Pressure generating device and detection system including the same

Abstract

A pressure generating device comprises a groove body, a deformable membrane, a driving device and an actuating arm. The tank defines a chamber and includes an opening and a communication port, both of which are in fluid communication with the chamber. The deformable membrane seals the opening and is transformable between a flat state and a deformed state. The actuating arm is coupled to the driving device and can be driven to move between a first position where the deformable membrane is in the flat state and a second position where the deformable membrane is in the deformed state, so that when the actuating arm moves from one of the first position and the second position, the deformable membrane is in the flat state. And a negative pressure generator driven to the other one of the first position and the second position and generating a predetermined negative pressure through the communication port.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present disclosure relates to a pressure generating device, in particular to a pressure generating device suitable for detecting the quality of an oocyte or an embryo and a detection system comprising the pressure generating device. Background Art

[0002] In vitro fertilization (IVF) is an option for infertile couples to achieve pregnancy. During the IVF process, after stimulating the mother's ovaries with follicle-stimulating hormone, several oocytes can be obtained from the ovaries and fertilized in vitro. One or more fertilized oocytes can then be transferred back into the mother. In some cases, the fertilized oocytes may further develop into embryos in vitro, and then one or more embryos can be transferred back into the mother. In order to improve the live birth rate of the IVF process, it is necessary to select good quality fertilized oocytes or embryos to be transferred back into the mother. Summary of the invention

[0003] Therefore, an object of the present disclosure is to provide a pressure generating device that can be used to judge the quality of an oocyte or an embryo and a detection system comprising the pressure generating device.

[0004] According to a first aspect of the present disclosure, a pressure generating device comprises a groove body, a deformable membrane, a driving device and an actuator arm. The groove body defines a chamber and includes an opening and a communication port, and the opening and the communication port are both in fluid communication with the chamber. The deformable membrane is configured to seal the opening and can change its form between a flat state and a deformed state. The driving device is disposed on the outer surface of the groove body. The actuator arm is coupled to the driving device and can be driven to move between a first position in which the deformable membrane is in the flat state and a second position in which the deformable membrane is in the deformed state, so that when the actuator arm is driven from one of the first position and the second position to the other of the first position and the second position, a predetermined pressure is generated through the communication port.

[0005] According to a second aspect of the present disclosure, a detection system for detecting the quality of a test sample containing an oocyte or an embryo is provided. The detection system comprises the pressure generating device, a micropipette for sucking the test sample, and a connecting tube configured to connect the communication port of the tank body and the micropipette to apply the predetermined pressure to the test sample. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0006] Other features and advantages of the present disclosure will become apparent from the following detailed description of embodiments with reference to the accompanying drawings.It should be noted that various features may not be drawn to scale.

[0007] Figure 1Schematic diagram of a pressure generating device according to a first embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0008] Figure 2 is similar to Figure 1 But schematic diagram of the state of increased pressure.

[0009] Figure 3 is a schematic diagram showing a pressure generating device according to a second embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0010] Figure 4 is similar to Figure 3 But the schematic diagram is in the reduced pressure state.

[0011] Figure 5 is a perspective view showing a pressure generating device according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0012] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A partially exploded perspective view of the trough body shown.

[0013] Figure 7 yes Figure 5 A side view of the pressure generating device is shown.

[0014] Figure 8 yes Figure 5 A top view of the pressure generating device is shown.

[0015] Fig. 9 yes Figure 5 A front view of the pressure generating device is shown.

[0016] Fig.10 is a perspective view showing a main part of a detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0017] Fig.11 is a schematic diagram of a microscope showing a detection system according to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

[0018] Fig.12 is a diagram illustrating a testing process for determining the quality of a test sample according to some embodiments.

[0019] Fig.13 and Fig.14 are microscope images showing two states of an oocyte before and after a pressure generating device of a detection system provides a predetermined negative pressure, respectively;

[0020] Fig.15 is a diagram illustrating another testing process for determining the quality of a test sample according to some embodiments. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0021] Before describing the present disclosure in more detail, it should be noted that, where appropriate, reference numerals or terminal portions of reference numerals have been repeated in the drawings to indicate corresponding or similar components, which components may optionally have similar features.

