Batch Sampling Device for Meat Pathogen Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sampling methods in the beef industry are inefficient and labor-intensive, often resulting in a small sample size and high destruction of product, as they fail to effectively detect and remove contaminated meat, particularly due to the limited sampling coverage and high false positives for E. coli O157:H7.
Innovation Solution
A conveyance system with sampling devices that include a sampling medium, such as a cellulose sponge or roller, positioned along the conveyance path to collect and retain residues from the batch, allowing for improved coverage and accuracy in detecting pathogens like E. coli, with the ability to intercept and remove contaminated batches without destroying uncontaminated products.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional sampling methods (N=60) are used to test beef trimmings, then the sampling procedure follows established industry standards, but the sample size is small and coverage is limited to the top of the combo bin only
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device extends vertically into the combo bin to sample from multiple depths (top, middle, bottom) simultaneously, transforming the sampling approach from a single-point surface sample to a multi-dimensional volume sample. This allows comprehensive coverage of the entire trim volume without increasing procedural complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device divides the combo bin into multiple sampling zones (top, middle, bottom sections) and collects samples from each zone simultaneously through separate sampling openings. This segmentation approach ensures representative sampling from all regions of the batch without requiring multiple separate sampling operations.
2Measurement precision
If sampling is increased to improve coverage and detect contamination, then pathogen detection accuracy improves, but more product must be destroyed during testing
Solution Approach 1:
The device extracts only the necessary sample portions from specific zones of the combo bin using targeted sampling openings, removing minimal product for testing while obtaining representative samples from all critical areas. This extraction approach reduces overall product destruction compared to sampling larger volumes or entire batches.
Solution Approach 2:
The device performs partial sampling by collecting samples from only the critical zones where contamination is most likely to occur (top, middle, bottom sections near potential contamination sources), rather than sampling the entire batch uniformly. This targeted partial sampling achieves high detection accuracy with minimal product loss.
3Ease of operation
If conventional sampling methods are used, then the sampling process is straightforward, but labor intensity is high and efficiency is low
Solution Approach 1:
The device combines multiple sampling functions (sampling from top, middle, and bottom zones; collecting samples from different locations) into a single integrated operation. The sampler can collect all required samples in one insertion and retrieval action, eliminating the need for multiple separate sampling steps and significantly improving efficiency while maintaining ease of use.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling device is designed as a multi-functional tool that can sample from various zones and locations within the combo bin, adapt to different batch sizes and configurations, and collect multiple sample types simultaneously. This universal design maintains operational simplicity while greatly enhancing sampling productivity and versatility.
4Ease of operation
If sampling is performed only from the top of the combo bin, then the sampling process is simple, but most of the trim in the combo bin remains unsampled
Solution Approach 1:
The sampling device transitions from surface-level top-only sampling to three-dimensional sampling by extending sampling openings vertically through the combo bin depth. This allows the sampler to access and collect samples from top, middle, and bottom zones simultaneously, achieving comprehensive representativeness while requiring only a single sampling operation.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The system enhances sampling coverage and accuracy, reducing unnecessary product destruction and labor, while enabling the identification and removal of contaminated meat, thereby improving the efficiency and cost-effectiveness of the sampling process.
Implementation Method 1
The sampling medium includes a surface that retains a solid and/or liquid residue of at least one portion of the batch upon contact
Data Source
AI summary
Systems and methods for sampling within a conveyance system are provided herein, such systems and methods being particularly useful in batch sampling of food products for a targeted biological agent. In one aspect, the sampling system includes a conveyance system and one or more sampling devices positioned along a conveyance path such that at least one portion of the batch contacts a sampling medium of the one or more sampling devices. In another aspect, sampling devices are provided that allow a sampling member to be secured in a sampling position for batch testing and readily removed after sampling and tested. The systems, devices and methods herein provide improved sampling coverage of the entire batch and reduce waste and inefficiency as compared to conventional batch sampling methods.