Portable digital constant-temperature incubator

Abstract

The utility model discloses a portable digital constant-temperature incubator which comprises an incubator body shell, an upper cover and an inner container, a heat preservation module is filled between the box body shell and the inner container; a heating module is arranged on the outer side of the inner container, the incubator is provided with a temperature control module, and the temperature control module comprises a controller, a circuit board, a temperature sensor and a temperature displayer. The temperature sensor is installed on the outer wall of the inner container. The temperature control module realizes temperature monitoring, feedback and temperature control; a culture tray and a detection bag bracket are fixed in the inner container; the temperature control module is electrically connected with a power supply module, and the power supply module provides electric energy for the portable digital constant-temperature incubator. Therefore, the utility model provides the portable digital constant-temperature incubator which is light, good in temperature control and capable of continuously working in the field.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of microbial culture, specifically to a portable digital constant temperature incubator. Background Technology

[0002] When natural disasters such as earthquakes and floods occur, they are often accompanied by damage to power systems and an increased risk of microbial contamination. In such cases, on-site testing of microbial indicators is frequently required for key environmental media such as water and food. Microbial testing requires stable culture conditions, and incubators are essential equipment for providing a constant temperature environment for microbial cultivation.

[0003] Traditional microbial incubators typically employ a modular design, combining the controller, heating device, and working chamber. The advantage of this design is the ability to customize and develop equipment of varying volumes to meet specific laboratory needs. However, the disadvantages include the need for welding and metal folding processes, resulting in increased weight, higher energy consumption, and less effective temperature control. Furthermore, existing portable microbial incubators on the market, based on this modular design, are bulky due to manufacturing limitations and primarily rely on 220V AC power, restricting their application scenarios and failing to meet the requirements for portable outdoor use.

[0004] Therefore, there is an urgent need to develop a portable digital thermostat incubator that is lightweight, self-powered, and has good temperature control. Utility Model Content

[0005] The purpose of this invention is to address the aforementioned shortcomings and defects by providing a portable incubator.

[0006] This utility model discloses a portable digital constant temperature incubator, comprising: an outer shell, a top cover, and an inner liner installed inside the outer shell; a heat insulation module is filled between the outer shell and the inner liner for heat insulation; a heating module is provided outside the inner liner; the heating module is embedded in the heat insulation module.

[0007] The portable digital constant temperature incubator is equipped with a temperature control module, which includes a controller, a circuit board, a temperature display, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is fixed to the outer wall of the inner chamber. A culture tray and a detection bag support are fixed inside the inner chamber. The temperature control module is electrically connected to a power supply module.

[0008] As an implementable approach, in this embodiment of the utility model, the outer shell of the box adopts a five-layer anti-collision and heat-insulating structure, which consists of the following layers from the outside to the inside: the first layer is made of high-strength impact-resistant PE material; the second layer is made of aerogel insulation cotton; the third layer is made of PU polyurethane foam; the fourth layer is made of PP polypropylene material; and the fifth layer is made of food-grade COPP material.

[0009] The portable digital constant temperature incubator disclosed in this embodiment uses a composite insulation material for its outer shell, which is lightweight, rigid, has good heat preservation performance, and is tough and impact resistant. This material effectively improves the heat preservation effect while greatly reducing the weight of the incubator. The material used meets medical-grade standards and has antibacterial effect, ensuring that the samples are not contaminated by external factors or the product itself.

[0010] As an implementable approach, in this embodiment of the present invention, in order to provide an effective volume and ensure that the weight of the incubator meets the requirements, the inner liner is made of stainless steel and is integrally molded; the inner liner is the main culture chamber.

[0011] As an feasible approach, in this embodiment of the invention, the heat preservation module uses aerogel insulation cotton, which is filled between the outer shell and the inner liner to ensure the internal temperature of the inner liner, reduce power consumption, and effectively extend the outdoor use time of the incubator.

