Cloud-Connected CO2 Incubator Trays for Independent Culture Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional CO2 incubators lack the ability for multiple users to interact independently, are prone to cross-contamination, require physical presence for access, and do not allow remote control and data access.
Innovation Solution
A CO2 incubator device with multiple independent incubation trays, each with a separate door and CO2 control system, connected to a cloud server for remote access and control, using IoT communication for data exchange.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a single lid or door is provided in conventional incubators, then the device structure is simple, but multiple users cannot interact independently and cross-contamination occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The incubator is divided into multiple independent compartments, each with its own door and control system. This segmentation allows multiple users to access different compartments simultaneously without interfering with each other, eliminating cross-contamination while maintaining operational independence. Each compartment functions as a separate incubation unit with dedicated CO2 control and temperature monitoring.
2Ease of operation
If the incubator door is opened repeatedly for access, then materials can be accessed, but biological viability of stored materials is adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the incubator into multiple compartments with individual doors, users can access specific materials in particular compartments without opening the main incubator door or other compartments. This minimizes the frequency of door openings and reduces disruption to the overall incubation environment, thereby maintaining biological viability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system includes a microprocessor and CO2 control mechanism that acts as an intermediary between user access needs and the maintenance of optimal incubation conditions. The microprocessor monitors CO2 levels and adjusts CO2 supply automatically, mediating between the need for frequent access and the need to maintain stable environmental conditions.
3Ease of operation
If physical presence in front of the incubator is required for access, then direct monitoring is possible, but remote access and control are not enabled
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical requirement of physical presence with an electronic communication system. A microprocessor controls and monitors incubation parameters while a communication interface enables remote access to the incubator controls and data display. This substitution allows users to interact with the incubator through electronic signals rather than physical presence, eliminating the need for direct monitoring while maintaining full control capability.
4Reliability
If CO2 level is not controlled individually in each tray, then the system is simpler, but optimal cell culture conditions cannot be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The CO2 control system is segmented into individual controllable units for each compartment or tray. Each compartment has its own CO2 inlet valve and control mechanism, allowing independent adjustment of CO2 levels according to the specific requirements of different cell cultures. This segmentation enables precise control of optimal conditions for each tray while maintaining overall system manageability through centralized microprocessor coordination.
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a CO2 incubator device and a cloud system connecting the CO2 incubator device with a cloud server. The device includes a plurality of removable incubation unit trays wherein each tray acts as a separate incubator and individual bioreactor. The device includes an inlet valve and an outlet valve for each tray for inflow and outflow of CO2 gas. A microprocessor is coupled to a microcontroller for controlling temperature and CO2 level in the trays based on excess CO2 level present in the trays. A cloud server is connected to the device using a communication protocol for enabling the microprocessor to transmit incubator data to the server and to modify the incubation conditions. The data is stored in a cloud database for enabling users to remotely access the incubator data. The multiple trays are accessed independently enabling multiple users to interact with the incubator.