A long-term microbial enrichment device and its application method

Abstract

The present invention discloses a long-time microbial enrichment device, comprising a sampling cup group, a planetary gear transmission assembly, a telescopic docking assembly, and a water pump assembly; the sampling cup group is composed of a plurality of independent sampling cup units, which are arranged on a graduated disk; a plurality of docking ports are arranged at fixed intervals on the inner and outer sides of the graduated disk, and each docking port is connected to each sampling cup unit; the graduated disk can rotate along the center of a circle under the drive of the planetary gear transmission assembly; the telescopic docking assembly drives the displacement of a slider, a bracket is arranged on the slider, and self-centering units are arranged at both ends of the bracket, which can dock with the docking ports on the graduated disk; the non-docking sides of the two self-centering units are each connected to a water pump assembly. The present invention can process larger batches of samples simultaneously through the configuration of multiple independent sampling cup units, thereby improving the sample processing capacity; at the same time, these units have an equidistant and staggered arrangement, which can more efficiently remove impurities and improve filtration accuracy, thereby improving sample purity.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention belongs to the field of bioengineering technology, and specifically relates to a long-time microorganism enrichment device and an application method thereof. Background Art

[0002] With the continuous advancement of biotechnology and environmental science, the demand for microbial enrichment devices in scientific research, environmental monitoring, marine research, and industrial applications is increasing. Microbial enrichment technology is widely used in a variety of fields, including environmental governance, wastewater treatment, food safety testing, and biopharmaceuticals. Its application in marine ecology, environmental monitoring, and industrial bioreactors is particularly promising.

[0003] Currently, commercially available microbial enrichment devices are primarily based on traditional filtration, concentration, and separation methods. Most existing devices utilize simplified physical filtration and concentration principles when processing microbial samples. Common technologies include membrane filtration, centrifugal sedimentation, and adsorption.

[0004] However, the existing microbial enrichment devices also have some shortcomings that cannot be ignored:

[0005] 1. Limited processing capacity: Many existing devices are only suitable for processing small batches of samples and cannot process large-scale samples, and cannot meet the needs of high-throughput and high-efficiency microbial enrichment applications.

[0006] 2. Maintenance and life issues: Currently, most devices have a simple structure and lack modular design. The equipment is easily damaged and difficult to maintain. Especially when used in harsh environments (such as deep-sea exploration), the equipment has poor reliability and cannot guarantee long-term stable operation.

[0007] 3. Lack of flexibility and precision: Most existing devices fail to effectively address the precision issues of liquid injection, filtration, and sample extraction during microbial enrichment. This lack of operational precision can lead to uneven sample processing and unstable enrichment, which in turn affects the accuracy of experimental results.

[0008] In summary, although existing technologies can meet the basic needs of microbial enrichment, they still have significant shortcomings in processing large-scale samples, improving enrichment efficiency, and optimizing equipment performance. Summary of the Invention

[0009] The main purpose of the present invention is to provide a long-time microorganism enrichment device that is easy to replace and has high operating precision, and an application method thereof.

[0010] The long-time microorganism enrichment device provided by the present invention includes a sampling cup group, a planetary gear transmission assembly, a telescopic docking assembly and a water pump assembly; the sampling cup group is composed of multiple independent sampling cup units and is arranged on a dividing plate; multiple docking interfaces are arranged at fixed intervals on the inner and outer sides of the dividing plate, and each docking interface is connected to each sampling cup unit; the dividing plate can rotate along the center of a circle under the drive of the planetary gear transmission assembly; the telescopic docking assembly drives the slider to move, and a bracket is arranged on the slider, and self-centering units are arranged at both ends of the bracket, which can be docked with the docking interfaces on the dividing plate; the non-docking sides of the two self-centering units are each connected to a water pump assembly.

[0011] In one embodiment of the above device, the sampling cup units on the indexing plate are staggered and arranged at equal intervals, and the sampling cup units have independently opened cup covers.

[0012] In one embodiment of the above device, the sampling cup unit is provided with two pipes, one large and one small, which are respectively connected to the 24 joint and the 10 joint on the top surface of the dividing plate.