[0012] As one feasible approach, in this embodiment of the present invention, the power module includes a power control circuit, a power bank, and a 220V AC power adapter; the power control circuit can automatically adapt to 9V / 2A power banks and 5V / 1A power banks, can automatically monitor and adapt to commonly used power banks on the market, and can be customized and upgraded according to needs; using the 220V AC power adapter, a 220V AC power source can be connected to charge the power bank and power the microbial incubator.

[0013] As one feasible approach, in this embodiment of the invention, the mobile power supply includes two DC lithium batteries with a capacity of not less than 20,000 mAh. It should be noted that, through testing, using two DC lithium batteries with a capacity of not less than 20,000 mAh allows the microbial incubator to operate independently in an environment above 10°C for at least 24 hours.

[0014] The mobile power supply is embedded inside the incubator, which can extend its working time in low-temperature environments.

[0015] As one feasible embodiment of this utility model, the portable digital constant temperature incubator further includes a portable insulated backpack. The backpack's exterior is made of composite polyester fabric, which is waterproof, easy to clean, wear-resistant, and shock-resistant. The interior is lined with PE cotton and food-grade aluminum foil to improve heat insulation and heat preservation. The portable backpack thus provides enhanced heat insulation and heat preservation.

[0016] It should be noted that the test results show that, with the support of a portable backpack, the incubator can work independently for more than 24 hours at -20℃.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the embodiments of this utility model have the following beneficial effects:

[0018] This utility model discloses a portable digital constant temperature incubator. The outer shell of the incubator adopts a five-layer impact-resistant and heat-insulating structure, which effectively improves the heat preservation effect while greatly reducing the weight of the incubator. It is also highly resilient and impact-resistant, ensuring protection against damage to the outer shell caused by accidents during field operations. The material meets medical-grade standards, ensuring that samples are not contaminated by external factors or the product itself. It employs a dual heating system design and utilizes a temperature control module to achieve stable temperature control with a stable operating error of ≤±0.5℃. Using a mobile power supply, it can continuously operate in the field for no less than 24 hours, ensuring power supply for long-term field work. Furthermore, the incubator weighs ≤3.0kg, achieving truly portable field culture. Attached Figure Description

[0019] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of a portable digital constant temperature incubator disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0020] Figure 2 This is a side view of a portable digital thermostatic incubator disclosed in an embodiment of the present invention;

[0021] Figure 3 This invention discloses a heating plate layout for a dual heating system according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0022] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of a dual-power supply circuit connection disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0023] Figure 5 This invention discloses a four-point temperature sensor network according to an embodiment of the present invention.

[0024] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit connection of a heat preservation module disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model;

[0025] Figure 7 The present invention discloses the working time of a portable digital constant temperature incubator at different temperatures.

[0026] Figure labels and descriptions:

[0027] 1. Power module, 2. Circuit board, 3. Temperature display, 4. Controller, 5. Outer shell, 6. Heating plate, 7. Top cover, 8. Temperature sensor, 9. Insulation module, 10. Inner liner. Detailed Implementation

[0028] The technical solutions of the present utility model will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present utility model, and not all embodiments. Based on the embodiments of the present utility model, all other embodiments obtained by those of ordinary skill in the art without creative effort are within the protection scope of the present utility model.

[0029] Example 1

[0030] Please see Figure 1 , Figure 2 . Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of a portable digital constant temperature incubator disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model; Figure 2 This is a side view schematic diagram of a portable digital constant temperature incubator disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model.

[0031] like Figure 1 , Figure 2 As shown in the figure, a portable digital constant temperature incubator disclosed in this utility model embodiment includes a box shell 5, a top cover 7, and an inner liner 10 installed inside the box shell 5; the inner liner 10 has a volume of not less than 15 liters; a heat preservation module 9 is filled between the box shell 5 and the inner liner 10 to perform heat preservation and insulation; a heating module is provided outside the inner liner 10; the heating module is embedded in the heat preservation module 9.

