Automated Microscope Apparatus for Mastitis Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting subclinical mastitis in cattle, such as flow-cytometry and manual milk differential smear, are expensive, time-consuming, and impractical for field or barn environments, and lack effective systems for implementing disease detection in these settings.
Innovation Solution
An automated microscope apparatus with a microprocessor, XYZ stage, and autofocusing system, designed for use with a sample cartridge containing multiple chambers, allowing for efficient imaging and counting of leukocytes in milk samples, enabling accurate detection of mastitis in a portable and user-friendly manner.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If flow-cytometry is used to detect differential milk leukocyte count, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs disposable microfluidic cartridges that integrate sample processing and analysis functions. These single-use cartridges eliminate the need for expensive, complex flow-cytometry equipment while maintaining diagnostic accuracy for detecting mastitis through leukocyte analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the essential diagnostic function from complex laboratory equipment and implements it in a simplified, portable format. By isolating the critical sample analysis capability into a standalone microfluidic device, it achieves accurate leukocyte detection without requiring full flow-cytometry systems.
2Ease of manufacture
If manual milk differential smear is used to detect mastitis, then ease of manufacture is improved, but productivity and time consumption worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridge automatically performs sample processing, cell separation, and analysis functions that would otherwise require manual laboratory procedures. The device self-regulates fluid flow and processing steps, eliminating the need for trained technologists while significantly increasing throughput and reducing analysis time.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical smear preparation and microscopy with an automated microfluidic system that uses controlled fluid dynamics and integrated imaging. This substitution maintains the simplicity of the original method while dramatically improving productivity and consistency.
3Measurement precision
If flow-cytometry or manual smear methods are used, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation in field environment worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The microfluidic cartridge integrates multiple laboratory functions (sample processing, cell separation, staining, and imaging) into a single portable device. This multi-functional design enables accurate leukocyte analysis to be performed anywhere on the farm, eliminating the need to transport samples to laboratories and making the device equally effective in both field and laboratory settings.
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 automated system provides a practical and accurate means for detecting mastitis in cattle, reducing costs and time while improving diagnostic efficiency in field environments, enabling early detection and treatment of subclinical mastitis.
Implementation Method 1
a heat sink mounted on the housing external wall, preferably adjacent the second compartment, with the microprocessor thermally coupled to the heat sink
Implementation Method 2
a thermal coupler positioned between the microprocessor and the heat sink back surface, the thermal coupler fixed to and in thermal contact with the heat sink back surface
Data Source
AI summary
An automated microscope apparatus comprises an outer housing having an external wall; optionally but preferably an internal wall in the housing configured to form a first compartment and a separate second compartment in the outer housing; a microscope assembly in the housing (preferably in the first compartment); a microprocessor in the housing (preferably in the second compartment), and (optionally but preferably) a heat sink mounted on the housing external wall, preferably adjacent the second compartment, with the microprocessor thermally coupled to said heat sink and operatively associated with the microscope assembly. Systems and methods employing the same are also described, along with component parts thereof.