[0022] It should be noted that for clarity of description, spatially relative terms such as "top", "bottom", "higher", "lower", "on", "above", "over", "downward", "upward", etc. may be used throughout the present disclosure while referring to the features shown in the accompanying drawings. These features may be oriented differently (for example, rotated 90 degrees or at other orientations), and the spatially relative terms used herein may be interpreted accordingly.

[0023] It should be noted that the drawings are for illustration purposes only and are not drawn to scale, nor are they intended to represent the actual sizes or actual relative sizes of the components of the devices or systems in the present disclosure.

[0024] Figure 1 and Figure 2 The pressure generating device 1 according to the first embodiment of the present disclosure is shown respectively. The pressure generating device 1 is used to generate a pressure through a micropipette 3 (see Fig.13 and 14 ) produces pressure on the test sample (S). The test sample (S) may be an oocyte (e.g., a fertilized or unfertilized mammalian oocyte) or an embryo (e.g., a mammalian embryo). Based on the test sample (S) (see Fig.14 ) and other factors (such as the use of Fig.11 The quality of the test sample can be determined by observing the morphology observed by a microscope 5 as shown in FIG.

[0025] The pressure generating device 1 comprises a groove body 10 , a deformable membrane 20 , a driving device 30 and an actuating arm 40 .

[0026] The slot body 10 defines a chamber 100 and includes an opening 101 and a communication port 102, both of which are fluidically connected to the chamber 100. The deformable membrane 20 is configured to seal the opening 101 and can change its shape between a flat state and a deformed state. The drive device 30 is disposed on the outer surface of the slot body 10. The actuator arm 40 is coupled to the drive device 30 and can be driven to move between a first position and a second position. Figure 1 In the first position shown, the deformable membrane 20 is in a flat state, and in Figure 2In the second position shown, the deformable membrane 20 is in a deformed state under force. When the actuator arm 40 is driven from one of the first position and the second position to the other of the first position and the second position, a predetermined pressure is generated through the communication port 102 .

[0027] In the first embodiment, in response to the actuator arm 40 being moved from the first position (see Figure 1 ) to the second position (see Figure 2 ), the actuator arm 40 drives the deformable membrane 20 to deform inward, so that the deformable membrane 20 changes from the flat state to the deformed state. As the deformable membrane 20 is deformed, the chamber 100 changes to a pressure increasing state. In this state, if the deformable membrane 20 returns from the deformed state to the flat state, the predetermined pressure can be generated from the communication port 102.

[0028] In some embodiments, the tank body 10 may be made of metal, alloy, plastic, other suitable airtight rigid materials or combinations thereof. In some embodiments, the deformable membrane 20 may be made of silicone, polymer, fabric, any suitable airtight flexible material or combinations thereof.

[0029] Figure 3 and Figure 4 The pressure generating device 1 according to the second embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The second embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the deformable membrane 20 in the second embodiment deforms outward in the deformed state. Specifically, in the second embodiment, the end of the actuator arm 40 away from the drive device 30 is fixed to the deformable membrane 20. When the actuator arm 40 is in the first position, the deformable membrane 20 can maintain the flat state. In response to the actuator arm 40 moving from the first position (see Figure 3 ) moves to the second position (see Figure 4 ), the deformable membrane 20 is pulled outward by the actuating arm 40 to deform, and the deformable membrane 20 is transformed from the flat state to the deformed state. As the deformable membrane 20 is deformed, the chamber 100 is transformed into a decompression state, so that the predetermined pressure can be generated from the communication port 102.

[0030] Figures 5 to 9 A pressure generating device 1 according to a third embodiment of the present disclosure is shown. The third embodiment is similar to the first embodiment, except that the tank 10 is shown in detail in the third embodiment, and the pressure generating device 1 further includes a slider 50 for connecting the drive device 30 to the actuator arm 40.