[0032] The portable digital constant temperature incubator is equipped with a temperature control module, which includes a controller 4, a circuit board 2, a temperature display 3, and a temperature sensor 8. The controller 4, the circuit board 2, and the temperature display 3 are fixed on the outer shell 5 of the incubator. The temperature sensor 8 is fixed on the outer wall of the inner liner 10. A culture tray and a test bag holder are fixed inside the inner liner 10. The culture tray is an 84-well culture tray, and the test bag holder is a 100mL test bag holder. The 84-well culture tray and the 100mL test bag holder are fixtures adapted to the total bacterial count enzyme substrate method and the total coliform / Escherichia coli enzyme substrate method (qualitative detection) of the "Standard Examination Methods for Drinking Water" (GB / T 5750.13-2023).

[0033] The temperature control module is electrically connected to the power supply module 1, and the power supply module 1 provides power to the portable digital constant temperature incubator.

[0034] In another optional embodiment, the outer shell 5 adopts a five-layer impact-resistant and heat-insulating structure, which consists of the following layers from the outside to the inside:

[0035] The first layer is made of high-strength, impact-resistant PE material with a thickness of 2.5mm;

[0036] The second layer uses aerogel insulation cotton with a thickness of 2mm;

[0037] The third layer uses PU polyurethane foam with a thickness of 12mm;

[0038] The fourth layer is made of PP polypropylene material with a thickness of 2mm;

[0039] The fifth layer is made of food-grade COPP material with a thickness of 1.5mm.

[0040] First, since it is intended for use in the field, the portable digital thermostatic incubator should possess strong toughness and impact resistance. Therefore, in this embodiment, the first layer of PE material has wear-resistant and impact-resistant properties, and the fourth layer of PP polypropylene reinforcement layer has non-deformation properties, achieving dual stability and impact resistance. Second, the incubator should have good thermal insulation and environmental adaptability. Therefore, the second layer of aerogel insulation cotton is used to block external hot and cold temperatures, and the third layer of PU polyurethane foam is used to insulate the internal cavity, creating an internal temperature-controlled environment undisturbed by the external environment. Simultaneously, the incubator should not become a source of contamination for microbial culture; therefore, the fifth layer is filled with a food-grade COPP layer, a typical antibacterial material with strong antibacterial capabilities. The above five layers are not implemented independently; the transition between different layers is achieved through material mixing and filling, realizing an integrated effect.

[0041] In summary, the five-layer design of the incubator utilizes a composite insulation material that combines lightweight, high rigidity, excellent thermal insulation performance, and strong toughness and impact resistance. This effectively improves the insulation effect while significantly reducing the weight of the incubator. The materials used meet medical-grade standards, ensuring that samples are not contaminated by external factors or the product itself.

[0042] In yet another alternative embodiment, in order to provide effective volume and ensure that the weight of the incubator meets the requirements, the inner liner 10 is made of stainless steel and is integrally molded; the inner liner 10 is the culture chamber.

[0043] In another optional embodiment, the insulation module 9 uses aerogel insulation cotton, which is filled between the outer shell and the inner liner 10 to maintain the internal temperature of the inner liner 10, reduce power consumption, and effectively extend the outdoor use time of the incubator. The insulation module 9 achieves its insulation effect by thickening the polyurethane and using high-density insulation material between the inner and outer layers.

[0044] Aerogel insulation cotton, with its low density, large specific surface area, high porosity, and low thermal conductivity, has become one of the most important new thermal insulation materials. In recent years, the thermal insulation performance of aerogel composite materials has seen new advancements in many fields, including military aerospace, energy storage and conversion. Aerogel materials are three-dimensional, lightweight, network-structured solid synthetic materials formed by the aggregation of nanoscale particles or polymer molecular chains, with gaseous dispersion media filling the pores. Due to its large specific surface area, high porosity, and ultra-low density, it exhibits excellent properties such as low thermal conductivity, low refractive index, and low sound propagation speed, making it highly promising for applications in thermal insulation, photoelectrocatalysis, sound insulation and noise reduction, light transmission and refraction, adsorption and separation, and energy storage and conversion.

