Culture medium preparation device
By designing an automated culture medium preparation device, a quantitative bottle and a slider rotation mechanism are used to quantitatively add and mix nutrient agar powder and distilled water, which solves the problems of cumbersome operation and low efficiency in the existing technology, improves the preparation efficiency and reduces human error.
Patent Information
- Application Number
- CN202510906558.4
- Authority / Receiving Office
- CN · China
- Patent Type
- Applications(China)
- Current Assignee / Owner
- Filing Date
- 2025-07-02
- Publication Date
- 2025-10-28
AI Technical Summary
The existing nutrient agar culture medium is cumbersome to prepare and operate, inefficient, and prone to human error, which increases the workload and difficulty for medical staff.
A culture medium preparation device was designed to achieve automated proportioning using quantitative bottles. Quantitative addition and mixing are achieved through a slider and rotating mechanism, and a light sensor controls the motor to ensure accurate proportioning and mixing, reducing manual operation steps.
It achieves accurate quantification, simple operation, reduces human error, improves the efficiency of culture medium preparation, reduces the workload of medical staff, prevents nutrient agar powder from clumping, and is suitable for large-scale preparation.
Smart Images
Figure CN120843232A_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical auxiliary device technology, and in particular to a culture medium preparation device. Background Technology
[0002] The main items in microbial testing include total bacterial count, mold count, yeast count, and coliform count. These items are commonly used to assess microbial contamination in food, pharmaceutical, cosmetic, and environmental samples to ensure product safety and quality. In addition, testing may also include the detection of specific pathogens. Among these, the culture method is the most traditional and commonly used microbial testing method. By inoculating samples onto a culture medium suitable for the growth of specific microorganisms, colony formation is observed to identify and count the microorganisms. Although time-consuming, it provides information on the growth characteristics of the microorganisms.
[0003] Agar solid medium is a commonly used culture medium. The preparation method for agar solid medium involves weighing and mixing agar powder with other nutrients such as peptone and sodium chloride, then mixing this mixture with the corresponding amount of distilled water, adjusting the pH, and finally sterilizing it with high-temperature steam. This requires multiple weighings, making the process relatively cumbersome. Therefore, nutrient agar has become widely used. Nutrient agar itself is agar powder pre-mixed with nutrients, requiring no pH adjustment; it only needs to be mixed with the corresponding volume of distilled water according to the dosage to prepare the culture medium. However, this type of nutrient agar still has the following problems when used: 1. The preparation process requires a variety of instruments, such as electronic scales, weighing paper, spoons, beakers, measuring cylinders, glass rods, absorbent paper, etc. Each instrument has its own precautions and requirements, which undoubtedly increases the difficulty of operation. For medical staff who are not familiar with the operation, some problems are bound to occur, making it inconvenient to prepare in large quantities. 2. Human error has a significant impact during preparation. When weighing distilled water using a graduated cylinder, the cylinder should be placed on a level surface with the line of sight aligned with the lowest point of the liquid. However, some medical staff may lift the graduated cylinder to observe it for convenience, thus increasing the error. Furthermore, when weighing nutrient agar powder, inexperienced beginners may need to add or subtract the powder multiple times to obtain the required weight, increasing the preparation time and making it unsuitable for large-scale preparation. Summary of the Invention
[0004] In view of the above situation and to overcome the shortcomings of the prior art, the purpose of this invention is to provide a culture medium preparation device that effectively solves the problems of cumbersome operation and low efficiency in the preparation of existing nutrient agar culture media.
[0005] The technical solution is as follows: The present invention includes a main body box, inside which is a slider that can move left and right. A fixed box with an upper and lower axial direction is fixed at the front end of the main body box. A rotating box that can rotate with the slider moving to the left is coaxially provided at the upper end of the fixed box. Multiple rotating columns that are evenly distributed along their circumference and have an upper and lower axial direction are rotatably connected to the rotating box. An eccentric box with an upper and lower axial direction is eccentrically fixed through the rotating box at the upper end of the rotating column. A movable column is slidably connected coaxially to the eccentric box. Multiple limiting claws that are evenly distributed along their circumference and swing inward and outward with the movable column moving up and down are provided on the eccentric box. Two rotating columns with a left and right axial direction are rotatably connected inside the main body box. When the movable column closest to the main body box is at the lower limit position, the rotating column on the right can rotate with the slider moving to the left, and the rotating column on the left can rotate with the slider moving left and right. The rotating column closest to the main body box can rotate with the slider moving. Two concave fixing blocks are fixed at the front end of the main body box, each corresponding to a rotating column. The upper and lower sides of the fixing blocks are respectively provided with through holes. A concave baffle with the notch facing forward is slidably connected to the fixing blocks. The baffle can move back and forth as the rotating column on its corresponding side rotates. The upper and lower ends of the baffle are respectively inserted into the fixing blocks and can block the through holes on their corresponding sides. The upper end of the baffle is provided with a through hole that is vertically connected and can communicate with the through hole. The lower end of the baffle is provided with a waist-shaped groove that is vertically connected and can communicate with the through hole. A metering bottle is detachably connected to the notch of the fixing block. An output tube communicating with the through hole is fixed at the lower end of the fixing block. The output ends of the two output tubes are located directly above the eccentric box closest to the main body box.
