CO2 Sensor Integration in Culture Device

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing culture apparatus requires a pipe to draw air from the culture space into a sensor box for CO2 concentration detection, leading to increased cost and size.

Innovation Solution

The culture apparatus is configured with a CO2 sensor exposed to the culture space and a regulation member to control fluid flow, eliminating the need for a pipe to connect the culture space and sensor box.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a pipe is used to draw air from the culture space into the sensor box, then CO2 concentration can be detected, but the cost and size of the culture apparatus increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 concentration detectionVSAvoidapparatus size and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The CO2 sensor is extracted from the sensor box and disposed directly in the first space with its first end exposed to the culture space, eliminating the need for a pipe to connect the culture space and sensor box. This extraction of the sensor from its traditional enclosed location removes the requirement for connecting piping while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor box and the first space are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate piping systems. The CO2 sensor is disposed in the first space such that it directly interfaces with the culture space, combining the sensing function with the existing structural space rather than requiring a separate connected system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Measurement precision

If a pipe is used to draw air into the sensor box, then CO2 concentration can be detected, but the cost of the culture apparatus increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveCO2 concentration detectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The CO2 sensor is extracted from the sensor box and disposed directly in the first space with its first end exposed to the culture space, eliminating the need for a pipe to connect the culture space and sensor box. This extraction of the sensor from its traditional enclosed location removes the requirement for connecting piping while maintaining detection functionality.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor box and the first space are merged into a single integrated structure, eliminating the need for separate piping systems. The CO2 sensor is disposed in the first space such that it directly interfaces with the culture space, combining the sensing function with the existing structural space rather than requiring a separate connected system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This configuration reduces the cost and size of the culture apparatus by eliminating the need for a pipe and improves the accuracy of CO2 concentration control.

Implementation Method 1

a CO2 sensor (e.g., an IR sensor of an infrared light detection system) is disposed inside a sensor box

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectInfrared absorption: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a regulation member that regulates a flow of a fluid toward the CO2 sensor in the first space

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow regulation: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentUS12297419B2Culture device

Publication Date: 2025.05.13 PHC CORP

AI summary

This culture device comprises: an inner box having a culture space formed on the inside thereof; an outer box which covers the outside of the inner box with a first space formed therebetween; a CO2 sensor which is positioned in the first space and has a first end thereof exposed to the culture space; and a restricting member which restricts the flow of a fluid towards the CO2 sensor within the first space.