[0031] See also Figure 5 and Figure 6The tank body 10 includes a surrounding wall 11, a surrounding seat 12 and a connecting rod 14. The surrounding wall 11 defines the chamber 100 (see Figure 1 and Figure 2 ), and extends along the longitudinal axis (L) and terminates at a closed end 111 and an enlarged end 112. The enlarged end 112 is disposed opposite to the closed end 111 and forms an opening 101. The surrounding seat 12 is detachably disposed at the enlarged end 112, so that the deformable membrane 20 is fixed between the enlarged end 112 and the surrounding seat 12, thereby sealing the opening 101. Figure 5 , Figure 6 and Fig. 9 As shown, when the surrounding seat 12 is arranged at the enlarged end 112, the central part of the deformable membrane 20 is exposed from the surrounding seat 12. The connecting rod 14 includes a first connecting end 141 and a second connecting end 142. The first connecting end 141 is connected to the surrounding wall 11, and the second connecting end 142 is arranged relative to the first connecting end 141 and has a communication port 102, and the communication port 102 is in fluid communication with the chamber 100 through the connecting rod 14.

[0032] In some embodiments, the seat 12 is mounted to the enlarged end 112 by a plurality of fastening components 131 (e.g., screws, etc.). Other suitable techniques may be used to detachably mount the seat 12 to the enlarged end 112. In some embodiments, the end 13 of the slot 10 forming the opening 101 refers to a combination of the seat 12 and the enlarged end 112, and the deformable membrane 20 is maintained in the flat state by the end 13 of the slot 10.

[0033] In some embodiments, Figure 7 As shown, the driving device 30 is a motor, and includes a motor body 31 and an output shaft 32. The motor body 31 is disposed on the outer surface of the tank body 10. The output shaft 32 rotates around a rotation axis (R) under the drive of the motor body 31. The output shaft 32 is rotatably disposed on the outer surface of the tank body 10 and forms an external thread surface 321.

[0034] In some embodiments, the slider 50 is slidably disposed along the rotation axis (R) on the outer surface of the groove body 10 and forms an internal threaded surface 51, wherein the internal threaded surface 51 is configured to be threadedly engaged with the external threaded surface 321 of the output shaft 32, so that the slider 50 can be driven by the output shaft 32 and slide along the rotation axis (R) between a remote position of the slider 50 away from the motor body 31 and a proximal position of the slider 50 close to the motor body 31.

[0035] In some embodiments, Figure 5 and Figure 7 As shown, the actuator arm 40 is configured to be linked with the slider 50, and includes a first horizontal portion 41, a vertical portion 42, and a second horizontal portion 43. The first horizontal portion 41 extends from the slider 50, crosses the end 13 of the slot body 10, and terminates at an outer end 411. The vertical portion 42 extends downward from the outer end 411 of the first horizontal portion 41 and terminates at a lower end 421. The second horizontal portion 43 is connected to the lower end 421 of the vertical portion 42, and extends toward the deformable membrane 20 and terminates at an inner end 431, so that when the actuator arm 40 is driven and moves from the first position (see Figure 1 ) moves to the second position (see Figure 2 ), the movement of the inner end 431 drives the deformable membrane 20 to deform from the flat state to the deformed state.

[0036] In some embodiments, Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 5 and Figure 6 As shown, the deformable membrane 20 is deformed inwardly in the deformed state. In other words, in response to the slider 50 moving from the remote position toward the motor body 31 to the proximal position, the inner end 431 of the second horizontal portion 43 of the actuator arm 40 is pressed against the deformable membrane 20, forcing the deformable membrane 20 to resist the holding force from the end 13 of the slot body 10 and deform into the deformed state. In response to the slider 50 moving from the proximal position to the remote position in a direction away from the motor body 31, the inner end 431 of the second horizontal portion 43 of the actuator arm 40 is disengaged from the deformable membrane 20 to allow the deformable membrane 20 to be restored to the flat state by the holding force, so that the communication port 102 generates the predetermined pressure (e.g., predetermined negative pressure).