[0006] The beneficial effects of this invention are as follows: It utilizes quantitative bottles of different sizes to achieve stable proportions, eliminating the need for weighing with electronic scales, measuring cylinders, or other similar items. The volume of the quantitative bottle is the required amount, reducing errors caused by human factors, simplifying operation steps, improving preparation efficiency, and reducing the workload of medical staff. Medical staff can perform complex preparation operations simply by placing and removing the conical flask and starting the motor. Furthermore, it provides more effective sealed storage of nutrient agar powder and distilled water when not in use, eliminating the need to open the container each time it is used, as is done manually. This prevents moisture and other substances from entering and avoids clumping of the nutrient agar powder. Attached Figure Description
[0007] Figure 1 This is an isometric view of the present invention.
[0008] Figure 2 This is the full sectional rear-view axonometric drawing of the present invention.
[0009] Figure 3 This is a cross-sectional axonometric view of the present invention.
[0010] Figure 4 This is a right-side sectional view of the present invention.
[0011] Figure 5 This is the right-side axonometric view of the full section of the present invention.
[0012] Figure 6 This is the cross-sectional right-view axonometric drawing of the present invention.
[0013] Figure 7 This is a full sectional top view of the present invention.
[0014] Figure 8 This is a sectional top view of the present invention.
[0015] Figure 9 This is a rear-view axonometric view of the pusher block in this invention.
[0016] Figure 10 This is a bottom-view axonometric drawing of the guide block in this invention.
[0017] Figure 11 This is the present invention. Figure 3 A magnified view of A in the middle.
[0018] Figure 12 This is the present invention. Figure 6 A magnified view of B in the middle.
[0019] Figure 13 This is a flowchart of the motor operation in this invention. Detailed Implementation
[0020] The specific embodiments of the present invention will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings.
[0021] Depend on Figures 1 to 13 The system includes a main body box 1, inside which is a slider 2 that can move left and right. A fixed box 3 with a vertical axis is fixed at the front end of the main body box 1. A rotating box 4 with a vertical axis is coaxially mounted on the upper end of the fixed box 3 and can rotate with the slider 2 moving to the left. Multiple rotating columns 5 with a vertical axis are rotatably connected to the rotating box 4. An eccentric box 6 with a vertical axis is eccentrically fixed through the rotating box 4 at the upper end of the rotating column 5. A moving column 7 is slidably connected to the eccentric box 6 with a vertical axis. Multiple limiting claws 8 with a vertical axis are provided on the eccentric box 6 and are evenly distributed along its circumference and swing inward and outward with the moving column 7 moving up and down. Two rotating columns 9 with a left and right axis are rotatably connected inside the main body box 1. When the moving column 7 closest to the main body box 1 is at the lower limit position, the rotating column 9 on the right can rotate with the slider 2 moving to the left, and the rotating column 9 on the left can rotate with the slider 2 moving left and right. The rotating column 5 closest to the main body box 1 can rotate with the slider 2. Two concave fixing blocks 10 are fixed at the front end of the main body box 1, corresponding one-to-one with the rotating column 9. The upper and lower sides of the fixing blocks 10 are respectively provided with through holes that pass through vertically. A concave baffle 11 with the notch facing forward is slidably connected to the fixing blocks 10. The baffle 11 can move back and forth as the rotating column 9 on its corresponding side rotates. The upper and lower ends of the baffle 11 are respectively inserted into the fixing blocks 10 and can block the through holes on their corresponding sides. The upper end of the baffle 11 is provided with a through hole 12 that passes through vertically and can communicate with the through hole. The lower end of the baffle 11 is provided with a waist-shaped groove 13 that passes through vertically and can communicate with the through hole. A metering bottle 14 is detachably connected to the notch of the fixing blocks 10. An output pipe 15 communicating with the through hole is fixed at the lower end of the fixing blocks 10. The output ends of the two output pipes 15 are located directly above the eccentric box 6 closest to the main body box 1.
[0022] In order to enable the slider 2 to move left and right, the slider 2 is slidably connected to the main body box 1. The motor 16 is fixed inside the main body box 1. The left and right axial screws are rotatably connected inside the main body box 1. The screws are coaxially fixedly connected to the output end of the motor 16. The screws pass through the slider 2 and are threadedly connected to the slider 2.
