Modular Incubator System with Independent Environmental Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing incubator systems face challenges such as contamination, confusion among samples, temperature variations, and inadequate control over environmental conditions, especially when multiple users are involved and during sample transport, due to lack of structural separation and independent control of temperature, humidity, and air composition.
Innovation Solution
A modular incubator system with individual supply connections for electricity, gas, and water, featuring wireless communication for remote control and monitoring, and a modular design allowing independent control of temperature, humidity, and gas composition, along with a shelving system and transport container that maintains consistent conditions during storage and transport.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If multiple samples are kept in a single large incubator, then space utilization is improved, but contamination risk and sample confusion increase due to lack of structural separation
Solution Approach 1:
The incubator system is divided into multiple independent modular incubator units, each capable of separate operation. This segmentation allows physical separation of samples while maintaining individual environmental control, thus reducing contamination risk between samples while still providing efficient space utilization through modular arrangement.
2Area of stationary object
If multiple samples are kept in a single large incubator, then space utilization is improved, but sample confusion increases due to identical environmental conditions
Solution Approach 1:
Each modular incubator unit can be independently controlled with separate temperature, humidity, and gas composition settings. This allows different samples to be kept under different environmental conditions even within the same physical space, preventing sample confusion and maintaining clear sample identification.
3Ease of operation
If incubator opening and closing is performed frequently, then sample access is improved, but temperature variations increase that cannot be fully compensated
Solution Approach 1:
The modular design allows individual incubator units to be accessed independently without opening the entire system. Each unit has its own door and environmental control, so opening one unit does not affect the temperature stability of other units, minimizing temperature variations during sample access.
4Adaptability or versatility
If samples are transferred to transport system, then shipping capability is improved, but contamination risk and temperature changes increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular incubator units are designed to function as both incubators and transport containers. The same sealed chamber that provides controlled environmental conditions during incubation can be directly used for transport, eliminating the need for sample transfer to a separate transport system and thus preventing contamination and temperature changes.
5Area of stationary object
If small incubators are stacked for space-saving storage, then space utilization is improved, but withdrawal and replacement of individual incubators becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The modular incubator units are designed with standardized interfaces and dimensions that allow them to be stacked vertically for space-saving storage while maintaining the ability to easily withdraw or replace individual units. Each unit is self-contained with independent connections, enabling simple removal without affecting other stacked units.
6Adaptability or versatility
If each incubator is wired separately, then individual control is improved, but system complexity and wiring requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The modular incubator units use standardized universal interfaces for electrical connections, gas supply, and control signals. This allows each unit to be independently controlled while simplifying the overall wiring and integration process, as the same connection standards apply to all units in the system.
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 system effectively reduces contamination and confusion, maintains consistent environmental conditions for each sample, and allows seamless transition from stationary incubation to transport by providing independent control and monitoring of temperature, humidity, and air composition, even during transport.
Implementation Method 1
The incubator (10) has a heating element (210)
Implementation Method 2
a water reservoir (530) for storing liquid water to be converted into water vapor
Implementation Method 3
a layer of thermal insulation (510) between the at least one incubator (10) and the outer shell (400)
Data Source
AI summary
An incubator (110, 140) for the reception of an individual sample carrier, a shelving system (100) for such incubators, a transport container for such incubators, as well as a modular system are suggested, wherein the incubators can be inserted and withdrawn (130) independently of one another, can be supplied with electricity, water and a gas via corresponding connections (150), and can communicate with a computer network via a wireless connection. Such a system reduces the risk of contamination or confusion in the lab and avoids interruptions in the monitoring and controlling of the environmental conditions in the respective incubators. These can rather independently maintain the most favourable environmental conditions for the respective samples, both during storage and also during a transport operation. The insertion and withdrawal of individual incubators from the shelving system does not, or only very briefly, interrupt the monitoring and control of the conditions in the interior of the incubators.