Automatic Inoculation Device with Multi-Tank Dilution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Automatic inoculating devices face difficulties in achieving uniform sample concentration on substrates, leading to challenging result interpretation and insufficient concentration differences, especially with highly concentrated samples.
Innovation Solution
An automatic device that performs successive dilutions of the original sample using multiple tanks with diluents, allowing for precise control and distribution of the sample on a substrate, such as a Petri dish, using a stylus or syringe with integrated diluent supply and measurement capabilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the stylus moves from sample collection area to inoculating area in a spiral pattern, then the sample is distributed on the substrate surface, but the concentration differences between extreme areas are insufficient and result interpretation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the original sample into multiple sub-samples with different concentrations through sequential dilutions in separate tanks. Each tank contains a specific dilution factor, creating distinct concentration levels that are then distributed to different areas of the substrate, enabling clear differentiation and interpretation of culture results.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs dilutions in advance before the inoculation process. The original sample is pre-diluted in multiple tanks to create sub-samples with predetermined concentration levels. This preliminary action ensures that when the stylus distributes the sample on the substrate, there are already distinct concentration differences, making result interpretation straightforward.
2Productivity
If the original sample is used directly for inoculation, then the manipulation process is simple, but the concentration differences are insufficient especially when the sample is highly concentrated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the original sample into multiple sub-samples through dilution in separate tanks, each with a specific dilution factor. This segmentation allows for precise concentration control while maintaining efficient automated processing, as the system automatically selects and distributes the appropriate dilution level for each inoculation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the concentration parameter of the sample by performing sequential dilutions in multiple tanks. Each tank modifies the concentration parameter to create a gradient of sub-samples, enabling precise control over the concentration of inoculated areas while maintaining high productivity through automated operation.
3Measurement precision
If multiple tanks with diluents are used for successive dilutions, then the sample concentration is precisely controlled, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs multiple tanks that serve dual functions: they act as both dilution vessels and storage containers for sub-samples with different concentrations. Each tank is equipped with a stylus that can both perform dilution operations and distribute the diluted sample, reducing the need for separate dilution and inoculation mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a nested structure where the stylus is positioned to access multiple tanks in sequence. The dilution process is nested within the inoculation process, as the stylus performs both dilution and distribution operations in a continuous automated sequence, reducing overall device complexity despite multiple dilution stages.
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 sample manipulation and accurate reading of results by ensuring consistent sample concentration across the substrate, simplifying the interpretation of culture results and reducing manufacturing costs.
Implementation Method 1
means for diluting an original sample in at least one sub-sample
Implementation Method 2
The taking or collecting means can be a stylus or a syringe
Data Source
AI summary
An automatic device for inoculating a sample on a substrate with a dilution mechanism formed by a head that holds a stylus in cooperation with a first dilution tank and a second dilution tank to dilute an original sample in at least one sub-sample and for inoculating the sub-sample on a substrate.