A metal seeded ring that can be tested for impedance under power

Abstract

The application relates to the field of microbial treatment, and particularly relates to a metal inoculation ring capable of testing impedance by electrification, which comprises a metal working end used for contacting and absorbing a sample, a mounting part connected with the metal working end, and a control module electrically connected with the metal working end, wherein the control module comprises a mode switching unit used for switching between a heating mode and a detection mode, a power driving module used for applying an electric current to the metal working end in the heating mode so that the metal working end generates heat to achieve sterilization, and an impedance detection module used for applying a detection electric signal to the metal working end in the detection mode to detect the absorption condition of the sample; and the control module is configured to judge the state of the sample absorbed by the metal working end according to the change of the electric characteristic parameter relative to a reference value in the detection mode. The metal ring has the functions of heating sterilization and impedance detection, and can objectively judge whether the absorption amount of the inoculation ring reaches a preset standard.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of microbial treatment technology, and in particular to a metal inoculation ring capable of conducting impedance tests. Background Technology

[0002] In fields such as microbiology, clinical diagnostics, food safety, and environmental monitoring, inoculation loops are an indispensable basic tool, mainly used for operations such as streak isolation, inoculation, and transfer of bacteria. Traditional inoculation loops consist of a metal rod (usually aluminum alloy or stainless steel) and a metal ring (usually made of platinum or nickel-chromium alloy wire) with a diameter of about 1-5 mm at the front end.

[0003] A core and crucial step in this field is aseptic technique. To avoid cross-contamination and ensure the accuracy of experimental results, the inoculation loop must be thoroughly sterilized before and after each use. Currently, the most common and effective sterilization method in laboratories is flame sterilization, which involves directly placing the tip of the inoculation loop in the flame of an alcohol lamp or Bunsen burner until the metal loop becomes red-hot, achieving instantaneous sterilization. However, existing technologies have significant drawbacks and limitations:

[0004] 1. Limited functionality and lack of process quality control methods: Existing electric heating inoculation loops only upgrade the sterilization function and require movement and insertion into the heating device for heating sterilization.

[0005] (1) The heat sterilization process is carried out by external heating devices, such as high-frequency heating, and the needle needs to be moved and inserted into the heating device for heat sterilization. This method requires a separate high-frequency device, which occupies a certain space; in addition, the inoculation needle needs to be moved to the sterilization device for sterilization and then moved back to its original position, which involves at least two movements, reducing efficiency.

[0006] (2) No objective monitoring or feedback was provided for the inoculation process itself. The entire inoculation process (i.e. whether the bacterial solution was successfully collected or whether the sample collected met the sampling requirements) still relied entirely on the operator's visual observation and experience. This process is highly susceptible to environmental interference, including airflow disturbances causing droplet splashing, bacterial solution concentration being too low to be visible to the naked eye, uneven lighting causing visual misjudgment, and changes in the surface tension of the culture medium affecting the formation of the liquid film.

[0007] Existing technologies also employ visual cameras to identify and determine whether the sampling amount meets requirements. However, this method has certain limitations. Obtaining accurate visual image information requires strong lighting conditions, and the potential interference of strong light on microbial activity cannot be ruled out. Furthermore, existing visual cameras are typically fixed in place. After the inoculation needle picks up the sample, it needs to be moved to the visual camera for visual sampling before being moved to the culture dish for inoculation. This is essentially an "offline" operation, increasing the risk of sample contamination and potentially leading to sample spillage or other issues that affect the accuracy of subsequent inoculation. In addition, high-precision visual cameras are expensive, significantly increasing the overall system cost and hindering the integration of detection or sampling equipment.

[0008] 2. The level of intelligence is low, and it cannot provide a data interface for digital laboratories. The existing inoculation loop is equivalent to an "offline" electromechanical tool. Data such as whether it has picked up a sample, whether the sample picking amount meets the requirements, the number of times it has been used, and the sterilization time cannot be recorded or transmitted to an external system, which is not conducive to the development of automation and traceability of inoculation experiments. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The purpose of this invention is to provide a metal inoculation ring that can be electrically tested for impedance. By improving the structure of the inoculation tool and the system, the sampling operation itself can be made objective, and the quality of the electronic ring can be monitored. Furthermore, it can be connected to a digital system to improve the standardization and reliability of microbial experiments, thereby solving the problems in the prior art.