[0037] In some other embodiments, such as Figures 3 to 6As shown, the deformable membrane 20 is deformed outward in the deformed state. In this case, the inner end 431 of the second horizontal portion 43 of the actuator arm 40 is fixed to the central portion of the deformable membrane 20. Specifically, in response to the movement of the slider 50 from the proximal position to the direction away from the motor body 31 to the remote position, the deformable membrane 20 is pulled by the inner end 431 of the second horizontal portion 43 of the actuator arm 40 to resist the holding force of the end 13 of the slot body 10 and deform outward to the deformed state, so that the communication port 102 generates the predetermined pressure (for example, predetermined negative pressure). In response to the movement of the slider 50 from the remote position toward the motor body 31 to the proximal position, the inner end 431 of the second horizontal portion 43 of the actuator arm 40 moves toward the opening 101, so that the deformable membrane 20 is restored to the flat state under the action of the holding force.

[0038] In some embodiments, the pressure generating device 1 further includes a guide seat 60, which is disposed at the end 13 of the groove body 10 and forms a guide groove 61 for the first horizontal portion 41 to pass through, so as to guide the movement of the first horizontal portion 41 when the actuator arm 40 moves with the slider 50.

[0039] In some embodiments, the pressure generating device 1 further includes a fixing seat 70, which is disposed on the outer surface of the slot body 10. The fixing seat 70 includes a base component 71, a first component 72 and a second component 73. The base component 71 is disposed on the outer surface of the slot body 10 and is configured to allow the slider 50 to be slidably disposed thereon. The first component 72 and the second component 73 are disposed close to and away from the end 13 of the slot body 10, respectively, and extend upward from both ends of the base component 71, respectively, to allow the slider 50 to slide between the first component 72 and the second component 73. In addition, the motor body 31 is disposed on the second component 73, and the output shaft 32 extends through the second component 73 and is rotatably supported by the first component 72 and the second component 73.

[0040] In some embodiments, the pressure generating device 1 further includes a light sensor 80 , and the light sensor 80 is configured to be stationary relative to the slot body 10 to detect the displacement of the slider 50 .

[0041] In some embodiments, the pressure generating device 1 further comprises a marking component 90, which is disposed on the slider 50 and can slide with the slider 50. The marking component 90 has a plurality of detectable positions for the optical sensor 80 to detect, thereby determining the displacement of the slider 50.

[0042] Fig.10 FIG. 2 shows the main parts of the detection system 2 for detecting the quality of the test sample (S) according to an embodiment of the present disclosure. The detection system 2 includes the pressure generating device 1, the micropipette 3 (see FIG. 2 ) for sucking the test sample (S), and the pressure generating device 1. Fig.13 and Fig.14 ) and a connecting tube 4. The connecting tube 4 is configured to connect the communication port 102 of the tank body 10 and the micropipette 3 so as to apply the predetermined pressure (eg, predetermined negative pressure) from the pressure generating device 1 to the test sample (S).

[0043] In some embodiments, the inner diameter of the micropipette 3 ranges from about 10 microns to about 100 microns (eg, about 40 microns to about 70 microns).

[0044] In some embodiments, the pressure generating device 1 generates a pressure of about 0.5 psi to about -0.5 psi at a suction port 301 of the micropipette 3. For example, the pressure generated by the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3 can vary from about -0.03 psi to about -0.5 psi, from about 0.03 psi to about -0.5 psi, from about 0.03 psi to about 0.5 psi, or from about -0.03 psi to about 0.5 psi.

[0045] In some embodiments, Fig.10 , Fig.11 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 As shown, the detection system 2 also includes a microscope 5 and an injection stand 18. The microscope 5 is used to monitor the test sample (S) and the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3. Specifically, the test sample (S) is placed on a culture dish 501 of the microscope 5, and the injection stand 18 is connected between the connecting tube 4 and the micropipette 3. During operation, the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3 is fixed by the injection stand 18 and placed on the culture dish 501 of the microscope 5, so as to facilitate the test sample (S) on the culture dish 501 to be retained and / or sucked by the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3.

