Contamination Load Sensing Device Using Autofluorescence Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current methods for measuring bacterial load on surfaces are often not real-time, require human intervention, and are unreliable, leading to ineffective cleaning protocols and increased risks of hospital-acquired infections and foodborne illnesses due to the lack of accurate and efficient detection of contamination.

Innovation Solution

A contamination sensing device that emits an excitation wavelength of light towards a surface, using sensors to detect fluorescence emitted by microorganisms, and a filter adjuster to remove extraneous light, allowing for real-time detection and mapping of bacterial loads without human intervention.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If traditional bacterial load measurement methods are used, then human intervention and manual sampling are required, but real-time detection and automation are not achieved

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of bacterial load detectionVSAvoidtime required for manual sampling and analysis

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system enables self-service detection by using autofluorescence properties of microorganisms that naturally emit light when excited, eliminating the need for human intervention in sampling and analysis. The device automatically detects and quantifies bacterial load through the inherent fluorescent properties of microbial cells.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual mechanical sampling methods are replaced with an optical detection system that uses light emission and fluorescence detection. The mechanical act of swabbing and culturing is substituted by non-contact optical measurement using excitation light sources and fluorescent sensors.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Measurement precision

If traditional cleaning protocols are used, then visible contamination and odor are the only indicators, but accurate detection of hidden contamination is not possible

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccuracy of contamination detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of detection system

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system exploits fluorescence color changes as an indicator of contamination. Microorganisms exhibit characteristic autofluorescence at specific wavelengths when excited, allowing detection of hidden contamination through optical signal changes rather than visible appearance or odor.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #32Color changes

Solution Approach 2:

Fluorescence emission serves as an intermediary signal between the presence of microorganisms and the detection system. The autofluorescent properties of microbial cells act as a natural mediator that translates biological presence into detectable optical signals without requiring complex chemical reagents or labeling.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If fluorescence detection is used to detect microorganisms, then real-time data is obtained, but extraneous light interference must be removed

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereliability of contamination detectionVSAvoidcomplexity of light filtering system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system applies selective wavelength filtering at specific locations in the optical path. Bandpass filters are positioned to transmit only the characteristic fluorescence emission wavelengths while blocking extraneous light, creating localized spectral purification where needed in the detection system.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the spectral parameters of detected light by using wavelength-selective filtering. The bandpass filters modify the light spectrum to isolate the fluorescence emission wavelengths from the excitation source, transforming the broad spectrum light into a narrow wavelength band that corresponds to microbial fluorescence.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables immediate identification of high-risk areas for contamination, facilitating targeted disinfection efforts and reducing the risk of infections by providing accurate, real-time data on bacterial loads, thereby improving infection control and compliance with regulatory standards.

Implementation Method 1

using sensors to detect fluorescence emitted by microorganisms

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluorescence: Fluorescence

Implementation Method 2

a filter adjuster to remove extraneous light

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectOptical filtering: Filter (optical)

Data Source

PatentUS11639897B2Contamination load sensing device

Publication Date: 2023.05.02 VYV INC

AI summary

Systems and methods for bacterial load sensing devices are disclosed. An example contamination sensing device may comprise a body, a light emitter disposed on the body and configured to emit an excitation wavelength of light toward a surface, a sensor disposed on the body, configured to detect light, and directed toward the surface, and a filter adjuster configured to determine, based on the excitation wavelength of light, a filter configured to remove light outside of an emission wavelength range, wherein the emission wavelength range corresponds to wavelengths of light emitted by contamination upon exposure to the excitation wavelength of light, and adjustably move the filter in front of the sensor.