[0023] To enable the rotating box 4 to rotate as the slider 2 moves to the left, a top block 17 located below the screw is slidably connected to the slider 2. The left end face of the top block 17 is an inclined surface with a left rear and right front orientation. A guide block 18 located below the top block 17 and penetrating the slider 2 is slidably connected to the slider 2. The left end of the guide block 18 can contact the left side wall of the main body box 1. A Z-shaped guide groove 19 is provided on the guide block 18. A guide post 20 inserted into the guide groove 19 is fixed at the lower end of the top block 17. A stop block 21 that can contact the right end of the guide block 18 is fixed inside the main body box 1. A top rod 22 with an inverted T-shape in the front-back direction is slidably connected to the fixed box 3. The rear end of the top rod 22 is inserted into the main body box 1. It can also contact the inclined surface of the top block 17. The front end of the top rod 22 has a top groove that runs horizontally and vertically. The front end of the top rod 22 is fixedly connected to the fixed box 3 via a compression spring. The fixed box 3 is coaxially rotatably connected to the drive shaft. The upper end of the drive shaft is coaxially fixedly connected to the rotating box 4. A ratchet is coaxially fixed on the drive shaft. A swing rod 23 is coaxially rotatably connected on the drive shaft. A top post 24 inserted into the top groove is fixed on the swing rod 23. Pads 25 that cooperate with the ratchet are hinged to the swing rod 23 and the fixed box 3 respectively. The swing rod 23 and the fixed box 3 are respectively connected to their corresponding pads 25 via elastic plates. The swing angle of the swing rod 23 is equal to the included angle between two adjacent rotating posts 5.
[0024] In order to make the limiting claw 8 swing inward and outward as the moving column 7 moves up and down, the limiting claw 8 is a V-shape with an included angle greater than 90 degrees. The corner of the limiting claw 8 is hinged to the eccentric box 6. The outer side of the lower end of the limiting claw 8 is connected to the eccentric box 6 through an elastic sheet. A moving disk 26 located inside the eccentric box 6 is fixed on the moving column 7. The moving disk 26 can contact the inner surface of the lower end of the limiting claw 8. The upper end of the moving column 7 passes through the eccentric box 6. A soft block is fixed on the inner side of the upper end of the limiting claw 8.
[0025] To ensure that when the moving column 7 closest to the main body box 1 is at its lower limit position, the rotating column 9 on the right can rotate as the slider 2 moves to the left, and the rotating column 9 on the left can rotate as the slider 2 moves left and right. The rotating column 9 is fixed with multiple inclined plates 27 evenly distributed along its circumference. The length of the inclined plate 27 on the left rotating column 9 is greater than the length of the inclined plate 27 on the right rotating column 9. The slider 2 is slidably connected with multiple push columns 28 distributed in the left and right directions and located above the screw. The push column 28 can be inserted between two adjacent inclined plates 27 and can contact the inclined plates 27. The slider 2 is slidably connected with a push block 29 that passes through the slider 2. The left end of the push block 29 can contact the left side wall of the main body box 1 and its right end can contact the stop block 21. The push block 29 is provided with multiple push grooves 30 that correspond one-to-one with the push columns 28 and are Z-shaped. The lower end of the push column 28 is fixed with a push rod 31 that is inserted into the corresponding push groove 30.
[0026] To ensure that when the moving column 7 closest to the main body box 1 is at its lower limit position, the rotating column 5 closest to the main body box 1 can rotate with the movement of the slider 2, multiple gear boxes 32 corresponding one-to-one with the rotating column 5 are slidably connected to the rotating box 4. The rotating column 5 passes through its corresponding gear box 32. The lower end of the gear box 32 is connected to the rotating box 4 via a compression spring. A gear coaxial with the rotating column 5 is rotatably connected inside the gear box 32. The gear is slidably connected to the rotating column 5. The outer end of the gear box 32 can be inserted into the main body box 1 and is slidably connected to a rack 33 that meshes with the gear. The inner end of the rack 33 is connected to the gear box 32 via a compression spring. The right end of the slider 2 is fixed. A connecting rod is fixed above the top block 17. Multiple protrusions 34 distributed in the left and right directions are fixed on the left and right sides of the front end of the connecting rod. The protrusions 34 are isosceles trapezoids with a smaller front and a larger back. The front end of the left protrusion 34 is located behind the front end of the right protrusion 34. The outer end of the rack 33 can contact the inclined surface of the protrusion 34. The lower end of the moving column 7 passes through the eccentric box 6 and contacts the upper end of the gear box 32. The moving column 7 has an outward-facing groove 35. An L-shaped insert rod 36 that can be inserted into the groove 35 is slidably connected to the eccentric box 6. The outer end of the insert rod 36 passes through the eccentric box 6 and is connected to the eccentric box 6 via a tension spring.
[0027] To facilitate the control of the rotation of the motor 16, a light sensor is fixed inside the main body box 1. The light sensor includes a transmitter 37 and multiple receivers 38 that correspond one-to-one with the toothed box 32. The transmitter 37 is located inside the main body box 1 and is fixedly connected to the main body box 1. The receivers 38 are fixedly connected to their corresponding toothed boxes 32. The light sensor is connected to the motor 16.
[0028] In order to enable the baffle frame 11 to move back and forth as the rotating column 9 on its corresponding side rotates, the rear end of the baffle frame 11 is inserted into the main body box 1 and slidably connected to the main body box 1. A winding groove is provided on the left side of the rotating column 9. The inner side wall of the winding groove is fixedly connected to the rear end of the baffle frame 11 via a pull rope 39. A reversing column that contacts the pull rope 39 is fixed inside the main body box 1. The rear end of the baffle frame 11 is fixedly connected to the main body box 1 via a compression spring.