[0046] In some embodiments, the connecting pipe 4 includes a first pipe section 401 connected to the communication port 102 of the tank body 10, and a second pipe section 402 connected to the micropipette 3 through the injection stand 18. The first pipe section 401 and the second pipe section 402 are connected via a regulating valve 15 to adjust the pressure generated at the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3. In some embodiments, the regulating valve 15 is a solenoid valve.

[0047] In some embodiments, the detection system 2 further includes a branch pipe 403 connected to the first pipe section 401, and the branch pipe 403 has an exhaust port 17 located on the opposite side of the first pipe section 401. In addition, an exhaust valve 16 is connected to the branch pipe 403 to control the fluid communication between the chamber 100 and the exhaust port 17. Specifically, when the exhaust valve 16 is opened, the exhaust port 17 is in fluid communication with the chamber 100; when the exhaust valve 16 is completely closed, the exhaust port 17 cannot be in fluid communication with the chamber 100. Therefore, when the exhaust valve 16 is opened, the pressure in the chamber 100 is allowed to return to atmospheric pressure. In some embodiments, the exhaust valve 16 is a solenoid valve.

[0048] Fig.12 A diagram illustrating a testing process for determining the quality of the test sample (S) according to some embodiments. Fig.12 The test process presented in Fig.10 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 Please explain. Fig.12 During the test process shown, the regulating valve 15 is continuously opened.

[0049] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.12 At the beginning, the exhaust valve 16 is completely closed, the pressure in the chamber 100 is adjusted and maintained at the initial pressure (e.g., slightly positive pressure or negative pressure), and the position of the actuator arm 40 is also moved to allow the deformable membrane 20 to maintain the initial state. For example, in the case where the deformable membrane 20 is deformed inwardly (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The initial state of the deformable membrane 20 is the deformed state (see Figure 2 ); and in the case where the deformable membrane 20 is deformed outward (eg Figure 3 and Figure 4 The initial state of the deformable membrane 20 is the flat state (see Figure 3 ).like Fig.12 As shown, based on the initial pressure of the chamber 100, a small positive pressure (P h ) (e.g. about 0.01±10% psi) and maintained for a period of time (t h ), thereby maintaining the test sample (S) being sucked by the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3, but preventing it from being sucked into the micropipette 3 (refer to Fig.13 Then, the drive device 30 is activated to deform the deformable membrane 20, so that the pressure of the communication port 102 is continuously reduced for a period of time (t g) (e.g., 2±10% seconds) to reach the predetermined pressure (e.g., predetermined negative pressure), and at the same time, the suction pressure generated by the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3 is gradually reduced to a stress pressure (P s ) (e.g. -0.1±10% psi). The stress pressure (P s ) for a period of time (t s ) (e.g., 1 ± 10% seconds) and during the period, as Fig.14 As shown in the microscope image in FIG. 1 , the suction depth (D) of the test sample (S) is determined using a computer program (not shown). Finally, the driving device 30 is further driven to increase the pressure in the chamber 100 for a period of time (t r ), thereby restoring the deformable membrane 20 to its initial state. Then, the exhaust valve 16 is opened to restore the pressure in the chamber 100 to atmospheric pressure through the exhaust port 17. Please note that the pressure in the chamber 100 is gradually increased to avoid blowing the test sample (S) away from the micropipette 3. In some other embodiments, after reducing the stress pressure (P s ), the pressure (P h ) can be maintained at a slightly negative pressure (eg, -0.01±10% psi) for a period of time (eg, 2±10% seconds) and adhere to the test sample (S).

[0050] exist Fig.12 During the test process shown, the slider 50 can be driven by the drive device 30 to move between the proximal position and the distal position.