[0045] The heat preservation (cold preservation) performance of the incubator formed in the above embodiments was tested.

[0046] Thermal insulation performance: Place the sample opening in an environment of (20±5)℃ for more than 30 minutes, then fill the sample with water of (80±3)℃, cover it, tighten the buckle, and let it stand in an environment chamber of 0℃ to 5℃. Test the time it takes for the water temperature to drop to 30℃.

[0047] Cold retention performance: Place the sample opening in an environment of (20±5)℃ for more than 30 minutes, then fill the sample with ice, cover it, tighten the lock, and let it stand in an environment chamber of (35±5)℃ to test the time it takes for the ice to melt completely.

[0048] The test results are shown in Table 1. The enclosure has good heat preservation and insulation effects.

[0049] Table 1 Thermal Insulation (Cold Insulation) Efficiency

[0050]

[0051] In another optional embodiment, the heating module is a dual heating system, comprising a first heating unit and a second heating unit. The first heating unit is installed on the outer bottom of the inner chamber 10, and the second heating unit is installed around the outer perimeter of the side wall of the inner chamber 10. This dual-heating-plate heating system is based on air thermodynamics, improving the temperature uniformity within the portable digital constant temperature incubator.

[0052] Assuming the air inside the incubator is ideal, heat exchange occurs via natural convection. The heat calculation formula is as follows:

[0053] Q=CVρΔt

[0054] Where Q is the heat required for this temperature change; C is the specific heat capacity, with a value of C = 1030 J / kg·℃; V is the gas volume inside the constant temperature chamber; ρ is the air density, with a value of P = 10.29 kg / m³; Δt is the temperature change inside the constant temperature chamber, taken as 1℃. According to Joule's law:

[0055] Q′=Pt=Q

[0056] Where Q' is the heat generated, P is the power provided by the heating plate, and t is the required time. Substituting the values ​​into the above formula, it is found that the heating plate with a power of 18×5W requires approximately 3 seconds to heat the constant temperature box by 1°C, which can basically achieve the effect of constant temperature control.

[0057] Meanwhile, considering the need to avoid large airflows and temperature dead zones within the incubator, and based on the law of heat conduction, the dual heating system employs six heating plates 6, arranged as follows: Figure 3 As shown, it needs to be explained. Figure 3 The image on the left is a side view. Figure 3 The right side is a top view. The first heating unit includes two heating plates at the bottom of the inner liner 10 and four heating plates around the outer perimeter of the inner liner 10's side walls. It also employs a dual-power supply design, such as... Figure 4 As shown, the 24V of the battery is stepped down and regulated to DC9V through this circuit, achieving stable heating while reducing power consumption. It can continuously output a large current of 2A, enabling the built-in power supply to work for no less than 36 hours at room temperature.

[0058] In another optional embodiment, the temperature sensor 8 is an NTC thermistor temperature sensor; utilizing high-precision multi-channel temperature acquisition technology, temperature sensing chips are placed at the four corners of the chamber to form a sensor network for acquiring the internal temperature of the chamber, thereby achieving accurate measurement of the temperature inside the portable digital constant temperature incubator. This four-point temperature measurement significantly reduces measurement errors caused by uneven temperature distribution. The four-point temperature sensor network structure is as follows: Figure 5 As shown.

[0059] In another optional embodiment, the temperature control module adopts a lower-level machine temperature control method, and the controller 4 adopts a low-power microcontroller; the insulation module circuit connection is as follows. Figure 6 As shown, Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the circuit connection of a heat preservation module disclosed in an embodiment of the present utility model. The low-power microcontroller-based heating control system controls the current intensity of the heating element in real time to achieve temperature control of the constant temperature chamber inside the portable digital constant temperature incubator, specifically as follows:

[0060] The temperature of the inner liner 10 is continuously collected using a temperature sensor at preset collection intervals to obtain the real-time temperature of the inner liner 10. It should be noted that the system is in standby mode after power-on. After the power is turned on, the system is initialized first, which includes setting the RTC real-time clock, initializing preset parameters, etc. After initialization, the interrupt method is used to realize the real-time collection of temperature every 1 second.

