Automated Microbe Detection Using Optical Indicator and Light Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for detecting E. coli and other microbes in liquid samples are time-consuming and prone to errors, leading to delays in identifying contamination sources, which can result in further contamination and spread of potentially contaminated goods.
Innovation Solution
An automated system with a tray having compartments for holding liquid samples, an indicator that changes light when metabolized by the target microbe, a light sensor for real-time monitoring, and a processor for analyzing the light changes to quickly detect the presence or absence of the microbe.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual examination methods are used to detect microbes in liquid samples, then the detection process is simple and easy to operate, but the detection time is long and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical examination with an automated optical detection system. A light source illuminates the liquid sample, and a sensor detects light absorption changes that indicate microbial presence. This substitution of mechanical manual inspection with an optical-electronic system dramatically reduces detection time while eliminating human error, directly resolving the contradiction between speed and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The detection system is designed to automatically perform measurements and analysis without requiring manual intervention during the detection process. The system self-regulates by continuously monitoring light absorption changes in real-time, automatically determining when detection criteria are met. This automation reduces operational complexity while maintaining rapid detection capabilities.
2Productivity
If automated detection systems are implemented, then detection speed and accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a light source module, a sample holder module, a sensor module, and a processing module. Each module performs a specific function independently. This segmentation allows the system to achieve high detection speed through specialized components while managing complexity by dividing the system into manageable, functionally-independent units that can be optimized separately.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the detection system with universal components that can serve multiple functions. The light source serves both illumination and activation functions for the indicator. The sensor simultaneously measures light absorption and converts it to electrical signals for processing. This multi-functionality reduces the total number of components needed, thereby increasing productivity while controlling device complexity.
3Measurement precision
If incubation monitoring is performed continuously, then detection accuracy is improved, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs periodic sampling of light absorption data during the incubation process rather than truly continuous monitoring. The sensor takes measurements at regular intervals, which is sufficient to detect the characteristic absorption changes indicating microbial presence. This periodic action maintains high detection accuracy by capturing the dynamic changes in the sample while significantly reducing energy consumption compared to continuous monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates feedback mechanisms where the detected light absorption signals are processed and used to determine when detection criteria are met. Once the characteristic absorption pattern indicating microbial presence is detected, the system can stop monitoring or reduce monitoring intensity. This feedback-based approach ensures high measurement precision by focusing resources on critical detection moments while minimizing overall energy consumption during the incubation period.
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 fast and accurate detection of target microbes, reducing the waiting time for results and minimizing errors, thereby facilitating timely identification of contamination sources and preventing further contamination.
Implementation Method 1
an indicator configured to produce a characteristic change in light from the liquid samples when a target microbe metabolizes the indicator while the liquid samples are incubated
Implementation Method 2
a light sensor for sensing light from the liquid samples held in the tray while the plurality of liquid samples is incubated
Data Source
AI summary
A system is provided that includes a tray having a number of compartments for holding liquid samples and partitioning the liquid samples from one another. The liquid samples are prepared by adding an indicator configured to produce a characteristic change in light from the liquid samples when a target microbe metabolizes the indicator while the liquid samples are incubated. The system also includes a light sensor for sensing light from the liquid samples held in the tray while the plurality of liquid samples is incubated. The system further includes a processor coupled with the light sensor and configured to analyze the light from the liquid samples while the liquid samples are incubated to detect the characteristic change in light from one or more of the liquid samples if the target microbe is present in the liquid samples.