[0013] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned device, the planetary gear transmission assembly includes a base, a tray, a rotating disk support ring, a planetary gear pair and a dividing plate; the base is a circular thick base, the tray is the same circular disk, and the tray is supported above the base by multiple support rods arranged at intervals along the circumference; a rotating disk support ring is provided on the tray, and the upper and lower end faces of the rotating disk support ring can rotate relative to each other along the center of the circle, and the lower end face of the rotating disk support ring is fixed to the tray; the planetary gear pair includes an outer ring gear ring and a cylindrical gear that are meshed with each other, the outer ring gear ring is fixed to the upper end face of the rotating disk support ring, the bottom end of the cylindrical gear is connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor, and the rotating motor is fixed to the base; the dividing plate is fixed to the outer ring gear ring.

[0014] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned device, the outer side of the dividing plate is provided with a group of docking ports and plugs arranged in a circumferential manner with equal spacing, and the inner side is provided with a group of docking ports arranged in a circumferential manner with equal spacing. The two groups of docking ports are of the same height and are both located above the plugs; the outer and inner docking ports are respectively connected to the 24-connector and 10-connector on the top surface of the dividing plate in a one-to-one correspondence.

[0015] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned device, the telescopic docking assembly includes a slide, a motor, a screw, a bracket and a self-centering unit; the slide includes two opposing ear seats, four limit rods are arranged between the two ear seats, the four limit rods pass through a slider, and the slider can slide on the limit rods; the motor is composed of a stepper motor and a harmonic reducer; the output shaft of the motor is connected to the coupling, and the end of the coupling is connected to a ball screw; the screw is inserted into the center of the slider and engages with it; the bracket includes a U-shaped plate and a high-strength vertical plate perpendicular to the two ends of the U-shaped plate; the bottom center of the U-shaped plate is fixedly connected to the slider; a self-centering unit is provided on each of the two vertical plates.

[0016] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned device, a telescopic compensation gasket, a pressure compensation membrane and an oil filling port are provided inside the rear cover of the motor; the oil filling port includes a plug, a plug seat and a plug nut, the plug is placed on the plug seat and is connected to the rear cover through the plug nut.

[0017] In one embodiment of the above-mentioned device, the self-centering unit includes a pair of symmetrically arranged elastic ball membranes and ball head covers, which are connected to the vertical plate through the ball head covers; among the two self-centering units, one self-centering unit is docked with the inner docking port of the dividing plate, and its docking nozzle is a ball head injection nozzle; the other self-centering unit is docked with the outer docking port of the dividing plate, and its docking nozzle is a ball head filter nozzle.

[0018] In one embodiment of the above device, the water pumping assembly includes two pairs of water pump motors and flow meters arranged on their water pumping pipelines, and the two water pumping pipelines are respectively connected to the input ends of the two self-centering units.

[0019] A method for using the above-mentioned long-time microorganism enrichment device comprises the following steps:

[0020] 1. Assemble and inspect the device to ensure that the sampling cup assembly, pipeline docking system, planetary gear transmission assembly and telescopic docking assembly are installed in place;

[0021] 2. The starting device aligns the self-centering assembly of the sampling cup group with the corresponding interface on the indexing plate through the planetary gear transmission assembly to ensure accurate connection;

[0022] 3. The motor drives the slider to drive the bracket and the self-centering unit to move linearly, so that the ball head injection nozzle and the docking port of the indexing plate are accurately docked;

[0023] 4. After the ball head injection nozzle is connected, the water pump assembly injects seawater into the sampling cup group along the pipeline, and then repeats the seawater injection process until all the sampling cups are filled with seawater;

[0024] 5. After the seawater injection is completed, the motor drives in the reverse direction until the ball head filter on the self-centering assembly is accurately docked with the corresponding docking port on the indexing plate;

[0025] 6. After the ball head filter tip is connected, the water pump assembly injects the fixative into the sampling cup along the pipeline, and then repeats the fixative injection process until all the sampling cups are filled with the fixative to perform microbial filtration and enrichment.

[0026] 7. After the biological filtration and enrichment work is completed, the lid of the sampling cup can be opened to take samples.