[0051] In some embodiments where the deformable membrane 20 is deformed inwardly in the deformed state, (i) at time (t h ), the slider 50 is in the proximal position, the deformable membrane 20 is in the deformed state, and the actuator arm 40 is in the second position, and (ii) at time (t s ), the slider 50 is in the remote position, the deformable membrane 20 is in the flat state, and the actuator arm 40 is in the first position.

[0052] In some other embodiments where the deformable membrane 20 is deformed outward in the deformed state, (i) at time (t h ), the slider 50 is in the proximal position, the deformable membrane 20 is in the flat state, and the actuator arm 40 is in the first position, and (ii) at time (t s), the slider 50 is in the remote position, the deformable membrane 20 is in the deformed state, and the actuator arm 40 is in the second position.

[0053] Fig.15 is a diagram of another testing process for determining the quality of the test sample (S) according to some embodiments. Fig.15 The test process shown will refer to Fig.10 , Fig.13 and Fig.14 Please explain. Fig.15 In the test process shown, the regulating valve 15 is switched to adjust the pressure generated at the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3 .

[0054] Reference Fig.10 and Fig.15 At the beginning of the test, the exhaust valve 16 is completely closed, the regulating valve 15 is completely closed, the pressure in the chamber 100 is adjusted and maintained at the initial pressure (e.g., a lower positive pressure), and the position of the actuator arm 40 is also moved to keep the deformable membrane 20 in the initial state. For example, when the deformable membrane 20 is deformed inward (e.g., Figure 1 and Figure 2 The initial state of the deformable membrane 20 is the deformed state (see Figure 2 ); and in the case where the deformable membrane 20 is deformed outward (eg Figure 3 and Figure 4 The initial state of the deformable membrane 20 is the flat state (see Figure 3 Based on the initial pressure of the chamber 100, a slight positive pressure (P h ) (e.g. about 0.01 ± 10% psi) and maintained for a period of time (t h ) (refer to Fig.15 ), so that the test sample (S) will remain in the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3, but will not be sucked into the micropipette 3 (refer to Fig.13 Then, the regulating valve 15 is closed, and the deformable membrane 20 is deformed by starting the driving device 30, so that the pressure in the chamber 100 continues to drop for a period of time (t g ) (e.g. 3±10% seconds) to reach the preset suction pressure (P n ) (e.g. -0.13±10% psi). The suction pressure (P n ) will last for a period of time (t a )(for example, 2±10% seconds). Then, for a period of time (t s) (for example, 4±10% seconds), by slightly or completely opening the regulating valve 15, the pressure in the chamber 100 is slightly increased and maintained at the stress pressure (P s ) (e.g. -0.1±10% psi), and at the same time, the suction pressure generated by the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3 and the stress pressure (P s ) are basically equal. At this stage (that is, under stress pressure (P s ) under the test sample (S)), such as Fig.14 As shown in the microscope image in FIG. 1 , a computer program (not shown) is used to determine the suction depth (D) of the test sample (S). Finally, the driving device 30 is further driven to increase the pressure in the chamber 100 for a period of time (t r ), thereby restoring the deformable membrane 20 to its initial state. Afterwards, the exhaust valve 16 is opened to restore the pressure in the chamber 100 to atmospheric pressure through the exhaust port 17. Please note that the pressure in the chamber 100 is gradually increased to avoid blowing the test sample (S) away from the micropipette 3. In some other embodiments, after the pressure is reduced to the preset suction pressure (P n ), the pressure (P h ) can be maintained at a slightly negative pressure (eg, -0.01±10% psi) for a period of time (eg, 2±10% seconds) and adhere to the test sample (S).

[0055] exist Fig.15 During the test process shown, the slider 50 can be driven by the drive device 30 to move between the proximal position and the distal position.

[0056] In some embodiments where the deformable membrane 20 is deformed inwardly in the deformed state, (i) at time (t h ), the slider 50 is in the proximal position, the deformable membrane 20 is in the deformed state, and the actuator arm 40 is in the second position, and (ii) at time (t a , t s ), the slider 50 is in the remote position, the deformable membrane 20 is in the flat state, and the actuator arm 40 is in the first position.