[0061] Determine whether the real-time temperature inside the chamber is lower than a preset first temperature, and obtain a first determination result;

[0062] When the first judgment result is true, the temperature control module sends a command to the heating module to adopt the full-speed heating mode; the full-speed heating mode indicates that all heating elements of the dual heating system heat the chamber at maximum power; the judgment of whether the real-time temperature inside the chamber is lower than the preset first temperature is continued to obtain the first judgment result;

[0063] When the first judgment result is negative, the temperature deviation and the temperature deviation change value are calculated based on the preset second temperature value and the real-time temperature inside the chamber; the preset second temperature value represents the target temperature value; the temperature deviation represents the difference between the real-time temperature inside the chamber and the preset second temperature value; the temperature deviation change value represents the difference between the temperature deviation and the temperature deviation at the previous acquisition time; the initial value of the deviation change value is 0.

[0064] The temperature control module calculates the output voltage value using a temperature control model and sends the output voltage value to the heating module. The heating module controls the dual heating system to heat according to the output voltage value.

[0065] The temperature control model is represented as follows:

[0066] Δu(k)=K p ×Δe(k)+K i ×e(k)+K d ×(Δe(k)-Δe(k-1))

[0067] Where u(k) represents the output voltage value at time k, K p K represents the proportionality coefficient. i K represents the integral coefficient. d Let represent the differential coefficient, e(k) represent the temperature deviation at time k, Δe(k) represent the change in temperature deviation at time k, and Δe(k-1) represent the change in temperature deviation at time k-1.

[0068] The temperature control module adopts a lower-level computer temperature control method, enabling timely feedback and control of the incubator temperature. The controller 4 uses a low-power microcontroller. The heating control system within the low-power microcontroller controls the current intensity of the heating module in real time, achieving temperature control within the portable digital constant temperature incubator. This enables autonomous temperature adjustment, effectively solving the problem of unstable temperature control in the constant temperature incubator and providing greater adaptability. The temperature control module can adjust the minimum holding voltage based on surrounding environmental factors, ensuring that the heating element always outputs a certain amount of heat to achieve thermal equilibrium under certain conditions, thereby improving system stability and reducing fluctuations. The above method has the advantages of simple principle, convenient operation, and high control accuracy, and is suitable for systems like constant temperature incubators with large inertia, large hysteresis, and where it is difficult to establish accurate mathematical models.

[0069] The temperature control module, based on a design that couples a digital temperature sensor with a microcontroller, directly converts the temperature signal into a digital signal. It then uses a temperature control model to control the heating element's current intensity in real time, thereby achieving autonomous temperature regulation. This effectively solves the problem of unstable temperature control in the constant temperature chamber and provides greater adaptability. Furthermore, the temperature control module can adjust the minimum holding voltage of the DA output based on surrounding environmental factors, ensuring that the heating element always outputs a certain amount of heat to achieve thermal equilibrium under certain conditions, thus improving system stability and reducing fluctuations.

[0070] In this implementation, when the real-time temperature deviates significantly from the set temperature, the thermostat uses a full-speed heating mode to rapidly reduce the temperature difference; when the temperature difference is small, the thermostat uses a temperature control model algorithm to implement a precise temperature control mode for accurate temperature control. The temperature difference threshold for switching between these two modes is selected based on a comprehensive consideration of factors such as temperature change time, maximum temperature process quantity, and temperature control accuracy after stabilization. The temperature fluctuation under stable conditions is shown in Table 2.