[0027] The beneficial effects of the present invention are as follows:

[0028] 1. The present invention can process larger batches of samples simultaneously through the configuration of multiple independent sampling cup units, thereby improving the sample processing capacity; at the same time, these units are arranged in an equidistant and staggered manner, which can more efficiently remove impurities and improve filtration accuracy, thereby increasing sample purity;

[0029] 2. The present invention divides the device into multiple functional modules, facilitating routine maintenance and regular component replacement. This not only improves the reliability of the device but also significantly extends its service life, making it particularly suitable for transporting underwater vehicles during scientific research experiments.

[0030] 3. The planetary gear device of the present invention can accurately control the movement of each sampling cup unit, and the telescopic docking system drives the movement of the bracket and the self-centering unit through a linear motor; these components make the device more precise and efficient during operation, greatly improving the accuracy and stability of microbial enrichment. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0031] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the axonometric structure of an embodiment of the present invention.

[0032] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the front view structure.

[0033] Figure 3 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the front cross-sectional structure.

[0034] Figure 4 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the telescopic docking assembly.

[0035] Figure 5 for Figure 4 Schematic diagram of the cross-section structure. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0036] The following will be combined with the accompanying drawings in the embodiments of the present invention to clearly and completely describe the relevant technical solutions. Obviously, the embodiments described are only some embodiments, not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by ordinary technicians in this field without making creative efforts are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0037] like Figure 1 As shown, the long-time microorganism enrichment device disclosed in this embodiment includes a sampling cup set 1 and a pipeline docking system.

[0038] The sampling cup group 1 is used for enriching and storing microorganisms and filtering impurities; the pipeline docking system includes a planetary gear transmission component 2, a telescopic docking component 3 and a water pump component to complete the injection, filtration and discharge of liquids.

[0039] The sampling cup group 1 is composed of multiple independent sampling cup units, in which each sampling cup is staggered and evenly spaced above the graduated disk to improve filtration efficiency and sample purity; each sampling cup has an independently openable cup lid to facilitate sample extraction after the enrichment work is completed.

[0040] The sampling cup is equipped with two types of pipes, large and small, which are connected to the 24-port and 10-port joints on the top surface of the dividing plate respectively to ensure the smoothness of liquid injection and discharge.

[0041] like Figure 2 and Figure 3 As shown, the planetary gear transmission assembly 2 is used to control the position and docking action of the sampling cup unit. Its components include a base 21, a tray 22, a rotating disk support ring 23, a planetary gear pair 24 and a dividing plate 25 according to the assembly relationship from bottom to top.

[0042] The base 21 is a thick circular base, and the tray 22 is a similar circular disk. The tray is supported above the base by a plurality of support rods arranged at intervals along the circumference. The tray is provided to provide a stable structure of the whole machine.

[0043] A rotating disk support ring 23 is provided on the tray 22. The upper and lower end surfaces of the rotating disk support ring 23 can rotate relatively along the center of a circle, and the lower end surface of the rotating disk support ring is fixed to the tray.

[0044] The planetary gear pair 24 includes an outer ring gear and a cylindrical gear that mesh with each other. The outer ring gear is fixed to the upper end surface of the rotating disk support ring, and the bottom end of the cylindrical gear is connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor, which is fixed to the base 21. The rotating motor is provided to drive the cylindrical gear, thereby driving the outer ring gear to rotate.

[0045] The indexing plate 25 is fixed to the outer gear ring. The outer side of the indexing plate is equipped with a set of equally spaced circumferentially arranged docking ports and plugs, while the inner side has a set of equally spaced circumferentially arranged docking ports. Both sets of docking ports are at the same height and are located above the plugs. The outer and inner docking ports respectively connect to the 24-pin and 10-pin connectors on the top surface of the indexing plate.

[0046] Through the planetary gear transmission assembly, the indexing plate can be rotated precisely to match the position of the corresponding sampling cup with the pipeline docking system.

[0047] like Figure 4 and Figure 5 As shown, the telescopic docking assembly 3 includes a slide 31 , a motor 32 , a screw 33 , a bracket 34 and a self-centering unit 35 .

[0048] The sliding seat 31 includes two opposite ear seats, four limiting rods are arranged between the two ear seats, and the four limiting rods pass through a slider, and the slider can slide on the limiting rods.

