Carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture

By designing a helical assembly and a gas concentration detection mixing device, the problem of difficulty in adjusting the gas mixing concentration in existing technologies has been solved, achieving efficient and energy-saving gas supply to meet the culture needs of different cells.

CN120829833BActive Publication Date: 2026-04-24SCOPE TECHNOLOGY LTD BEIJING
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Patent Information

Authority / Receiving Office
CN · China
Patent Type
Patents(China)
Current Assignee / Owner
SCOPE TECHNOLOGY LTD BEIJING
Filing Date
2025-07-23
Publication Date
2026-04-24

AI Technical Summary

Technical Problem

Existing cell culture chamber gas supply systems are difficult to precisely adjust the gas mixing concentration. Static mixing is time-consuming and inefficient, while dynamic mixing requires an external power unit, increasing energy consumption and resulting in large equipment size, making it unsuitable for compact mixing chambers.

Method used

The mixing device, designed with a spiral assembly, achieves precise and uniform gas mixing by adjusting the angle between the moving and fixed spirals, combined with a gas concentration detection and heating module, thus adapting to the gas supply needs of different cells.

Benefits of technology

It achieves precise adjustment of gas mixing concentration, improves mixing efficiency, reduces energy consumption, adapts to the gas supply requirements of different cells, and has a compact design.

✦ Generated by Eureka AI based on patent content.

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Abstract

The present application relates to the technical field of medical equipment, in particular to a carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture, comprising a shell, the shell is provided with a mixing device, gas enters the mixing device through the gas inlet pipe and is mixed, the mixed gas enters the heating module through the gas outlet pipe, and the mixed gas enters the cell incubator after being heated by the heating module; the inside of the mixing device is symmetrically provided with a spiral assembly, which comprises fixed spirals and movable spirals distributed alternately, the fixed spirals are fixedly connected with the mixing device, and the movable spirals are rotatably connected with the fixed spirals; a pressure receiving assembly is arranged below the spiral assembly and is transmissionally connected with the movable spirals, the mixing degree is finely adjusted according to the cell demand, the pressure receiving degree of the pressure receiving assembly is adjusted, static and dynamic mixing are flexibly switched, the uniformity of mixing is ensured, and the gas supply requirements of different cells are met.
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Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of medical device technology, and in particular to a carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture. Background Technology

[0002] In the fields of cell culture and biomedical research, creating a suitable growth environment for cells is a key element in ensuring experimental success and the reliability of results. Among these factors, carbon dioxide, as a crucial element in the cell culture process, plays a vital role in physiological processes such as cellular metabolism, acid-base balance regulation, and cell signal transduction.

[0003] Currently, the most flexible gas supply method in cell culture incubators is to use dual gas sources, namely CO2, N2 and air (or O2) as gas sources to supply a mixed gas into the incubator. This can meet the stringent requirements of in vitro fertilization (IVF) embryonic cell and stem cell culture, and has a wider range of applications.

[0004] Chinese patent application number 202210421460.6 discloses a gas supply system for a cell culture incubator, comprising a gas source module, an air intake control module, a gas mixing module, and a culture chamber module connected in sequence. The gas source module includes a CO2 gas source and an N2 gas source. The air intake control module includes a first flow control device and a second flow control device connected to the CO2 gas source and the N2 gas source, respectively. The gas mixing module includes a premixing chamber and a CO2 concentration sensor, an O2 concentration sensor, and a pressure relief valve for discharging excess gas, all disposed in the premixing chamber. The culture chamber module includes multiple corresponding culture chambers and a gas supply pump. The gas supply pump is used to send the mixed gas from the gas mixing module into the culture chambers and return it to the gas mixing module to complete the cycle. The system also includes a central controller, which simplifies the system, allows for simultaneous gas supply to multiple culture chambers, employs internal gas circulation, and achieves high concentration control stability and low gas loss.