[0071] Table 2. Temperature fluctuation under steady-state conditions

[0072]

[0073]

[0074] In another optional embodiment, the power module 1 includes a power control circuit, a power bank, and a 220V AC power adapter; the power control circuit can automatically adapt to 9V / 2A power banks and 5V / 1A power banks, can automatically monitor and adapt to commonly used power banks on the market, and can be customized and upgraded according to needs; using the 220V AC power adapter, a 220V AC power source can be connected to charge the power bank and power the microbial incubator.

[0075] In another optional embodiment, the portable power supply uses two DC lithium batteries with a capacity of not less than 20,000 mAh. It should be noted that, through testing, using two DC lithium batteries with a capacity of not less than 20,000 mAh allows the microbial incubator to operate independently for at least 24 hours in environments above 4°C and for at least 18 hours in environments above -20°C. The portable power supply can operate in environments ranging from -40°C to 45°C.

[0076] It should be noted that the operating time at different temperatures was tested using the constant temperature incubator described in this embodiment, and the results are as follows. Figure 7 As shown.

[0077] The mobile power supply is embedded in the insulation layer of the incubator, which can extend the working time in low-temperature environments.

[0078] In yet another optional embodiment, the portable digital thermostat incubator further includes a portable insulated backpack.

[0079] The portable backpack is made of composite polyester fabric on the outside, which is waterproof, easy to clean, wear-resistant and shockproof. The inside is filled with PE cotton and food-grade aluminum foil to improve heat insulation and heat preservation. The portable backpack has the function of improving heat insulation and heat preservation.

[0080] It should be noted that the experimental results show that, with the support of a portable backpack, the incubator can work independently for more than 24 hours at -20℃.

[0081] Finally, it should be noted that the portable digital constant temperature incubator disclosed in this utility model embodiment is only a preferred embodiment of this utility model and is only used to illustrate the technical solution of this utility model, not to limit it. Although this utility model has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some of the technical features. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the spirit and scope of the technical solutions of the various embodiments of this utility model.

Claims

1. A portable digital constant temperature incubator, characterized in that, include: The enclosure consists of an outer shell, a top cover, and an inner liner installed inside the outer shell; a heat insulation module is filled between the outer shell and the inner liner; a heating module is provided outside the inner liner. The portable digital constant temperature incubator is equipped with a temperature control module, which includes a controller, a circuit board, a temperature display, and a temperature sensor. The temperature sensor is installed on the outer wall of the inner chamber. A culture tray and a detection bag support are fixed inside the inner chamber. The temperature control module is electrically connected to a power supply module.

2. The portable digital constant temperature incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer shell of the box adopts a five-layer anti-collision and heat-insulating structure; the five-layer anti-collision and heat-insulating structure, from the outside to the inside, are as follows: the first layer is made of high-strength impact-resistant PE material; the second layer is made of aerogel heat insulation cotton; the third layer is made of PU polyurethane foam; the fourth layer is made of PP polypropylene material; and the fifth layer is made of food-grade COPP material.

3. The portable digital constant temperature incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The inner liner is made of stainless steel and is manufactured in one piece.

4. The portable digital constant temperature incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The insulation module uses aerogel insulation cotton, which is filled between the outer shell and the inner liner.

5. The portable digital constant temperature incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module is a dual heating system, which includes a first heating unit and a second heating unit. The first heating unit is installed on the outer side of the bottom of the inner liner, and the second heating unit is installed on the outer perimeter of the side wall of the inner liner.

6. The portable digital constant temperature incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The temperature sensor is an NTC thermistor temperature sensor.

7. The portable digital constant temperature incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The power module includes a power control circuit, a power bank, and an AC power adapter; the power control circuit automatically adapts to 9V / 2A and 5V / 1A power banks; the AC power adapter is used to connect to an AC power source.

8. The portable digital constant temperature incubator according to claim 7, characterized in that, The mobile power supply includes two DC lithium batteries with a capacity of not less than 20,000 mAh; the mobile power supply is embedded in the incubator.

9. The portable digital constant temperature incubator according to claim 1, characterized in that, The portable digital thermostatic incubator also includes a portable insulated backpack.

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