[0010] The technical solution of this invention is: a metal seed ring capable of conducting impedance tests, comprising:

[0011] The metal working end is used to contact and pick up samples;

[0012] The mounting part is connected to the metal working end;

[0013] The control module is electrically connected to the metal working end;

[0014] The control module includes:

[0015] A mode switching unit is used to switch between heating mode and detection mode;

[0016] The power drive module applies current to the metal working end in the heating mode to heat it up and achieve sterilization.

[0017] An impedance detection module applies a detection electrical signal to the metal working end in the detection mode to detect the sample adhesion status; the control module is configured to determine the state of the sample adhered to the metal working end based on the change of the electrical characteristic parameters obtained in the detection mode relative to a reference value.

[0018] This solution upgrades the traditional inoculation loop's single sampling function into an intelligent tool integrating heat sterilization and impedance detection, realizing the transformation from mechanized equipment to intelligent quality control equipment. Specifically, by replacing visual observation with electrical detection, it enables precise judgment of sample collection volume, significantly improving the standardization level of the experiment and reducing human error. Furthermore, it lays the foundation for the fully automated operation of the entire microbial pretreatment equipment process.

[0019] Preferably, in the heating mode, the power drive module applies pulsed DC current to the metal working end, and sterilization is achieved by heating the metal working sheet through its own resistance.

[0020] In the detection mode, the impedance detection module applies a high-frequency AC signal to the metal working end, and determines whether the sample has been successfully adhered by detecting the change in the impedance of the metal working end.

[0021] This solution employs pulsed direct current to directly heat and sterilize the metal ring, eliminating the need for external open flames or high-frequency heating devices. This results in rapid sterilization, a safe operating environment, and fewer steps involved in inoculating the ring, facilitating miniaturization and integration of the equipment. High-frequency AC signals are used for impedance detection, effectively avoiding motor polarization and ensuring the stability and accuracy of the detection.

[0022] Preferably, the impedance detection method includes the following steps:

[0023] In detection mode, a high-frequency AC detection signal is applied to the dry metal working end, and its initial impedance is measured as the reference value;

[0024] After taking a sample, a high-frequency AC detection signal is applied to the metal working end again, and the impedance of the metal working end is measured.

[0025] The impedance change value is calculated and compared with the preset dynamic threshold of the classification. If the value exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the bacterial solution has been successfully collected.

[0026] This solution transforms sample sampling from traditional subjective judgment into a method based on whether impedance changes exceed a threshold, providing a direct, accurate, and quantifiable standard for the sampling process. Furthermore, it employs a categorized dynamic threshold approach, using different thresholds for different sample characteristics, thus expanding the applicability of the detection. Additionally, detection can be performed directly after sampling, eliminating the need to move the sample to an external vision device, avoiding risks such as sample spillage, and improving operational reliability and efficiency.

[0027] Preferably, the metal working end is formed from a continuous metal wire, and the metal wire is bent in the middle to form an open ring structure, the ring structure being used to adhere to the sample.

[0028] In this scheme, the continuous metal wire arrangement forms a complete electrical circuit and heat conduction path, thereby ensuring uniform current to ensure uniform heating and accurate and stable impedance detection.

[0029] Preferably, a buffer device is connected between the metal working end and the mounting part. The buffer device is capable of forming a resettable elastic deformation to provide cushioning during the inoculation operation.

[0030] In this design, the buffering effect prevents the agar medium from being punctured or the colonies from being damaged due to improper force control during operation. This is beneficial for protecting biological samples in automated operations and increasing the stability of subsequent microbial culture. In addition, it can absorb the overshoot or collision forces that may be generated by automated end effectors such as robotic arms, thus protecting the equipment itself, protecting precision equipment, and reducing the difficulty and risk of precision operations.

[0031] Preferably, the metal wire is made of platinum or a platinum-rhodium alloy.

[0032] In this design, platinum group metals have high melting points and stable chemical properties, allowing them to withstand repeated high temperatures without easily oxidizing or deforming, thus ensuring the durability of the inoculation loop and the stability of long-term detection. Furthermore, the stable resistance-temperature relationship of platinum group metals allows for more precise control of heating power and consequently, heating temperature. Simultaneously, when used as a detection electrode, their stable surface condition ensures that the reference value for impedance detection remains stable and consistent over the long term.

[0033] Preferably, it also includes a status indicator unit, which is electrically connected to the control module, and is used to indicate the current heating mode, detection mode status, and the judgment result of whether the sample was successfully picked up.