[0005] However, despite the aforementioned patented technology's ability to supply gas to multiple culture chambers simultaneously, existing dual-gas-source incubator gas supply systems still have several shortcomings in practical applications. Firstly, when supplying gas to different cell types, some cell types require extremely precise gas mixing concentrations, which existing devices struggle to finely adjust. Secondly, existing gas supply systems typically employ either static or dynamic mixing methods during gas mixing. Static mixing, relying solely on natural gas diffusion, requires a considerable amount of time to achieve uniform mixing and exhibits poor mixing results when gas density differences are small, easily leading to gas stratification. While dynamic mixing offers relatively higher efficiency, it usually requires an external power source, increasing energy consumption. Furthermore, the introduction of mechanical components increases equipment size, making it difficult to adapt to compact mixing chambers. Summary of the Invention

[0006] The purpose of this invention is to provide a carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture, so as to solve the technical problems mentioned in the background art.

[0007] To achieve the above objectives, the present invention provides the following technical solution:

[0008] A carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture includes a housing, the housing being equipped with a mixing device, gas entering the mixing device through an inlet pipe for mixing, and the mixed gas entering a heating module through an outlet pipe, the heating module heating the mixed gas before it enters the cell culture chamber.

[0009] The mixing device is symmetrically equipped with spiral components, which include staggered fixed spirals and movable spirals. The fixed spirals are fixedly connected to the mixing device, and the movable spirals are rotatably connected to the fixed spirals.

[0010] Below the spiral assembly is a pressure-receiving component, which is connected to the movable spiral body. By adjusting the pressure level of the pressure-receiving component, the angle between the movable spiral body and the fixed spiral body is changed to adapt to the gas supply requirements of different cells.

[0011] Preferably, the mixing device comprises:

[0012] The body, which is fixedly installed inside the shell;

[0013] A premixing chamber is located in the bottom region of the machine body, and the pressure-bearing component is located inside the premixing chamber;

[0014] A mixing section is located above the premixing chamber, and the spiral assembly is located inside the mixing section;

[0015] A connecting hole is located at the junction of the premixing chamber and the mixing section, and an adjusting element is provided on it to adjust the flow rate of gas entering the mixing section through the connecting hole.

[0016] Preferably, the mixing section includes:

[0017] The first mixing chamber and the second mixing chamber are symmetrically arranged above the premixing chamber, and both are equipped with spiral components inside;

[0018] A through-hole is provided, through which the first mixing chamber and the second mixing chamber are interconnected, and a gas concentration detection unit is provided inside the through-hole.

[0019] Preferably, the movable helical body is rotatably connected to the fixed helical body via a rotating cylinder, the rotating cylinder is provided with a rotating groove, and the rotating cylinder is connected to the pressure-bearing component through the rotating groove.

[0020] Preferably, the pressure-bearing component includes:

[0021] The movable part is located inside the premixing chamber and is slidably connected to the premixing chamber;

[0022] The extrusion section has a top with a movable part, and a pressure block is provided at one end of the extrusion section located inside the rotating cylinder. The pressure block is in contact with the rotating groove.

[0023] The elastic element is located at the bottom of the movable part to cushion the pressure on the extrusion part.

[0024] Preferably, the pitch of the swirl groove in the first mixing chamber is greater than the pitch of the swirl groove in the second mixing chamber.

[0025] Preferably, the heating module includes:

[0026] The heating base is connected to the gas outlet pipe and has a heat-conducting cavity inside for heating the mixed gas.

[0027] A heating unit, which is installed inside the heating base, provides heat to the heat conduction cavity;

[0028] A temperature sensing element, which is located inside the heat-conducting cavity, is used to detect the temperature change of the mixed gas when it is heated;

[0029] The air outlet is located on the outside of the heating base and is connected to the heat conduction cavity. The heated mixed gas enters the cell culture chamber through the air outlet.

[0030] Preferably, the gas outlet pipe is equipped with a filter for filtering impurities in the mixed gas.

[0031] Preferably, the outlet end of the air inlet pipe enters the premixing chamber through a proportional valve, and the gas undergoes preliminary mixing inside the premixing chamber.

[0032] Preferably, a controller is provided inside the housing, and all electrical components inside the housing are electrically connected to the controller.