[0029] To facilitate the detachment and connection of the metering bottle 14 and the fixing block 10, the fixing block 10 has a slot on its upper side that is coaxial with the through hole and faces downward. The inner sidewall of the slot can be inserted into the metering bottle 14. A pressure ring 40 with a concave axial cross section is slidably connected coaxially inside the slot. The metering bottle 14 can be inserted into the pressure ring 40. The upper end of the pressure ring 40 is connected to the upper sidewall of the slot via a compression spring. The lower end of the metering bottle 14 is threaded to the lower side of the fixing block 10. The metering bottle 14 is shaped like a date pit.
[0030] To facilitate the addition of liquid or powder to the metering bottle 14, the upper end of the fixing block 10 is fixed with an elastic telescopic tube 41 that communicates with the through hole. The upper end of the elastic telescopic tube 41 on the right side passes through the main body box 1 and is fixed with a connector 42. The connector 42 has a threaded groove on its inner side and its lower end face is a conical surface that is smaller at the bottom and larger at the top. The upper end of the main body box 1 is fixed with a clip located above the connector 42. The upper end of the elastic telescopic tube 41 on the left side is fixed with a liquid tank. The liquid tank is fixedly connected to the upper end of the main body box 1. The liquid tank has a liquid inlet, and a plug is detachably connected inside the liquid inlet.
[0031] When using this invention, select the appropriate size of the metering bottle 14 as needed. The internal capacity of the metering bottle 14 on the right is the amount of nutrient agar powder required, and the internal capacity of the metering bottle 14 on the left is half the liquid volume corresponding to the nutrient agar powder in the metering bottle 14 on the right in proportion. After selecting the appropriate size metering bottle 14, install it in the recess of the fixing block 10. During installation, first insert the upper end of the metering bottle 14 between the pressure ring 40 and the side wall of the empty groove. The pressure ring 40 presses the spring upward to make the metering bottle 14 vertical. Then rotate the metering bottle 14 so that the thread at the lower end of the metering bottle 14 is connected to the thread on the fixing block 10. At this time, the metering bottle 14 is connected to the fixing block 10. The lower end of the metering bottle 14 remains stable and sealed under the action of the thread, and the upper end of the metering bottle 14 remains stable and sealed under the pressure of the pressure ring 40. After the metering bottle 14 is installed, the through hole 12 is connected to the through hole, the lower end of the baffle 11 blocks the lower through hole, the toothed box 32 is located above the protrusion 34 and the transmitter 37, the distance between the upper ends of the limiting claw 8 is the maximum distance, the groove 35 is located above the insertion rod 36, the pull rope 39 is in a taut state and is not wrapped in the winding groove, the top block 17 is located at the front limit position, the guide post 20 is located in the horizontal part in front of the guide groove 19, the push post 28 is located at the upper limit position, the push rod 31 is located in the horizontal part above the push groove 30, and the right ends of the guide block 18 and the push block 29 are in contact with the baffle 21. Unscrew the top cap of the nutrient agar powder bottle, pull the connector 42 upwards, and the elastic telescopic tube 41 on the right side will extend. Screw the connector 42 onto the nutrient agar powder bottle to replace the original top cap. Then, place the nutrient agar powder bottle face down between the clips. The elastic telescopic tube 41 will return to its original position. The nutrient agar powder bottle will remain vertical under the action of the clips and will not fall. Remove the stopper and pour sterile water or distilled water into the liquid tank. Then, replace the stopper. At this time, the liquid and nutrient agar powder will enter the corresponding quantitative bottle 14 through the elastic telescopic tube 41, the through hole, and the through hole 12, respectively. Since the quantitative bottle 14 is shaped like a date pit, the nutrient agar powder can fill the quantitative bottle 14 simply by falling normally, thus achieving the purpose of quantitative measurement. Since the two quantitative bottles 14 form a sealed state with the liquid tank and the nutrient agar powder bottle respectively, the liquid and nutrient agar powder can be stored for a long time without having to find a way to export them when not in use, making it more convenient to use. When culture medium needs to be prepared, the conical flask is placed on the eccentric box 6. Under the action of its own weight and the pressure of the human body, the conical flask moves the moving column 7 downward. The moving column 7 moves the gear box 32 downward. The gear and rack 33 move downward synchronously. The compression spring is compressed. At the same time, the moving column 7 moves the moving disk 26 downward. The moving disk 26 presses the lower side of the limiting claw 8, causing the part of the limiting claw 8 located below the hinge point to swing outward and press the elastic sheet. The part of the limiting claw 8 located above the hinge point swings inward and causes the soft block to press the conical flask. When the groove 35 is opposite to the insertion rod 36, the insertion rod 36 moves inward under the action of the tension spring, so that the insertion rod 36 is inserted into the groove 35. The position of the moving column 7 is restricted and the moving column 7 cannot move up and down. At this time, the gear box 32 is kept in the state of being in the lower limit