Incubator with Integrated Sensor Data Processing for Cell Growth
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incubators for cell culture growth face challenges in maintaining reproducible and efficient cell growth due to environmental disturbances and the need for frequent manual inspections, which can disrupt cell cultures and lead to inconsistent results.
Innovation Solution
An advanced incubator system that integrates sensors for measuring chamber and growth parameters, a data storage device, and a data processing unit to collect and analyze cell monitoring data, allowing for standardized approaches to cell culture and facilitating data sharing across networks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If cell cultures are removed temporarily from the incubator for visual inspection and counting, then information about cell growth can be gathered, but the growth of cells is interrupted and disturbed by agitating the cell medium and exposure to laboratory atmosphere
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical inspection (removing cultures for visual examination) with automated optical measurement devices that can assess cell growth parameters through the incubator wall or integrated ports, eliminating the need to physically access and disturb the cell cultures
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary measurement system that can obtain cell growth data through the incubator chamber wall or via integrated sensors, acting as a mediator between the need for information and the need to maintain undisturbed growth conditions
2Loss of information
If accessories for monitoring cell cultures are placed in the incubators, then information about growth can be gathered externally, but the overall expenses of such systems appear less satisfactory, in particular in respect to the acquisition of the accessories and the incubator, its maintenance and the complexity of operating them
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the monitoring function directly into the incubator unit itself, combining the measurement capabilities with the existing incubator infrastructure rather than using separate external accessories, thereby reducing overall system complexity and integration issues
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a multi-functional incubator that performs both cell cultivation and automated measurement functions within a single integrated system, eliminating the need for separate monitoring accessories and reducing operational complexity
3Ease of operation
If accessories are operated independently from the incubator, then monitoring can be performed, but the user setting up the incubator or the accessories in an unsolicitous way could induce a malfunctioning or damaging of the instruments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control where the incubator's control device receives measurement data and automatically adjusts operations, and where the system provides status information to users, creating a closed-loop system that prevents malfunctions through automated monitoring and adjustment
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines the control systems of the incubator and measurement devices into a unified integrated control architecture, ensuring coordinated operation and preventing conflicts that could arise from independent operation of separate accessories
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an incubator, a system and a method for the monitoring of the growth of cells in a cell culture by acquiring cell monitoring data in the incubator. The incubator comprises a data storage device (4a) and a data processing device (4b) that are configured to acquire at least one incubator chamber value and at least one cell growth value in form of cell monitoring data and to store the cell monitoring data in the data storage device.