[0034] In this solution, the working status is indicated by the flashing or constant light of different colored lights, which directly provides feedback to the operator on whether heating is in progress, testing is in progress, or whether the sample amount meets the requirements. This reduces the professional threshold and judgment burden for the operator. At the same time, the intuitive information display can reduce the probability of misjudgment.

[0035] Preferably, it also includes a signal output interface, which is connected to the control module and is used to upload the status, operation log or test data of the metal working end to an external laboratory intelligent management system.

[0036] This solution can record and upload all operational information, including sampling time, sampling results, and heating time, laying the foundation for the intelligent, automated, and traceable construction of the entire process.

[0037] Preferably, the frequency range of the high-frequency AC detection signal is 1 kHz to 1 MHz.

[0038] In this scheme, the frequency range is easy to achieve in circuit design, balancing detection accuracy, system complexity, and cost.

[0039] Compared with the prior art, the advantages of the present invention are:

[0040] (1) It realizes the objectification and precision of the inoculation operation, and significantly improves the reliability and repeatability of the experimental results;

[0041] The metal ring simultaneously functions as a heat sterilization device and an impedance detection device. In detection mode, by applying a high-frequency AC signal, it can monitor its impedance changes in real time, quantify the sampling situation, objectively determine whether the inoculation ring has successfully picked up the bacterial solution, and determine whether the amount picked up has reached the preset standard.

[0042] (2) Compared with traditional heat sterilization and visual detection of sample volume, which require moving the inoculation loop to a designated position, this offline detection and sterilization method does not require multiple sample transfers, avoiding the risks of sample contamination or sample spillage loss in the offline detection process. It also shortens the overall operation cycle of sampling, judgment, streaking and sterilization, greatly improving the stability and efficiency of the entire operation process.

[0043] (3) It transforms the traditional reliance on subjective judgment into scientific judgment based on electrical signals, reduces human error, improves the standardization and consistency of experimental operations, enhances operational convenience and efficiency, and reduces the labor intensity of operators;

[0044] (4) Compared with the traditional open flame sterilization method, it eliminates the safety hazards of open flame use in the laboratory, greatly reduces safety risks, and also avoids the potential hazards of smoke generation to the test environment.

[0045] Compared to external high-frequency heating, it reduces the space occupied by additional equipment, making the overall layout of the equipment more reasonable, and making the overall equipment more compact and efficient;

[0046] (5) The buffer device can prevent the agar medium from being punctured or the colonies from being damaged due to improper force control during operation, which is beneficial to protecting biological samples in automated operation and increasing the stability of subsequent microbial culture. In addition, it can absorb the overshoot or collision force that may be generated by automated end effectors such as robotic arms, which also protects the equipment itself, protects the precision equipment, and reduces the difficulty and risk of precision operation;

[0047] (6) The present invention integrates a status indicator unit, which can provide real-time and direct feedback on the working status, thereby reducing the professional threshold for operators;

[0048] By integrating the signal output interface, all operational information such as sampling time, sampling results, and heating time can be recorded and uploaded, enabling the entire experimental process to be recorded, further improving the level of intelligence, and laying the foundation for the construction of intelligent, automated, and traceable systems throughout the entire process.

[0049] (7) By setting the mode switching unit, the heating mode and the detection mode are isolated from each other, operate independently, and do not interfere with each other, so that the operation is stable for a long time. Attached Figure Description

[0050] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments:

[0051] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the structure of the metal inoculation ring described in this invention;

[0052] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the impedance detection process described in this invention.

[0053] The components include: a metal working end 1, a ring structure 11, a mounting part 2, and a buffer device 3. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The embodiments of this application are described in detail below. Examples of these embodiments are shown in the accompanying drawings, wherein the same or similar reference numerals denote the same or similar elements or elements having the same or similar functions throughout. The embodiments described below with reference to the accompanying drawings are exemplary and intended to explain this application, and should not be construed as limiting this application.

[0055] In the description of this application, it should be understood that the terms "center", "longitudinal", "lateral", "length", "width", "thickness", "upper", "lower", "front", "rear", "left", "right", "vertical", "horizontal", "top", "bottom", "inner", "clockwise", "counterclockwise", etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are only for the convenience of describing this application and simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on this application.

[0056] Furthermore, the terms "first" and "second" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance or implicitly specifying the number of technical features indicated. Thus, a feature defined as "first" or "second" may explicitly or implicitly include one or more of that feature. In the description of this application, unless otherwise stated, "a plurality of" means two or more, unless otherwise expressly defined.