position. The gear box 32 corresponding to the eccentric box 6 where no conical flask is placed is still in the upper limit position. The motor 16 is started, and its clockwise rotation drives the slider 2 to move to the left. The top block 17 gradually approaches and contacts the top rod 22. The top rod 22 moves forward under the push of the inclined surface of the top block 17. The top block 17 pushes the swing rod 23 forward via the top column 24. At the same time, the swing rod 23 pushes the ratchet to rotate clockwise via the pawl 25. The drive shaft synchronously drives the rotating box 4 to rotate clockwise. After the screw rotates n times, the horizontal part of the front end face of the top block 17 contacts the horizontal part of the rear end face of the top rod 22. At this time, the top rod 22 moves forward to the extreme position on the front side. The swing angle of the swing arm 23 is equal to the included angle between two adjacent rotating columns 5. Therefore, the eccentric box 6 located on the left side near the main body box 1 will rotate to the position directly below the metering bottle 14 on the right side, which is the position closest to the main body box 1. At this time, if there is no conical bottle on the eccentric box 6, the toothed box 32 and the receiver 38 are located above the transmitter 37. The light sensor will not receive a signal, so the motor 16 will automatically reverse and automatically shut off after reversing n times. At this time, each structure returns to its initial position. If it needs to be used, the motor 16 needs to be manually started again. If there is a conical bottle on the eccentric box 6, the receiver 38 and the transmitter 37 will be opposite each other, and the signal emitted by the transmitter 37 will be received by the receiver 38 (i.e., the light sensor will have a signal). As a result, the motor 16 will continue to rotate forward, and the slider 2 will continue to move to the left. After the top block 17 and the top rod 22 are misaligned, the top rod 22 will move backward under the action of the compression spring, and the swing rod 23 will swing backward. Due to the presence of the pawl 25 on the main body box 1, the ratchet will not rotate. After the slider 2 moves to the left a certain distance, the push column 28 will contact the inclined plate 27 on the right rotating column 9 and push the inclined plate 27 to rotate. The rotating column 9 will rotate synchronously and cause the pull rope 39 to be wound on the rotating column 9 and located in the winding groove. The pull rope 39 will pull the right side baffle 11 to move backward, and the through hole 12 will gradually... After the baffle frame 11 moves a certain distance away from the through hole, both the upper and lower ends of the baffle frame 11 block the through hole. At this time, the metering bottle 14 is in a completely closed state. After moving a certain distance backward again, the upper end of the baffle frame 11 remains in the state of blocking the upper through hole. The waist-shaped groove 13 is connected to the lower through hole. The nutrient agar powder falls into the conical bottle through the lower through hole, waist-shaped groove 13, and output tube 15. Since the rack 33 is engaged with the gear, and the rack 33 will not move arbitrarily under the action of the compression spring, the initial position of each eccentric box 6 is the same when it does not rotate. This ensures that the nutrient agar powder and liquid can enter the conical bottle smoothly. Furthermore, since the waist-shaped groove 13 is relatively long, it ensures that all the powder in the metering bottle 14 enters the conical bottle. Slider 2 continues to move to the left. After the push column 28 disengages from the inclined plate 27 on the right rotating column 9, the right baffle 11 moves forward under the action of the compression spring. The baffle 11 drives the rotating column 9 to rotate in the opposite direction via the pull rope 39. The waist-shaped groove 13 gradually shifts away from the through hole. The baffle 11 changes to a state where the lower side blocks the through hole and the through hole 12 is connected to the through hole. New nutrient agar powder will fall into the right quantitative bottle 14. After slider 2 moves a certain distance to the left, protrusion 34 will contact rack 33 and push rack 33 forward. Rack 33 drives eccentric box 6 to rotate eccentrically through gear and rotating column 5, so that powder can be more evenly distributed at the bottom of conical bottle, thereby increasing the contact area with liquid and facilitating better mixing. As multiple protrusions 34 on the left side contact the outer end of rack 33 in turn, rack 33 moves back and forth under the action of compression spring, so that eccentric box 6 oscillates in both directions. After slider 2 continues to move a certain distance, protrusion 34 on the left side moves to the left of rack 33, and at this time protrusion 34 on the right side is located to the right of rack 33. As slider 2 continues to move, push column 28 contacts inclined plate 27 on left rotating column 9, thereby driving left rotating column 9 to rotate. Left baffle 11 moves backward so that through hole 12 is not connected to through hole and waist-shaped groove 13 is connected to through hole. Liquid in left metering bottle 14 flows into conical bottle through output pipe 15. When push column 28 moves to the left of rotating column 9, baffle 11 returns to initial position under the action of compression spring. Liquid in liquid tank flows in again and fills left metering bottle 14. After slider 2 continues to move a certain distance to the left, the protrusion 34 on the right side contacts the rack 33, causing the eccentric box 6 to rotate in both directions again, thus oscillating the conical flask and making the liquid and powder in the conical flask mix more evenly. After guide block 18 and push block 29 gradually approach and contact the left side wall of the main body box 1, as slider 2 continues to move, guide block 18 and push block 29 move to the right relative to slider 2. Guide block 18 drives top block 17 to move backward through guide groove 19 and guide post 20, and push block 2... 