Trigger Electrode Protective Layer for Laser Cutting Contamination
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Solution Overview
Problem
Trigger electrodes in test sensors are often contaminated during manufacture, leading to inaccurate results due to smoke and airborne contaminants, which affect their reactivity and ability to function properly.
Innovation Solution
A protective layer composed of a polymer solution, such as carboxymethyl cellulose, is applied over the trigger electrode to prevent contamination during manufacturing and handling, ensuring the electrode's functionality during testing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If laser cutting is used to cut out the test sensor from the laminated multilayer structure, then accurate and reliable test results are achieved, but smoke from the laser contaminates the trigger electrode
Solution Approach 1:
A protective layer is introduced as an intermediary substance between the laser cutting process and the trigger electrode. This protective layer absorbs or blocks the harmful smoke and contaminants generated during laser cutting, preventing them from reaching and contaminating the trigger electrode surface, thus resolving the contradiction between manufacturing precision and electrode contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer is applied to the trigger electrode before the laser cutting process. This preliminary protective measure ensures that when the laser cutting occurs and generates smoke, the trigger electrode is already protected, preventing contamination before it can occur
2Reliability
If catalytic noble metals such as gold, platinum, and palladium are used on the trigger electrode, then the electrode becomes less reactive and able to function properly, but airborne contaminants adsorb onto the surface and foul it
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer serves as a barrier intermediary between the trigger electrode surface and the airborne environment. It prevents airborne contaminants from adsorbing onto the catalytic noble metal surface, thereby maintaining electrode reactivity and functionality without requiring the metal to be exposed to the air during storage and handling
Solution Approach 2:
The protective layer creates a protective environment around the trigger electrode that isolates it from airborne contaminants. This inert-like protection allows the catalytic noble metals to maintain their surface properties and reactivity by preventing contact with contaminating air molecules
3Ease of operation
If the trigger electrode is positioned at the outermost edge of the test sensor, then it can serve as an indicator for testing timing, but it is most susceptible to contamination during manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The protective layer is applied specifically to the trigger electrode area, creating a localized barrier that protects this vulnerable outermost electrode from contamination during manufacturing while preserving its functional positioning for timing indication operations
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 protective layer effectively prevents contamination, reducing the failure to start tests and ensuring accurate analyte concentration measurements by maintaining the trigger electrode's reactivity, as demonstrated by test sensors with 0% failure to start in contamination scenarios.
Implementation Method 1
A protective layer is provided which protects the trigger electrode from contamination during manufacture
Implementation Method 2
The protective layer is comprised of a polymer solution, such as carboxymethyl cellulose
Data Source
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AI summary
The present disclosure relates to an electrochemical test sensor (100) for detecting the concentration of an analyte in a fluid sample. The test sensor includes a working electrode (10), a counter electrode (12), and a trigger electrode (14). A temporary protective layer (18) overlies the trigger electrode (14) and helps to maintain the function of the trigger electrode (14) during test sensor manufacture.