Two-Electrode Test Strip Mimicking Three-Electrode Functionality
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional glucose test sensors require a larger fluid chamber to accurately measure analyte concentrations, which can lead to increased blood volume requirements, causing discomfort and potential inaccuracies due to chamber size limitations, such as vision issues and capillary action inefficiencies.
Innovation Solution
A disposable electrochemical test sensor design featuring a fluid sample chamber with two electrodes that function as three, utilizing potential reversal and curve-fitting technology to mimic the functionality of a three-electrode system, allowing for a shorter chamber length and reduced volume without compromising performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Quantity of substance
If the fluid chamber volume is reduced to minimize blood volume requirements, then patient comfort improves and pain from finger piercing is reduced, but the chamber may become too small for effective capillary action and accurate analyte measurement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the functions of three electrodes (working electrode, reference electrode, and blank electrode) into two electrodes by making one electrode multi-functional. The first electrode serves as both working electrode and reference electrode, while the second electrode serves as both blank electrode and reference electrode, allowing the system to maintain measurement accuracy with reduced blood volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from a longitudinal arrangement of three electrodes to a configuration where two electrodes perform three functions by utilizing different measurement modes (with enzyme and without enzyme) and mathematical processing, effectively adding a functional dimension rather than a physical one
2Length of moving object
If the chamber length is reduced to decrease fluid volume requirements, then sample consumption is minimized, but the chamber may not provide sufficient space for proper fluid flow and electrode functionality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functionality of three electrodes into two electrodes, allowing the chamber length to be reduced while maintaining all necessary electrochemical measurement functions through intelligent electrode design and signal processing
3Quantity of substance
If the chamber width is reduced to minimize blood volume, then the required blood sample size decreases, but users with vision problems or trembling hands cannot easily locate the opening end
Solution Approach 1:
The patent solves the width reduction problem by transitioning to a two-electrode design that maintains functional equivalence to three electrodes, allowing volume reduction without compromising usability through a different architectural approach rather than simply scaling down all dimensions
4Quantity of substance
If the chamber thickness is reduced to minimize blood volume, then the required blood sample size decreases, but capillary action becomes less effective resulting in insufficient or non-continuous filling
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrode functions to reduce the number of electrodes from three to two, enabling chamber thickness reduction while maintaining adequate capillary action through optimized chamber geometry and surface properties rather than relying on increased thickness
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 design significantly reduces the fluid chamber volume while maintaining accurate analyte concentration measurements, minimizing blood volume requirements and ensuring reliable test results.
Implementation Method 1
The chamber is adapted to receive a fluid sample and escape air through capillary action
Data Source
AI summary
An improved disposable electrochemical test sensor designed to facilitate reducing volume of fluid samples. It has a short fluid chamber having two electrodes that functions as three electrodes (one working electrode, one reference electrode and one blank electrode). The chamber provides a reservoir from which a sample fluid can be quickly drawn into the chamber through capillary action. The novel potential reverse and curve-fitting technology of the test sensor provided by the present invention can effectively eliminate most common interferents existing in the fluid samples.