Heated Sampling Probes for Frozen Product Microbial Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Sampling frozen or solid materials for microbial testing is challenging due to the difficulties and drawbacks of thawing or cutting, which can cause quality loss, safety concerns, and potential contamination.
Innovation Solution
A method and device using a heated sampling probe with a cover or sleeve to absorb melted liquid from the surface of frozen products, allowing for aggregate sampling without thawing the entire product, utilizing various heating elements and verification methods to ensure sufficient sample collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the frozen product is thawed or melted for sampling, then sampling becomes easier, but energy consumption increases and product quality deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the sampling process into two distinct parts: a heated probe portion that contacts the frozen product surface to melt only the sampling area, and a separate sampling medium portion that collects the melted material. This segmentation allows localized melting without thawing the entire product, thereby reducing energy consumption while maintaining sampling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The heating element is designed to apply heat locally only to the specific area of the frozen product surface where sampling is needed. The heated probe concentrates thermal energy at the contact point, melting only the necessary portion for sampling while leaving the rest of the product frozen, thus minimizing energy consumption and preserving product quality.
2Ease of operation
If the frozen product is thawed or melted for sampling, then sampling becomes easier, but product quality is damaged due to water release and packaging damage
Solution Approach 1:
The probe separates the heating function from the sampling collection function. The heated portion melts only the surface layer for sampling, while the sampling medium collects the melted material in a controlled manner. This prevents excessive water release and packaging damage that would occur with complete thawing, thereby preserving product quality while maintaining sampling ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies partial action by melting only the necessary surface layer of the frozen product for sampling purposes, rather than thawing the entire product. The heated probe contacts the surface briefly to melt a thin layer, which is then absorbed by the sampling medium, minimizing water release and packaging damage while ensuring sufficient sample collection.
3Quantity of substance
If the frozen product is cut for sampling, then sampling can be obtained, but safety risks increase due to cutting devices
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces the mechanical cutting system with a thermal system. Instead of using cutting devices that pose safety risks, the heated probe uses controlled heating to melt the surface of the frozen product, allowing sample collection through absorption by the sampling medium. This substitution eliminates the safety hazards associated with cutting devices while still obtaining sufficient sample material.
4Quantity of substance
If the frozen product is cut for sampling, then sampling can be obtained, but packaging is damaged and foreign material contamination increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces mechanical cutting with a thermal melting process. The heated probe melts the surface of the frozen product without physical contact that could introduce foreign material or damage packaging. The sampling medium absorbs the melted material in a controlled manner, minimizing contamination risk while obtaining sufficient sample quantity.
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling medium acts as an intermediary between the heated probe and the frozen product. It absorbs the melted surface material without requiring direct contact between the probe and the bulk product, thereby preventing foreign material introduction and packaging damage while ensuring adequate sample collection.
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 efficient and safe sampling of frozen materials by obtaining a representative liquid sample without thawing, reducing contamination risks and maintaining product quality.
Implementation Method 1
heating a sampling probe to an elevated temperature that is greater than a melting point of the frozen or solid product
Implementation Method 2
contacting the sampling probe to a surface of the product, thereby transiently melting the surface of the product with the sampling probe
Implementation Method 3
absorbing a melted liquid from the surface with the sampling medium of the sampling probe, thereby obtaining a liquid sample from the product
Data Source
AI summary
Sampling probe devices and methods for sampling frozen or solid meltable products are provided herein. Such devices can include a sampling probe with heating element and a cover fabricated at least partly from a microbial sampling medium that fits over the probe and heating element so that when the heated probe is placed against the frozen or solid product, the cover absorbs a liquid sample from the product. Methods of sampling include heating the probe and contacting the product with the cover until sufficient liquid sample is absorbed by the cover. The cover can be weighed after sampling and compared to a before-sampling weight to confirm sufficient liquid was obtained. The sample can be tested as an aggregate sample that is representative of the lot or batch of product being sampled, including testing without an enrichment procedure. Systems utilizing automated heated-sampling plates and radiative heaters are also described.