Ergonomic Colony Counter With Deployable Arm Support
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual colony counters cause user discomfort due to imposed postures and potential musculoskeletal disorders during prolonged counting operations.
Innovation Solution
A manual colony counter with a movable part that allows a deployed position for user support and an ergonomic design, including an optical device for backlighting and pressure-sensitive counting, with adjustable angles and surfaces for comfort and reduced bulk.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the user adopts a fixed position relative to the Petri dish for counting, then the counting operation can be performed, but user discomfort and musculoskeletal disorders occur during prolonged operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a movable support structure that can be adjusted between multiple positions (deployed and retired) to dynamically adapt to different user needs and counting durations, allowing the user to change their posture and reduce strain during prolonged operations
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure serves multiple functions: it provides hand/wrist/forearm/elbow support during counting, can be positioned at different angles and locations, and can be retired when not needed, making it a versatile ergonomic solution for various counting scenarios
2Productivity
If the counting zone is designed with specific lighting arrangement, then the counting function can be performed, but the device becomes bulky and complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the lighting device with the functional face and counting zone into an integrated structure, where the lighting elements are incorporated directly into the functional face assembly, eliminating the need for separate lighting components and reducing overall device bulk
Solution Approach 2:
The lighting device is arranged to backlight the culture support from behind, creating a dimension where light sources are positioned at the rear of the functional face, allowing for compact integration while maintaining effective illumination of the counting zone
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
Enhances user comfort and reduces the risk of musculoskeletal disorders by allowing ergonomic positioning and efficient counting with reduced strain.
Implementation Method 1
an optical device arranged to backlight the culture support
Implementation Method 2
a counting function which increments each pressure exerted by the user, and therefore each colony identified
Data Source
AI summary
Manual colony counter (1) comprising:—a face (2), referred to as the functional face, said functional face comprising a zone (3), referred to as the counting zone, on which is intended to rest a culture support for growing microorganisms that are intended to be counted manually,—a mobile part (4), movable relative to the functional face and designed to be arranged in at least two different positions: ● a position referred to as the deployed position (6), in which a surface of the mobile part forms a bearing surface (41) for the hand and/or the wrist and/or the forearm and/or the elbow of the user, and ● a position referred to as the stowed position (5).