9. Driven by the push groove 30 and push rod 31, push column 28 moves downward. When motor 16 rotates m revolutions due to receiving the signal from the light sensor, slider 2 moves to the left limit position. At this time, top block 17 is located at the rear limit position, guide column 20 is located in the horizontal part behind guide groove 19, front end face of top block 17 is located behind push rod 22, push column 28 is located at the lower limit position, push rod 31 is located in the horizontal part at the lower end of push groove 30, and push column 28 is located below inclined plate 27 on the right rotating column 9. Motor 16 starts to reverse, slider 2 starts to move to the right, and the right-side protrusion 34 contacts the rack 33 again, causing the conical flask to vibrate again, thus ensuring that the powder and liquid are fully mixed. When the rack 33 is between the protrusions 34 on the left and right sides, the eccentric box 6 stops rotating. As slider 2 continues to move to the right, since the length of the left inclined plate 27 is greater than the length of the right inclined plate 27, the push column 28 will contact the inclined plate 27 on the left rotating column 9 again, causing the rotating column 9 to reverse. Since the pull rope 39 is in a taut state in the free state and is not wrapped around the rotating column 9, the pull rope can also be wrapped around the rotating column 9 when the rotating column 9 reverses. The baffle 11 moves backward again, and the liquid in the left metering bottle 14 flows into the conical flask again. When the push column 28 is to the right of the left inclined plate 27, the baffle 11 moves forward to return to its original state. At this time, the ratio of liquid to powder in the conical flask is the required ratio. After slider 2 continues to move a certain distance to the right, the left protrusion 34 contacts the rack 33 again, causing the conical flask to vibrate again. The purpose of this vibration is to mix the original mixed liquid with the newly added liquid, thereby ensuring the uniformity of powder mixing. Since the front face of the left protrusion 34 is located behind the front face of the right protrusion 34, the eccentric box 6 rotates relatively few times and the vibration amplitude is relatively weak. This ensures that the liquid is mixed evenly while preventing the liquid from splashing out of the conical flask due to excessive vibration, thus ensuring the stability of the mixing process. After slider 2 continues to move a certain distance to the right, protrusion 34 is located to the right of rack 33, the conical flask stops oscillating, the liquid is mixed, and slider 2 continues to move to the right. Since push post 28 is located below right inclined plate 27 at this time, push post 28 will not contact right inclined plate 27, nor will it cause right rotating post 9 to rotate. Slider 2 continues to move to the right. Since top block 17 is located behind top rod 22 at this time, top block 17 will not contact top rod 22. Top block 17 moves smoothly to the right of top rod 22, slider 2 gradually approaches stop block 21, guide block 18 and the right end of push block 29 gradually contact stop block 21, causing it to move to the left relative to slider 2. Top block 17 moves forward to the initial position under the action of guide groove 19, push post 28 in push groove 30 Under the action of the motor 16, the slider 2 moves upward to the initial position. After the motor 16 reverses n+m times, the slider 2 moves to the initial position. Then the motor 16 will rotate clockwise n times again, so that the mixed conical flask rotates to the right side for easy removal. At the same time, the new eccentric box 6 rotates to the right side directly below the metering bottle 14. Since the previous receiver 38 and transmitter 37 are misaligned, the light sensor will refresh the signal. When the new eccentric box 6 rotates to the right side directly below the metering bottle 14, if there is no conical flask on the eccentric box 6, the light sensor will have no signal, and the motor 16 will automatically turn off after reversing n times. If there is a conical flask on the eccentric box 6, the light sensor will have a signal, and the motor 16 will repeat the above operation of continuing to rotate clockwise m times and then reversing n+m times to add items into the conical flask and mix them. This process is repeated. When the conical flask needs to be removed, pull the insert rod 36 outward to move the insert rod 36 out of the groove 35, and then lift the conical flask upward. As the conical flask moves upward, the toothed box 32 moves upward under the action of the compression spring, and the moving column 7 drives the moving disk 26 to move upward in sync. Under the action of the elastic plate, the lower end of the limiting claw 8 swings inward and the upper end swings outward to return to the initial state.
[0032] In this invention, the connection and control methods between the motor 16 and the optical sensor are all existing technologies, and the standard parts used can all be purchased from the market. The irregular parts can be customized according to the description and drawings. The specific connection methods of each part all adopt conventional methods such as bolts, rivets, and welding that are mature in the existing technology. The machinery, parts and equipment all adopt conventional models in the existing technology. The circuit connection adopts conventional connection methods in the existing technology, which will not be described in detail here.
