Reader-incubator for Onboard Milk Contamination Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Central facilities face challenges in obtaining diagnostic test results for agricultural products, such as milk, before they arrive, which can lead to delays and contamination issues due to the need for on-site testing and tracing of contamination sources during transportation.
Innovation Solution
A combined diagnostic test reader-incubator system integrated with onboard vehicle systems, including optical sensors and microprocessors, that can incubate and read test strips, such as lateral flow tests, and transmit results wirelessly, utilizing onboard power and microprocessing capabilities to simplify and expedite the testing process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If diagnostic tests are run at the central facility after milk arrival, then testing can be performed with standard equipment, but test results are delayed until after transportation completes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the incubator and optical reader into a single integrated portable device that can perform both functions at the source location. This merging eliminates the need for separate incubation and reading equipment, reducing overall system complexity while enabling rapid on-site testing during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable reader-incubator system is designed to perform multiple functions including sample incubation, optical reading of test results, and wireless data transmission. This multi-functionality allows a single device to replace multiple separate pieces of equipment, reducing time loss while maintaining manageable complexity.
2Reliability
If testing is performed during transportation, then advance test results can be obtained, but the risk of contamination during sample handling increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary testing during transportation before the milk reaches the central facility. By conducting the diagnostic test and obtaining results during transit, the system identifies contamination sources in advance, allowing for preventive actions before contaminated milk is mixed with clean supplies at the facility.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable reader-incubator serves as an intermediary testing system between the source and central facility. It provides a controlled environment for sample handling and testing during transportation, reducing direct exposure to contamination risks while maintaining the ability to identify contamination sources accurately.
3Productivity
If separate testing equipment is used at the central facility, then testing can be performed, but good milk must be unloaded and held while awaiting test results
Solution Approach 1:
The portable system performs preliminary diagnostic testing during transportation, so that test results are obtained before the milk arrives at the central facility. This allows the central facility to prepare in advance - either to receive clean milk immediately or to isolate contaminated milk - eliminating the need to hold good milk while awaiting results and maximizing processing throughput.
4Loss of time
If portable testing equipment is used during transit, then test results can be obtained in advance, but equipment cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the incubator and optical reader into a single integrated portable device that can perform both functions at the source location. This merging eliminates the need for separate incubation and reading equipment, reducing overall system complexity while enabling rapid on-site testing during transportation.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated portable system is designed to be self-contained, with the incubator and reader working together as a unified system that requires minimal external support. This self-service capability reduces the need for additional equipment and personnel, offsetting the initial complexity increase with operational simplicity.
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
This solution enables timely and accurate diagnostic testing during transit, reducing contamination risks, improving logistics, and allowing for immediate diversion of contaminated products, while minimizing equipment costs and enhancing reliability in non-laboratory environments.
Implementation Method 1
The results can be detected by an optical sensor that is positioned to detect light reflected from the test strip
Implementation Method 2
the optical sensor is positioned to detect transmission through a test strip
Implementation Method 3
the incubator is configured to heat the diagnostic test to accelerate a chemical reaction
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed herein is a method and device for testing an agricultural product for the presence of an unwanted residue including a reader-incubator combination that can utilize onboard motor vehicle systems, such as an onboard microprocessor and onboard power supply?