[0049] Motor 32 is a combination of a stepper motor and a harmonic reducer. The motor's output shaft is connected to a coupling, the end of which is connected to a ball screw 33. The screw is inserted into the center of the slider and meshes with it. Rotating the motor drives the coupling and screw, controlling the slider's movement along the limit rod.

[0050] The rear cover of the motor 32 is provided with a telescopic compensation ring, a pressure compensation membrane and an oil filling port. The oil filling port includes a plug, a plug seat and a plug nut. The plug is placed on the plug seat and connected to the rear cover through the plug nut.

[0051] The bracket 34 includes a U-shaped plate and high-strength vertical plates perpendicular to the two ends of the U-shaped plate. The center of the bottom surface of the U-shaped plate is fixedly connected to the slider.

[0052] Each of the two vertical plates is provided with a self-centering unit 35. The self-centering unit comprises a pair of symmetrically arranged elastic spherical membranes and spherical head covers, which are connected to the vertical plates via the spherical head covers.

[0053] The difference between the two self-centering units 35 is that the self-centering unit docking with the inner docking port of the indexing disk 25 is a ball head injection nozzle, and the self-centering unit docking with the outer docking port of the indexing disk is a ball head filter nozzle, and the corresponding trachea joint specifications of the two are different.

[0054] The pump assembly includes two pairs of pump motors and flowmeters mounted on their pump lines. The two pump lines are connected to the inputs of the two self-centering units 35. The pump assembly is configured to pump the liquid to be treated through the self-centering components into the pipes within the indexing plate, and ultimately into the sampling cup assembly.

[0055] The application method of this device is as follows:

[0056] 1. Assemble and inspect the device to ensure that the sampling cup assembly, pipeline docking system, planetary gear transmission assembly and telescopic docking assembly are installed in place;

[0057] 2. The starting device aligns the self-centering assembly of the sampling cup group with the corresponding interface on the indexing plate through the planetary gear transmission assembly to ensure accurate connection;

[0058] 3. The motor drives the slider to drive the bracket and the self-centering unit to move linearly, so that the ball head injection nozzle and the docking port of the indexing plate are accurately docked;

[0059] 4. After the ball head injection nozzle is connected, the water pump assembly injects seawater into the sampling cup group along the pipeline, and then repeats the seawater injection process until all the sampling cups are filled with seawater;

[0060] 5. After the seawater injection is completed, the motor drives in the reverse direction until the ball head filter on the self-centering assembly is accurately docked with the corresponding docking port on the indexing plate;

[0061] 6. After the ball head filter tip is connected, the water pump assembly injects the fixative into the sampling cup along the pipeline, and then repeats the fixative injection process until all the sampling cups are filled with the fixative to perform microbial filtration and enrichment.

[0062] 7. After the biological filtration and enrichment work is completed, the lid of the sampling cup can be opened to take samples.

[0063] Finally, it should be noted that the above descriptions are merely preferred embodiments of the present invention and are not intended to limit the present invention. Although detailed descriptions have been provided with reference to the aforementioned embodiments, those skilled in the art will be able to modify the technical solutions described in the aforementioned embodiments or substitute equivalents for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of the present invention shall be included within the scope of protection of the present invention.

Claims

1. A long-term microbial enrichment device, characterized by: It includes a sampling cup assembly and a pipeline docking system, and the pipeline docking system includes a planetary gear transmission assembly, a telescopic docking assembly and a water pump assembly; The sampling cup group consists of multiple independent sampling cup units, which are arranged on a dividing plate; multiple docking ports are arranged at fixed intervals on the inner and outer sides of the dividing plate, and each docking port is connected to each sampling cup unit; The indexing plate can rotate along the center of the circle driven by the planetary gear transmission assembly; The telescopic docking assembly drives the slider to move. A bracket is provided on the slider. Self-centering units are provided at both ends of the bracket, which can be docked with the docking ports on the indexing plate. The non-docking sides of the two self-centering units are each connected to a water pump assembly. The telescopic docking assembly includes a slide, a motor, a screw, a bracket and a self-centering unit; the slide includes two opposing ear seats, four limit rods are provided between the two ear seats, the four limit rods pass through a slider, and the slider can slide on the limit rods; the motor is composed of a stepper motor and a harmonic reducer; the output shaft of the motor is connected to a coupling, and the end of the coupling is connected to a ball screw; the ball screw is inserted into the center of the slider and meshes with it; the bracket includes a U-shaped plate and high-strength vertical plates perpendicular to the two ends of the U-shaped plate; the bottom center of the U-shaped plate is fixedly connected to the slider; each of the two vertical plates is provided with a self-centering unit; The rear cover of the motor is provided with a telescopic compensation gasket, a pressure compensation membrane and an oil filling port; the oil filling port includes a plug, a plug seat and a plug nut, the plug is placed on the plug seat and connected to the rear cover through the plug nut; The self-centering unit includes a pair of symmetrically arranged elastic ball membranes and ball head covers, which are connected to the vertical plate through the ball head covers; among the two self-centering units, one self-centering unit is docked with the inner docking port of the dividing plate, and its docking nozzle is a ball head injection nozzle; the other self-centering unit is docked with the outer docking port of the dividing plate, and its docking nozzle is a ball head filter nozzle.