[0057] In some other embodiments in which the deformable membrane 20 is deformed outward in the deformed state, (i) at time (t h ), the slider 50 is in the proximal position, the deformable membrane 20 is in the flat state, and the actuator arm 40 is in the first position, and (ii) at time (t a , t s), the slider 50 is in the remote position, the deformable membrane 20 is in the deformed state, and the actuator arm 40 is in the second position.

[0058] By setting up the detection system 2 including the pressure generating device 1, a suction pressure can be generated at the suction port 301 of the micropipette 3 for sucking the test sample (S). Based on the suction depth (D) of the test sample (S), the quality of the test sample (S) can be determined. For example, the test sample (S) with a relatively small suction depth (D) may have better quality. In addition, since the suction pressure generated by the pressure generating device 1 is small, the test sample (S) is not easily damaged during the test process, and the qualified test sample (S) can be transferred back to the mother to achieve a successful pregnancy procedure.

[0059] In the above description, for the purpose of explanation, many specific details have been set forth to provide a thorough understanding of the embodiments. However, it is obvious to those skilled in the art that one or more other embodiments may be practiced without some of these specific details. It should also be understood that references throughout this specification to "an embodiment", "an implementation", embodiments indicated by serial numbers, etc., mean that specific features, structures, or characteristics may be included in the practice of the present disclosure. It should also be understood that in the above description, in order to simplify the present disclosure and help understand the various inventive aspects, various features are sometimes combined in a single embodiment, figure, or description thereof, which does not mean that each of these features needs to be implemented in the presence of all other features. In other words, in any described embodiment, when the implementation of one or more features or specific details does not affect the implementation of another one or more features or specific details, the one or more features or specific details may be picked out and implemented separately without the other one or more features or specific details. It should also be noted that in the practice of the present disclosure, one or more features or specific details from one embodiment may be implemented together with one or more features or specific details from another embodiment, where appropriate.

[0060] While the present disclosure has been described in connection with what are considered to be exemplary embodiments, it is to be understood that the disclosure is not limited to the disclosed embodiments but is intended to cover the broadest interpreted spirit and scope of various configurations included therein so as to encompass all such modifications and equivalent arrangements.

Claims

1. A pressure generating device, characterized in that: The pressure generating device comprises: A tank body, defining a chamber and comprising an opening and a communication port, wherein the opening and the communication port are both in fluid communication with the chamber; a deformable membrane configured to seal the opening and capable of changing shape between a flat state and a deformed state; A driving device, arranged on the outer surface of the tank body; and The actuator arm is coupled to the driving device and can be driven to move between a first position where the deformable membrane is in the flat state and a second position where the deformable membrane is in the deformed state. When the actuator arm is driven from one of the first position and the second position to the other of the first position and the second position, a predetermined pressure is generated through the connecting port.

2. The pressure generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the deformed state the deformable membrane is deformed inwardly.

3. The pressure generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: In the deformed state the deformable membrane is deformed outwards.

4. The pressure generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tank body comprises a wall defining the chamber and extending along the longitudinal axis and terminating at a closed end and an enlarged end located opposite the closed end and forming the opening; a surrounding seat detachably disposed at the enlarged end, so that the deformable membrane is fixed between the enlarged end and the surrounding seat to seal the opening, and a central portion of the deformable membrane is exposed at the surrounding seat when the surrounding seat is disposed at the enlarged end; and The connecting rod comprises a first connecting end connected to the surrounding wall and a second connecting end opposite to the first connecting end, wherein the second connecting end defines the communication port connected to the chamber fluid through the connecting rod.

