Portable Micro-Spectroscopy Device for On-Farm Agro-Dairy Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Agricultural and dairy farmers lack access to efficient and cost-effective methods for rapidly testing the quality of milk and other agro-dairy products on-site, particularly for detecting mastitis and determining nutritional content, due to the need for laboratory equipment and trained technicians, which is not feasible in remote rural areas.
Innovation Solution
A portable device utilizing micro-spectroscopy with optical detectors, LED light sources, and a microcontroller, combined with colorimetric test strips and cuvettes, that can analyze samples for various analytes like somatic cell count, fat, and protein content, and transmit data wirelessly for real-time results, allowing for on-site testing without the need for laboratory facilities.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If laboratory equipment and trained technicians are used for testing, then measurement precision and reliability are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical laboratory equipment with optical-based micro-spectroscopy technology. The portable device uses optical detectors and light sources to analyze milk samples, eliminating the need for traditional mechanical testing equipment and trained technicians while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable device is designed as a universal testing platform that can perform multiple quality assessments (fat content, protein content, somatic cell count, mastitis detection) using a single integrated system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for multiple specialized laboratory equipment while maintaining comprehensive testing capabilities.
2Measurement precision
If laboratory facilities are used for testing, then measurement precision is improved, but loss of time and productivity worsen due to time lag in obtaining results
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device enables farmers to perform quality testing themselves on-farm without sending samples to external laboratories. The device provides immediate results through integrated optical analysis, eliminating the time lag associated with sample transport and laboratory processing while maintaining measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows for preliminary quality assessment directly at the farm level before milk is pooled or processed further. By performing testing in advance at the source, the system enables immediate detection of quality issues without the delays inherent in centralized laboratory processing.
3Measurement precision
If separate lab testing is used for different analytes, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and loss of time worsen due to multiple separate tests
Solution Approach 1:
The portable device integrates multiple testing capabilities into a single platform, using optical detectors and various adaptors to measure fat content, protein content, somatic cell count, and detect mastitis. This universal design eliminates the need for multiple separate testing devices while maintaining the measurement precision of specialized equipment.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple testing functions (spectroscopy, colorimetric analysis, flow cytometry) into a single portable device. By merging these previously separate testing methodologies into one integrated system, the device reduces the number of separate tests and devices needed while maintaining analytical precision through complementary measurement approaches.
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 device provides accurate, real-time analysis of milk quality and herd health indicators, reducing costs and enabling early detection of mastitis, with high sensitivity and specificity, and can be used for multiple testing requirements, including wine, beer, and other agro-based products, making it suitable for remote locations.
Implementation Method 1
having sensitivity across a wavelength range encompassing reflectance or transmission wavelength of at least one test analyte of the test sample
Implementation Method 2
having sensitivity across a wavelength range encompassing reflectance or transmission wavelength of at least one test analyte of the test sample
Implementation Method 3
at least one colorimetric test strip upon which is placed the at least one test sample comprising the at least one test analyte
Implementation Method 4
at least one light emitting diode (LED) light source capable of emitting a range of wavelengths
Implementation Method 5
at least one optical detector based on micro-spectroscopy
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a portable device for testing agro-dairy based samples. The said device comprises an optical detector based on micro-spectroscopy. With the aid of an adaptor, the device is amenable to holding a colorimetric test strip, a concave shaped holder for a solid or semi-solid substance and/or a cuvette. The invention also describes a system of testing agro-dairy based samples comprising the said portable device and also a method of testing agro-dairy based samples using the said system.