[0033] This invention is novel in concept, ingenious in structure, convenient in operation, and highly practical. Through the setup of a transmitter and receiver, a light sensor controls the rotation of the motor. The light sensor also determines whether a conical flask is present on the eccentric box, preventing the nutrient agar powder and distilled water from falling due to the absence of a conical flask. Furthermore, different sized measuring bottles maintain a constant ratio of nutrient agar powder to distilled water, eliminating the need for separate weighing and saving time and effort. The addition of nutrient powder is achieved by using inclined plates of varying lengths and a vertically movable pusher, allowing for the addition of a small amount of water after each addition of nutrient powder for mixing and shaking, followed by the addition of another portion of water. The varying lengths of the plates in the forward and backward direction further enhance the efficiency of the process. Different bumps create vigorous shaking when there is little water to ensure thorough mixing, while reducing shaking when there is a lot of water to prevent liquid splashing. This design saves time and effort. The flexible telescopic tube, connector, and clips allow for easy dispensing of the nutrient agar powder simply by unscrewing the cap, replacing the connector, and inverting the bottle. No scoop is needed to weigh the powder, and the cap doesn't need to be repeatedly opened for multiple weighings. This reduces moisture ingress, keeps the powder dry, and prevents clumping. It is more convenient to use and store, allowing for continuous or on-demand preparation, reducing operational steps and improving the efficiency of microbial testing.
[0034] It is evident that the culture medium preparation device provided by this invention can effectively solve the problems of cumbersome operation and low efficiency in the preparation of existing nutrient agar culture media. This structure is simple to operate, convenient to use, and improves the efficiency of culture medium preparation.
Claims
1. A culture medium preparation device, comprising a main body box (1), characterized in that, The main body box (1) is equipped with a slider (2) that can move left and right. The front end of the main body box (1) is fixed with a fixed box (3) with an upper and lower axis. The upper end of the fixed box (3) is coaxially equipped with a rotating box (4) that can rotate with the slider (2) to the left. Multiple rotating columns (5) are rotatably connected to the rotating box (4) along its circumference and with an upper and lower axis. The upper end of the rotating column (5) passes through the rotating box (4) and is eccentrically fixed with an eccentric box (6) with an upper and lower axis. A movable column (7) is slidably connected to the eccentric box (6) with an eccentricity. The upper part is provided with multiple limiting claws (8) evenly distributed along its circumference and swinging inward and outward as the moving column (7) moves up and down. There are two rotating columns (9) rotatably connected in the main body box (1) along the left and right axes. When the moving column (7) closest to the main body box (1) is at the lower limit position, the rotating column (9) on the right side can rotate as the slider (2) moves to the left, and the rotating column (9) on the left side can rotate as the slider (2) moves left and right. The rotating column (5) closest to the main body box (1) can rotate as the slider (2) moves. The main body box (1) has two concave fixing blocks (10) that correspond one-to-one with the rotating column (9) at the front end. The upper and lower sides of the fixing blocks (10) are respectively provided with through holes that pass through from top to bottom. A concave baffle (11) with the notch facing forward is slidably connected to the fixing blocks (10). The baffle (11) can move back and forth as the rotating column (9) on its corresponding side rotates. The upper and lower ends of the baffle (11) are respectively inserted into the fixing blocks (10) and can block the through holes on their corresponding sides. The upper end of the baffle (11) is provided with a through hole (12) that passes through from top to bottom and can communicate with the through hole. The lower end of the baffle (11) is provided with a waist-shaped groove (13) that passes through from top to bottom and can communicate with the through hole. A metering bottle (14) is detachably connected in the notch of the fixing blocks (10). The lower end of the fixing blocks (10) is fixed with an output pipe (15) that communicates with the through hole. The output ends of the two output pipes (15) are located directly above the eccentric box (6) closest to the main body box (1).
2. The culture medium preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider (2) is slidably connected to the main body box (1). A motor (16) is fixed inside the main body box (1). A screw with left and right axial directions is rotatably connected inside the main body box (1). The screw is coaxially fixedly connected to the output end of the motor (16). The screw passes through the slider (2) and is threadedly connected to the slider (2).
3. The culture medium preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The slider (2) is slidably connected to a top block (17) located below the screw. The left end face of the top block (17) is an inclined surface with the left rear and right front. The slider (2) is slidably connected to a guide block (18) located below the top block (17) and penetrating the slider (2). The left end of the guide block (18) can contact the left side wall of the main body box (1). A Z-shaped guide groove (19) is opened on the guide block (18). A guide post (20) inserted into the guide groove (19) is fixed at the lower end of the top block (17). A stop block (21) that can contact the right end of the guide block (18) is fixed in the main body box (1). A top rod (22) with an inverted T shape in the front-back direction is slidably connected to the fixed box (3). The rear end of the top rod (22) is inserted into the main body box (1) and can contact the top block. (17) Inclined surface contact, the top rod (22) has a top groove in the left and right direction and through the top groove at the front end, the top rod (22) is fixedly connected to the fixed box (3) via a compression spring, the fixed box (3) is coaxially rotatably connected to the drive shaft, the upper end of the drive shaft is coaxially fixedly connected to the rotating box (4), the drive shaft is coaxially fixed to a ratchet, the drive shaft is coaxially rotatably connected to a rocker arm (23), the rocker arm (23) is fixed to a top column (24) inserted into the top groove, the rocker arm (23) and the fixed box (3) are respectively hinged to a pawl (25) that cooperates with the ratchet, the rocker arm (23) and the fixed box (3) are respectively connected to their corresponding pawl (25) via an elastic sheet, the rocker arm (23) swings at an angle equal to the included angle between two adjacent rotating columns (5).