5. The pressure generating device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The trough body includes an end portion forming the opening; BCPI-240346 Page 2 / 4 The driving device is a motor, and includes a motor body arranged on the outer surface of the groove body, and an output shaft rotating around a rotation axis under the drive of the motor body, wherein the output shaft is rotatably arranged on the outer surface of the groove body and forms an external thread surface; The pressure generating device further comprises a slider slidably disposed on the outer surface of the groove body along the rotating shaft, the slider forming an internal thread surface threadedly engaged with the external thread surface of the output shaft, so that the slider can be driven by the output shaft to slide along the rotating shaft between a remote position away from the motor body and a proximal position close to the motor body; as well as The actuator arm is configured to be linked with the slider and comprises: a first horizontal portion extending from the slider across the end of the slot body and terminating at an outer end; a vertical portion extending downwardly from the outer end of the first horizontal portion and terminating at a lower end; and A second horizontal portion is connected to the lower end of the vertical portion and extends toward the deformable membrane and terminates at an inner end, so that when the actuator arm is driven to move with the slider from the first position to the second position, the movement of the inner end drives the deformable membrane to deform from the flat state to the deformed state.

6. The pressure generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pressure generating device further includes a guide seat, which is arranged at the end of the groove body and forms a guide groove for the first horizontal part to pass through, so as to guide the movement of the first horizontal part when the actuating arm moves with the slider.

7. The pressure generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pressure generating device further comprises a fixing seat, which is arranged on the outer surface of the tank body and comprises: A base assembly, disposed on the outer surface of the trough body and configured to allow the slider to be slidably disposed thereon; The first component and the second component are respectively arranged close to and far from the end of the slot body, and respectively extend upward from both ends of the base component to allow the slider to slide between the first component and the second component. Wherein, the motor body is arranged on the second component, and the output shaft extends BCPI-240346 Page 3 / 4 The first component passes through the second component and is rotatably supported by the first component and the second component.

8. The pressure generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The pressure generating device further comprises a light sensor, and the light sensor is arranged to be immovable relative to the slot body so as to detect the displacement of the slider.

9. The pressure generating device according to claim 8, characterized in that: The pressure generating device further comprises a marking component, which is arranged on the slider and can slide with the slider and has a plurality of detectable positions for the optical sensor to detect, thereby determining the displacement of the slider.

10. The pressure generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The deformable membrane is maintained in the flat state by the end of the slot; In response to the slider moving from the remote position to the proximal position, the inner end of the second horizontal portion of the actuator arm is pressed against the deformable membrane, forcing the deformable membrane to deform into the deformed state against the holding force from the end of the slot body; In response to the slider moving from the proximal position to the distal position, the inner end of the second horizontal portion of the actuator arm disengages from the deformable membrane to allow the deformable membrane to return to the flat state by the holding force, so that the communication port generates the predetermined pressure.

11. The pressure generating device according to claim 5, characterized in that: The deformable membrane is maintained in the flat state by the end of the slot; The inner end of the second horizontal portion of the actuator arm is fixed to the central portion of the deformable membrane; as well as In response to the slider moving from the proximal position to the distal position, the deformable membrane is pulled by the inner end of the second horizontal portion of the actuator arm to resist the holding force of the end of the slot body and deform outward to the deformed state, so that the communication port generates the predetermined pressure; as well as In response to the slider moving from the remote position to the proximal position, the end of the second horizontal portion of the actuator arm moves toward the opening, allowing the deformable membrane to return to the flat state under the action of the retaining force.

12. A detection system, suitable for detecting the quality of a test sample containing an oocyte or an embryo, characterized in that: The detection system comprises: The pressure generating device as claimed in claim 1; A micropipette, suitable for aspirating the test sample; and The connecting tube is configured to connect the communicating port of the tank body and the micropipette to apply the predetermined pressure to the test sample.

13. The detection system according to claim 12, characterized in that: The inner diameter of the micropipette ranges from 10 microns to 100 microns.

14. The detection system according to claim 12, characterized in that: A pressure of 0.5 psi to -0.5 psi is generated at the suction port of the micropipette.

15. The detection system according to claim 14, characterized in that: The connecting pipe includes a first pipe section connected to the communication port of the trough body, and a second pipe section connected to the micropipette. The first pipe section and the second pipe section are connected via a regulating valve to adjust the pressure generated at the suction port of the micropipette.

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