Microbial Cooling Rack with Temperature Sensors
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Solution Overview
Problem
In microbiology experiments, operators face inconvenience and inaccuracy due to the need to manually cool sterilized inoculation loops and applicators, and empirical temperature measurement of culture media, which can lead to inefficient and potentially flawed results.
Innovation Solution
A multi-function cooling and thermo-sensitive rack with heat-resistant horizontal bars, angular adjustability, and real-time temperature sensors connected to a temperature-displaying prompter, allowing for precise temperature monitoring and notification, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of microbiology experiments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If operators manually hold sterilized inoculation loops and applicators to cool them down, then the tools can be used safely, but this causes great inconvenience and increases operation time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a rack as an intermediary device between the sterilization source and the operator. The rack provides a designated cooling position where sterilized tools can be placed to cool down automatically without requiring operator intervention or direct handling during the cooling phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack enables self-service cooling by providing a structured environment with positioning dents and thermal management features. Once sterilized tools are placed on the rack, they cool themselves automatically through contact with the rack surface and ambient air circulation, eliminating the need for operators to manually hold and cool the tools.
2Measurement precision
If operators rely on empirical experience to determine temperatures of sterilized tools and culture media, then no additional equipment is needed, but the temperature determination is inaccurate and risks experimental efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical/manual method of temperature assessment (visual inspection and empirical judgment) with an automated electronic temperature sensing and display system. Temperature sensors continuously monitor the temperature of sterilized tools and culture media, and the results are displayed on a screen, providing objective and precise temperature data without requiring operator expertise or judgment.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by continuously measuring temperature through sensors and displaying the information in real-time. This allows operators to monitor temperature changes and make informed decisions about when tools and media are ready for use, ensuring accurate temperature control throughout the experimental process.
3Reliability
If open-flame sterilization is performed repeatedly for different bacteria and plates, then sterile conditions are maintained, but the process becomes quite time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The rack provides a pre-prepared cooling and positioning station that is ready before sterilization occurs. Sterilized tools can be immediately transferred to the rack after flaming, and the rack's structured design with positioning dents ensures proper placement and cooling without requiring additional preparation or setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The rack combines multiple functions into a single device: it serves as a cooling station, a positioning rack, and a temporary storage area for sterilized tools. By merging these functions, the system eliminates the need for separate cooling racks, positioning devices, and storage areas, thereby streamlining the workflow and reducing time loss between sterilization and use.
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
The rack enables precise temperature control and monitoring of sterilized tools and culture media, reducing manual errors and enhancing experimental accuracy and efficiency by providing real-time temperature data and alerts.
Implementation Method 1
N temperature sensors, where N is an integer greater than or equal to one, are arranged at N temperature-measured sites, respectively
Data Source
AI summary
A multi-function cooling and thermo-sensitive rack includes horizontal bars, a base, positioning holes, connectors, a lateral frame, connecting holes, a temperature-displaying prompter, and N temperature sensors. The lateral frame and the base are connected through the connectors. The lateral frame and the base have their surfaces facing each other symmetrically provided with plural connecting holes thereon. The horizontal bars have two ends thereof received in the corresponding symmetrical connecting holes. The positioning holes are distributed over the surface of the base. The N temperature sensors have output ends thereof for outputting sensing signals connected with input ends of the temperature-displaying prompter for inputting the N temperature-sensing signals. The present invention is applied to apparatuses used in microbiology experiment.