Trough-Shaped Container Structured Inner Surface Optical Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for evaluating test strips in medical diagnostics rely heavily on visual inspection, which is unreliable and labor-intensive, and require manual handling and storage in the dark, limiting efficiency and comparability.
Innovation Solution
A trough-shaped container with a groove-shaped or step-shaped structure for test strips, made of thermoplastic using a deep-drawing process, which reduces reflections and allows for automated image capture and analysis within the container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If test strips are stored and incubated in conventional smooth-walled containers, then the containers are easy to manufacture, but reflections and optical irritations occur that degrade image quality for automated analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior is structured with groove-shaped or step-shaped profiles at specific locations (walls and bottom of recesses) to modify optical properties locally. This localized structuring reduces reflections and optical irritations without requiring complex overall container design, thus improving image quality while maintaining manufacturing feasibility through deep-drawing processes.
2Productivity
If visual evaluation of test strips is performed manually, then no specialized equipment is needed, but the evaluation is unreliable and labor-intensive requiring specialists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual evaluation (mechanical/human system) with automated optical analysis systems. The structured container interior improves image generation quality by reducing reflections, enabling reliable automated image capture and analysis, thereby increasing both productivity and reliability simultaneously.
3Reliability
If test strips are archived manually in the dark, then light sensitivity is addressed, but the process is labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The structured container interior automatically reduces reflections and optical irritations during the incubation process itself, improving image quality without requiring additional manual intervention for archiving or special handling procedures. The container structure performs the optical optimization function inherently.
4Device complexity
If conventional smooth-walled containers are used for incubation, then the containers have simple structure, but disturbing reflections occur that interfere with optical analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The container interior features groove-shaped or step-shaped structures localized at specific positions (walls and bottom of recesses). This local structuring effectively reduces reflections and optical irritations without requiring complex overall container design, maintaining relative simplicity while eliminating harmful optical effects.
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
Significantly improves image processing quality by minimizing reflections and enabling semi-automated evaluation, reducing the need for manual handling and enhancing diagnostic efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the inner surface F of the walls of the depressions V is structured according to a profile with a groove-shaped or step-shaped structure which reduces or eliminates disturbing reflections and other optical irritations
Data Source
AI summary
A trough-shaped container (W) for optically analyzed test objects, in particular test strips (S), is proposed, wherein the container (W) has at least one recess (V) for receiving the respective test object (S), and wherein the at least one recess (V) has a structured inner surface (F). The container is preferably designed as an incubation tray (W) for test strips (S), in particular for laboratory-analyzed test strips (S), provided with several elongated recesses (V), the recesses (V) being conically shaped with changing wall thickness.