In Situ Fluid Sampling for Clean CFU Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid sensor devices have limited functionality in generating data indicative of particle characteristics, such as unique identity and concentration, and face inefficiencies due to contaminated or compromised collection media, which hinders accurate detection of colony-forming units (CFUs) in ambient environments.
Innovation Solution
A fluid composition sensor that generates collection media on-demand within an internal sensor portion, utilizing a collection fluid dispense assembly to selectively dispense volumes of collection fluid onto absorbent media, which interacts with particles to form a collection media assembly capable of detecting CFUs through lensless holography and incubation operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If collection media is transported to sensor devices for particle analysis, then particle detection can be performed, but contamination and transportation-related inefficiencies occur
Solution Approach 1:
The patent generates collection media in advance within a sterile environment inside the sensor device, before particle detection is needed. This preliminary action prevents contamination that would occur during transportation, as the media is created on-demand at the exact location where it is needed, eliminating the transportation step entirely.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a collection fluid dispense assembly as an intermediary mechanism that delivers collection fluid to absorbent media within the sensor device. This intermediary system enables the generation of collection media on-demand at the sensor location, avoiding the need to transport pre-prepared collection media from external sources.
2Productivity
If pre-prepared collection media is used, then particle sampling can be performed, but the media becomes contaminated and compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor device performs self-service by generating its own collection media internally using the collection fluid dispense assembly and absorbent media. This eliminates dependence on externally prepared collection media that would be susceptible to contamination during storage and transportation, allowing the device to maintain media integrity while achieving productive particle sampling.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the collection media generation process from the external environment and relocates it inside the sensor device. By taking out the media preparation step and performing it in-situ within the controlled sensor environment, the system prevents contamination that would occur in external handling and transportation processes.
3Reliability
If collection media is generated on-demand within the sensor device, then contamination is minimized, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sensor device into distinct functional components: a collection fluid dispense assembly for delivering collection fluid, absorbent media for absorbing the fluid, and a sensor portion for detecting particles. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function efficiently while working together to generate clean collection media on-demand, managing device complexity through modular functional division.
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 accurate and efficient detection and characterization of CFUs by minimizing contamination and transportation-related inefficiencies, allowing for real-time particle data analysis and biological growth monitoring.
Implementation Method 1
selectively dispense volumes of collection fluid onto absorbent media, which interacts with particles to form a collection media assembly
Data Source
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AI summary
Various embodiments are directed to a device for detecting fluid particle characteristics comprising: a collection fluid dispense assembly configured to selectively dispense a volume of collection fluid onto an absorbent media disposed within an internal sensor portion of a fluid composition sensor, producing a collection media based on interaction between the volume of collection fluid and the absorbent media; and a controller configured to determine, based on a particle image captured by an imaging device, a particle characteristic associated with a particle captured at the collection media. In various embodiments a device is configured to receive therein a collection media comprising a biologically nutritive substance; and may comprise an imaging device and a controller configured to determine a biological particle characteristic based on a comparison of first particle data and second particle data generated by the imaging device, the second particle data being associated with an incubated particle configuration.