[0033] The technical effects and advantages of this invention are as follows:

[0034] 1. This invention addresses the precise gas mixing concentration requirements of different cells by incorporating a pressure-bearing component and a mixing section. The mixing section employs symmetrically arranged first and second mixing chambers equipped with helical assemblies. The helical assemblies consist of fixed and movable helices. Pressure changes regulate the deflection of the movable helices, altering their angle with the fixed helices to accommodate varying mixing needs. For cells with lower mixing requirements, a certain angle can be maintained to ensure high gas flowability; for cells with higher requirements, the angle can be widened to enhance mixing. Furthermore, by adjusting the valve, the movable helices can rotate in both directions to achieve dynamic mixing. Due to the difference in helical pitch between the two mixing chambers, the second mixing chamber provides more uniform mixing, effectively avoiding uneven mixing issues. Attached Figure Description

[0035] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention;

[0036] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the present invention from another perspective;

[0037] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the internal structure of the housing of the present invention;

[0038] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the first cross-section of the heating module of the present invention;

[0039] Figure 5 This is a schematic diagram of the second cross-section of the heating module of the present invention;

[0040] Figure 6 This is a schematic diagram of the mixing device of the present invention;

[0041] Figure 7 This is a front view of the mixing device of the present invention.

[0042] Figure 8 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral assembly of the present invention;

[0043] Figure 9 This is a schematic diagram of the swirl groove of the present invention.

[0044] In the picture:

[0045] 1. Shell;

[0046] 2. Mixing device; 201. Body; 202. Premixing chamber; 203. Mixing section; 2031. First mixing chamber; 2032. Second mixing chamber; 2033. Through hole; 204. Connecting hole;

[0047] 3. Spiral assembly; 301. Fixed spiral body; 302. Movable spiral body; 303. Rotating cylinder; 304. Rotating groove;

[0048] 4. Pressure-bearing components; 401. Moving parts; 402. Extrusion parts; 403. Elastic elements;

[0049] 5. Air intake pipe;

[0050] 6. Air outlet pipe;

[0051] 7. Filter;

[0052] 8. Heating module; 801. Heating base; 802. Heat conduction cavity; 803. Temperature sensing element; 804. Air outlet;

[0053] 9. Controller. Detailed Implementation

[0054] The technical solutions of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings of the embodiments of the present invention. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0055] Example 1

[0056] Reference Figures 1 to 6 As shown, the present invention proposes a carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture. The device includes a housing 1, a mixing device 2 is built into the housing 1, and spiral components 3 are symmetrically arranged inside the mixing device 2.

[0057] Reference Figure 6 As shown, the mixing device 2 includes a body 201, and a first mixing chamber 2031 and a second mixing chamber 2032 are symmetrically arranged inside the body 201. Both mixing chambers are equipped with spiral components 3, and the two are interconnected through a through hole 2033.

[0058] Reference Figure 3 As shown, an air inlet pipe 5 is provided at the bottom of the body 201. A proportional valve (including a solenoid valve) is installed at the connection between the air inlet pipe 5 and the body 201 to regulate the gas flow ratio. An air outlet pipe 6 is provided on the outside of the body 201, which is connected to the second mixing chamber 2032. One end of the air outlet pipe 6 that extends out of the housing 1 is connected to a heating module 8. A filter 7 is also provided on the outside of the air outlet pipe 6 to purify the mixed gas.

[0059] Reference Figures 3 to 5 As shown, the heating module 8 specifically includes a heating base 801, which is tightly connected to the gas outlet pipe 6. It has a heat-conducting cavity 802 inside for heating the mixed gas.

[0060] The heating base 801 is also equipped with a heating unit to provide the necessary heat to the heat conduction cavity 802. The heat conduction cavity 802 is equipped with a temperature sensing element 803 to monitor the temperature change of the mixed gas in real time during the heating process.

[0061] The heating base 801 has an air outlet 804 on its outer side, which is connected to the heat conduction cavity 802. The heated mixed gas enters the cell culture chamber through this air outlet 804.

[0062] In addition, a controller 9 is also installed inside the housing 1, and all electrical components inside the housing 1 are electrically connected to the controller 9. The controller 9 is connected to the heating unit via wires to control the heating process.