[0057] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, the terms "installation," "connection," "linking," and "fixing," etc., should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection between two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0058] In this application, unless otherwise expressly specified and limited, "above" or "below" the second feature can include direct contact between the first and second features, or contact between the first and second features through another feature between them. Furthermore, "above," "over," and "on top" of the second feature includes the first feature being directly above or diagonally above the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a higher horizontal level than the second feature. "Below," "below," and "under" the second feature includes the first feature being directly below or diagonally below the second feature, or simply indicates that the first feature is at a lower horizontal level than the second feature.

[0059] like Figures 1-2As shown, this invention is applied to the sampling of microbial samples in microbial detection. The structure and system of the metal inoculation loop have been improved, enabling it not only to perform the basic function of sample sampling but also to possess both heat sterilization and impedance detection capabilities. This elevates the sample sampling process from one reliant on tube handling to a more objective and scientific level. Furthermore, the control module allows for real-time display and recording of working status and experimental data, significantly improving the automation of the experiment. Specifically:

[0060] A metal seed ring for impedance testing with electrical conductivity, comprising:

[0061] like Figure 1 As shown, a metal working end is used to contact and pick up a sample. The metal working end 1 is formed from a continuous metal wire, and an open ring structure 11 is formed by bending the metal wire in the middle. The ring structure 11 is used to pick up the sample.

[0062] Mounting part 2 is connected to the metal working end 1. Mounting part 2 is an automatic operating device, such as the end of a robotic arm, used to control sampling, inoculation and other operations.

[0063] A buffer device 3 is connected between the metal working end 1 and the mounting part 2. The buffer device 3 can form a returnable elastic deformation to provide cushioning during the inoculation operation. In this embodiment, the buffer device can be a spring. During the inoculation process, when the metal working end contacts the surface of the culture medium or is subjected to pressure, the buffer device will undergo a small, returnable deformation to absorb the excessive impact force generated by direct collision. This design can effectively prevent the agar surface from being punctured or the colony from being damaged due to improper operation. At the same time, in automated applications, this flexibility can also provide cushioning protection for the end effector of the robotic arm. In some embodiments, the buffer device can also be a rubber rod, a silicone rod, a metal sheet, or other similar device.

[0064] The metal wire is made of platinum or a platinum-rhodium alloy. The wire requires repeated heating and impedance testing. It needs a high melting point and stable oxidation resistance, able to withstand repeated high temperatures without rapid oxidation or degradation, ensuring its long-term reliability as a detection electrode. Furthermore, platinum and platinum-rhodium alloys exhibit stable and linear resistance-temperature relationships, allowing for precise power control. Of course, in practical use, regular calibration is necessary to ensure the accuracy of the tests.

[0065] A control module electrically connected to the metal working end. The control module includes a mode switching unit, a power drive module, and an impedance detection module. The control module is configured to determine the state of the sample adhered to the metal working end based on the change of the electrical characteristic parameter relative to a reference value under the detection mode. The electrical characteristic parameter is impedance. Of course, in some embodiments, a resistor or capacitor may be used. Specifically:

[0066] The mode switching unit uses relays, semiconductor switches, and other devices to connect the metal working end to two different circuit paths: a heating circuit and a detection circuit. This strictly separates the two operating modes, ensuring they do not interfere with each other.

[0067] The power drive module operates in heating mode, applying a low-voltage, high-current pulsed DC current to the metal working end. Heating occurs through the resistance of the metal wire itself, rapidly raising the temperature to the preset level for fast high-temperature sterilization. This design eliminates the need for traditional open flame burning, ensuring a safe operating environment and preventing smoke pollution. It also eliminates the need for a separate high-frequency heating device, reducing equipment costs and minimizing the range of motion and movement of automated actuators (such as robotic arms). This, in turn, reduces the overall space required for microbial detection equipment, facilitating further optimization of the overall equipment layout.

[0068] The impedance detection module operates in detection mode, where it applies a small current as a high-frequency AC detection signal to the metal working terminal. The frequency range of this high-frequency AC detection signal is between 1 kHz and 1 MHz. This high-frequency signal effectively avoids electrode polarization effects, thus providing a more accurate reflection of the impedance of the sample under test.

