of moving object
If the device is optimized for compact size, then portability is improved, but manufacturing precision and assembly difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
By dividing the device into modular segments (body member and test member cartridge), each component can be manufactured independently with standard tolerances, then assembled through simple mechanical interfaces. This segmentation avoids the need for high-precision manufacturing of a single integrated unit while achieving compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple functional components are merged into the disposable cartridge (lancet, pressure cup, swab, test strip holder), reducing the number of separate parts that need to be precisely assembled in the reusable body member. This merging simplifies the assembly process while maintaining compact size.
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 device provides a quick, painless blood sampling process with adjustable lancet depth, minimizing user discomfort and optimizing fluid flow for accurate analysis, while being compact and compatible with various meter types.
Implementation Method 1
A capillary member is capable of directing fluid flow to the test member
Implementation Method 2
A pressure cup is capable of exerting pressure on a body part to foster fluid flow out of a lanced site
Data Source
AI summary
A self contained disposable test unit for testing body fluid comprises a body member and a support member. The support member is moveable with respect to the body member between a first position and a second position. The support member includes a body part receiving surface for receiving a patient's body part. A lancet is carried by the body member and includes a lancet tip capable of piercing the skin of a patient to produce fluid flow. A test member is capable of interacting with body fluid to aid in the determination of information about body fluid components. A capillary member is capable of directing fluid flow to the test member. A pressure cup is capable of exerting pressure on a body part to foster fluid flow out of a lanced site and into the capillary, and a calibration member is provided for containing information for facilitating calibration of the test unit.