Growth Plate Alignment Nest for Accurate Colony Counting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing biological testing methods for microorganisms are inefficient, costly, and prone to human error, particularly in the food industry, lacking proper plate loading, alignment, and activation, and require user-friendly and accurate detection systems.

Innovation Solution

A device and method for observing and monitoring biological growth using an imaging device with an alignment nest that supports multiple growth plates of different sizes, featuring a sunken frame and offset frames for precise alignment, and an image processing engine for colony counting, along with a user interface for selecting plate types.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple different sized growth plates are supported, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for multiple growth plate sizesVSAvoidalignment nest structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment nest is designed with multiple sunken frames of different sizes (first sunken frame for first size growth plates, second sunken frame for second size growth plates) that can all be accommodated within a single device. This universal design allows the same alignment nest structure to handle various growth plate sizes without requiring separate devices for each plate type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The alignment nest employs a nested structure where multiple sunken frames are integrated within a single nest body. The first sunken frame and second sunken frame are positioned at different locations within the same alignment nest, allowing compact accommodation of multiple plate sizes in a unified structure rather than requiring separate nested devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Measurement precision

If precise alignment is achieved through offset frames, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvegrowth plate alignmentVSAvoidplate loading process

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The alignment nest is pre-configured with multiple sunken frames positioned at predetermined offset locations during manufacturing. These frames are prepared in advance with specific geometries and positions tailored for different growth plate sizes, eliminating the need for users to perform complex alignment calculations or adjustments during the plate loading operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The offset sunken frames are designed to automatically guide and position growth plates into correct alignment when loaded. The physical geometry of the sunken frames themselves provides the alignment function, allowing the structure to self-align the plates without requiring additional alignment tools, adjustments, or complex user operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentUS20250361475A1Universal test device, assembly, and method

Publication Date: 2025.11.27 CHARM SCIENCES INC

AI summary

Reader and plate methods, operations, and systems for observing a biological sample are shown and described. In one embodiment, a device includes an imaging device and a variable tray holder nest adapted to perform colony counting to monitor biological growth, when present.