2. The long-term microbial enrichment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sampling cup units on the graduated disk are staggered and arranged at equal intervals, and each sampling cup unit has a cup cover that can be opened independently.

3. The long-term microorganism enrichment device according to claim 2, characterized in that: The sampling cup unit is provided with two pipes, one large and one small, which are respectively connected to the 24 joint and the 10 joint on the top surface of the dividing plate.

4. The long-term microorganism enrichment device according to claim 3, characterized in that: The planetary gear transmission assembly includes a base, a tray, a rotating disk support ring, a planetary gear pair and an indexing disk; The base is a thick circular base, and the tray is the same circular tray. The tray is supported above the base by multiple support rods arranged at intervals along the circumference. A rotating disk support ring is provided on the tray. The upper and lower end surfaces of the rotating disk support ring can rotate relative to each other along the center of the circle, and the lower end surface of the rotating disk support ring is fixed to the tray. The planetary gear pair includes an outer ring gear ring and a cylindrical gear that mesh with each other. The outer ring gear ring is fixed to the upper end surface of the rotating disk support ring. The bottom end of the cylindrical gear is connected to the output shaft of the rotating motor. The rotating motor is fixed on the base; the indexing disk is fixed on the outer ring gear ring.

5. The long-term microorganism enrichment device according to claim 4, characterized in that: The outer side of the dividing plate is provided with a group of docking ports and plugs arranged in a circumferential manner with equal spacing, and the inner side is provided with a group of docking ports arranged in a circumferential manner with equal spacing. The two groups of docking ports are of the same height and are both located above the plugs; the outer and inner docking ports are respectively connected to the 24 joints and 10 joints on the top surface of the dividing plate in a one-to-one correspondence.

6. The long-term microorganism enrichment device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The water pump assembly comprises two pairs of water pump motors and flow meters arranged on the water pump pipelines thereof. The two water pump pipelines are respectively connected to the input ends of the two self-centering units.

7. A method for using the long-time microorganism enrichment device according to any one of claims 1 to 6, comprising the following steps:

1. Assemble and inspect the device to ensure that the sampling cup assembly, pipeline docking system, planetary gear transmission assembly and telescopic docking assembly are installed in place; 2. The starting device aligns the self-centering unit of the sampling cup group with the corresponding interface on the indexing plate through the planetary gear transmission assembly to ensure accurate connection; 3. The motor drives the slider to drive the bracket and the self-centering unit to move linearly, so that the ball head injection nozzle and the docking port of the indexing plate are accurately docked; 4. After the ball head injection nozzle is connected, the water pump assembly injects seawater into the sampling cup group along the pipeline, and then repeats the seawater injection process until all the sampling cups are filled with seawater; 5. After the seawater injection is completed, the motor drives in the reverse direction until the ball head filter on the self-centering unit is accurately docked with the corresponding docking port on the indexing plate; 6. After the ball head filter tip is connected, the water pump assembly injects the fixative into the sampling cup along the pipeline, and then repeats the fixative injection process until all the sampling cups are filled with the fixative to perform microbial filtration and enrichment.

7. After the microbial filtration and enrichment work is completed, the lid of the sampling cup can be opened to take samples.

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