[0069] In this embodiment, under detection mode, such as Figure 2 As shown, the impedance detection method includes the following steps:

[0070] Before taking a sample, a low-current, high-frequency AC detection signal is applied to the dry metal working end, and its initial impedance value is measured as a reference value.

[0071] After collecting the sample, a high-frequency AC detection signal is applied to the metal working end again, and the impedance of the metal working end is measured as the actual value.

[0072] The difference between the actual value and the reference value is used as the impedance change value, and the change value is compared with the preset dynamic threshold of the classification. If the value exceeds the threshold, it is determined that the bacterial solution has been successfully collected.

[0073] The thresholds mentioned above are not fixed values, but rather based on a pre-established standard library of different samples.

[0074] A status indicator unit, electrically connected to the control module, indicates the current heating mode, detection mode status, and the result of whether sample collection was successful. In this embodiment, different working states can be indicated by flashing or constant illumination of different colored lights. This feedback is more intuitive, greatly reducing the operator's judgment burden and improving the accuracy and convenience of operation.

[0075] The signal output interface connected to the control module is used to upload the status, operation log, or test data of the metal working end to an external laboratory intelligent management system. In this embodiment, the working status, test structure, time, and other information of the metal working end are transmitted to the external management system in real time and in batches through the signal output interface for backup or storage, providing a basis for the traceability of the experimental process.

[0076] Additionally, it should be noted that dynamic threshold libraries can be pre-classified and established for different types of samples. For example, when testing common typical sample types such as "urine," "sputum," and "pharyngeal swab wash," the operator or the higher-level automated system only needs to specify the sample type or the system can automatically identify it to call the corresponding processing model and achieve accurate detection.

[0077] The above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and features of the present invention, intended to enable those skilled in the art to understand the content of the present invention and implement it accordingly, and should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of the present invention. It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention is not limited to the details of the above exemplary embodiments, and that the present invention can be implemented in other specific forms without departing from the spirit or essential characteristics of the present invention. Therefore, the embodiments should be considered exemplary and non-limiting in all respects. The scope of the present invention is defined by the appended claims rather than the foregoing description, and thus all changes falling within the meaning and scope of the equivalents of the claims are intended to be included within the present invention.

Claims

1. A metal seed ring that can be electrically tested for impedance, characterized in that, The application relates to a metal working end for contacting and absorbing a sample, a mounting part connected with the metal working end, and a control module electrically connected with the metal working end. The control module comprises a mode switching unit for switching between a heating mode and a detection mode, a power driving module for applying a current to the metal working end to heat the metal working end to achieve sterilization in the heating mode, and an impedance detection module for applying a detection electric signal to the metal working end to detect the sample absorption condition in the detection mode. In the heating mode, the power driving module applies pulse direct current to the metal working end to heat the metal working end through the resistance of the metal working end to achieve sterilization. In the detection mode, the impedance detection module applies a high-frequency alternating current signal to the metal working end to judge whether the sample is successfully absorbed by detecting the change value of the impedance of the metal working end. In the detection mode, a high-frequency alternating current detection signal is applied to the dry metal working end, and the initial impedance is measured as the reference value. After absorbing the sample, the high-frequency alternating current detection signal is applied to the metal working end again, and the impedance of the metal working end is measured. The change value of the impedance is calculated, and the change value is compared with the preset dynamic threshold value of the classification, and if the change value exceeds the threshold value, it is determined that the sample is successfully absorbed. The metal working end is connected with a buffer device, and the buffer device can form a resettable elastic deformation to provide buffering in the inoculation operation. The metal working end is formed by a continuous metal wire, and the metal wire is bent in the middle to form an open ring structure for absorbing the sample. The metal wire is made of platinum or platinum-rhodium alloy. The application further comprises a state indication unit electrically connected with the control module for indicating the current heating mode, detection mode state and judgment result of whether the sample absorption is successful. The application further comprises a signal output interface connected with the control module for uploading the state of the metal working end, operation log or detection data to an external laboratory intelligent management system. The frequency range of the high-frequency alternating current detection signal is 1 kHz to 1 MHz. ​ 2. The electrically testable impedance metal seed ring of claim 1, wherein: ​ 3. A metal seed ring that can be electrically tested for impedance according to claim 2, wherein, ​ 4. The electrically testable impedance metal seed ring of claim 1, wherein, ​ 5. The electrically testable impedance metal seed ring of claim 1, wherein, ​ 6. The electrically testable impedance metal seed ring of claim 1, wherein, ​

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