4. The culture medium preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The limiting claw (8) is a V-shape with an included angle greater than 90 degrees. The corner of the limiting claw (8) is hinged to the eccentric box (6). The outer side of the lower end of the limiting claw (8) is connected to the eccentric box (6) via an elastic sheet. A movable disk (26) located inside the eccentric box (6) is fixed on the movable column (7). The movable disk (26) can contact the inner surface of the lower end of the limiting claw (8). The upper end of the movable column (7) penetrates the eccentric box (6). A soft block is fixed on the inner side of the upper end of the limiting claw (8).
5. The culture medium preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating column (9) is fixed with multiple inclined plates (27) evenly distributed along its circumference. The length of the inclined plate (27) on the left rotating column (9) is greater than the length of the inclined plate (27) on the right rotating column (9). Multiple push columns (28) distributed along the left and right directions and located above the screw are slidably connected to the slider (2). The push column (28) can be inserted between two adjacent inclined plates (27) and can contact the inclined plate (27). A push block (29) that passes through the slider (2) is slidably connected to the slider (2). The left end of the push block (29) can contact the left side wall of the main body box (1) and its right end can contact the stop block (21). Multiple push grooves (30) that correspond one-to-one with the push column (28) and are Z-shaped are opened on the push block (29). The lower end of the push column (28) is fixed with a push rod (31) inserted into the corresponding push groove (30).
6. The culture medium preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rotating box (4) is slidably connected with multiple gear boxes (32) corresponding one-to-one with the rotating column (5). The rotating column (5) passes through its corresponding gear box (32). The lower end of the gear box (332) is connected to the rotating box (4) via a compression spring. A gear coaxial with the rotating column (5) is rotatably connected inside the gear box (32). The gear is slidably connected to the rotating column (5). The outer end of the gear box (32) can be inserted into the main body box (1) and is slidably connected with a rack (33) that meshes with the gear. The inner end of the rack (33) is connected to the gear box (32) via a compression spring. The right end of the slider (2) is fixed with a connecting rod located above the top block (17). The front end of the connecting rod is divided into left and right sides. There are multiple protrusions (34) fixed along the left and right directions. The protrusions (34) are isosceles trapezoids with smaller front and larger back. The front end of the protrusion (34) on the left is located behind the front end of the protrusion (34) on the right. The outer end of the rack (333) can contact the inclined surface of the protrusion (34). The lower end of the moving column (7) passes through the eccentric box (6) and contacts the upper end of the gear box (32). The moving column (7) has an outward-facing groove (35). The eccentric box (6) is slidably connected to an L-shaped insert rod (36) that can be inserted into the groove (35). The outer end of the insert rod (36) passes through the eccentric box (6) and is connected to the eccentric box (6) via a tension spring.
7. The culture medium preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The main body box (1) is fixed with a light sensor. The light sensor includes a transmitter (37) and multiple receivers (38) that correspond one-to-one with the tooth box (32). The transmitter (37) is located inside the main body box (1) and is fixedly connected to the main body box (1). The receivers (38) are fixedly connected to their corresponding tooth boxes (32). The light sensor is connected to the motor (16).
8. The culture medium preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The rear end of the baffle (11) is inserted into the main body box (1) and slidably connected to the main body box (1). A winding groove is provided on the left side of the rotating column (9). The inner side wall of the winding groove is fixedly connected to the rear end of the baffle (11) via a pull rope (39). A reversing column that contacts the pull rope (39) is fixed inside the main body box (1). The rear end of the baffle (11) is fixedly connected to the main body box (1) via a compression spring.
9. The culture medium preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixed block (10) has a slot on its upper side that is coaxial with the through hole and faces downward. The inner wall of the slot can be inserted into the metering bottle (14). A pressure ring (40) with a concave axial cross section is slidably connected to the slot. The metering bottle (14) can be inserted into the pressure ring (40). The upper end of the pressure ring (40) is connected to the upper wall of the slot via a compression spring. The lower end of the metering bottle (14) is threaded to the lower side of the fixed block (10). The metering bottle (14) is shaped like a date pit.
10. A culture medium preparation device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The upper end of the fixed block (10) is fixed with an elastic telescopic tube (41) that communicates with the through hole. The upper end of the elastic telescopic tube (41) on the right side passes through the main body box (1) and is fixed with a connector (42). The connector (42) has a threaded groove on its inner side and its lower end face is a tapered surface that is smaller at the bottom and larger at the top. The upper end of the main body box (1) is fixed with a clip located above the connector (42). The upper end of the elastic telescopic tube (41) on the left side is fixed with a liquid tank. The liquid tank is fixedly connected to the upper end of the main body box (1). The liquid tank has an inlet, and a plug is disassembled and connected inside the inlet.