[0063] During device operation, after power-on startup, carbon dioxide and oxygen enter the proportional valve (solenoid valve) through the inlet pipe 5 on the housing 1. After proportional adjustment by the solenoid valve, the gas flows into the first mixing chamber 2031 inside the body 201. In the first mixing chamber 2031, the gas is mixed along the spiral assembly 3, and then enters the second mixing chamber 2032 through the through hole 2033, where it is mixed again by the spiral assembly 3 to ensure uniform gas mixing. The mixed gas flows out through the outlet pipe 6 at the bottom of the body 201 and is filtered by the filter 7. Afterward, the mixed gas reaches the mixed gas inlet of the heating module 8 and flows into the heat-conducting chamber 802, where it is heated. The heated gas flows out through the outlet and enters the cell culture incubator.

[0064] It should be noted that the heat-conducting cavity 802 is equipped with a temperature sensing element 803 (temperature sensor) to monitor the temperature of the mixed gas in the heat-conducting cavity 802 in real time. If the temperature of the mixed gas in the heat-conducting cavity 802 deviates from the preset range, the temperature of the flowing gas is precisely controlled by adjusting the temperature of the heating unit to meet the requirements of cell culture.

[0065] Example 2

[0066] While the above embodiments achieved gas mixing and supply, several shortcomings remain. Firstly, when supplying gas to different cell types, some cells require highly precise gas mixing concentrations, making fine-tuning difficult. Secondly, existing gas mixing methods include static and dynamic methods. Static mixing relies on natural diffusion, is time-consuming, and exhibits poor mixing and stratification when gas density differences are small. Dynamic mixing is highly efficient but requires an external power source, increasing energy consumption, and introduces mechanical components, increasing equipment size and making it difficult to adapt to compact chambers. Therefore, based on Embodiment 1, technical improvements are made, as shown below:

[0067] Reference Figures 1 to 9 As shown, a carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture includes a housing 1, and the housing 1 is provided with a mixing device 2.

[0068] Reference Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the mixing device 2 includes a body 201, which is located inside the housing 1. A premixing chamber 202 is provided in the bottom area of ​​the body 201, and a mixing section 203 is provided above the premixing chamber 202. A connecting hole 204 is provided at the junction of the premixing chamber 202 and the mixing section 203, and the gas in the premixing chamber 202 enters the mixing section 203 through the connecting hole 204.

[0069] The outlet end of the air inlet pipe 5 is connected to the premixing chamber 202. The gas enters the premixing chamber 202 through the proportional valve on the air inlet pipe 5 and is initially mixed inside the premixing chamber 202. Then, it enters the mixing section 203 through the connecting hole 204, where the mixing section 203 performs formal mixing.

[0070] A regulating valve is provided at the connecting hole 204. The regulating valve is used to adjust the opening size of the connecting hole 204. Adjusting the opening size of the connecting hole 204 by regulating the regulating valve is existing technology and will not be described in detail here.

[0071] Reference Figure 7 As shown, the mixing section 203 includes a first mixing chamber 2031 and a second mixing chamber 2032, which are symmetrically arranged above the premixing chamber 202, and each is provided with a spiral assembly 3 inside.

[0072] Reference Figure 7 As shown, the first mixing chamber 2031 and the second mixing chamber 2032 are interconnected through a through-hole 2033, and a gas concentration detection unit is provided inside the through-hole 2033. The gas concentration detection unit includes a concentration sensor for detecting the concentration of the mixed gas.

[0073] Reference Figures 6 to 9 As shown, the spiral assembly 3 includes a fixed spiral body 301 and a movable spiral body 302 arranged in an alternating manner. The fixed spiral body 301 is fixedly connected to the machine body 201, and the movable spiral body 302 is rotatably connected to the fixed spiral body 301.

[0074] When the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301 are in an alternating state, the gas can be divided and mixed at the interface between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301 as it flows through the interface. Through intense radial mixing and reverse rotation, the mixing effect of the gas is improved.

[0075] Reference Figures 6 to 9As shown, the movable spiral 302 is rotatably connected to the fixed spiral 301 through the rotating cylinder 303. The outer wall of the rotating cylinder 303 is provided with a rotating groove 304, and the inside of the rotating cylinder 303 is provided with a pressure-bearing component 4 that is connected to the rotating groove 304 in a transmission manner.

[0076] The pitch of the swirl groove 304 located in the first mixing chamber 2031 is greater than the pitch of the swirl groove 304 located in the second mixing chamber 2032.

[0077] Reference Figure 7 As shown, the pressure-receiving component 4 is disposed in the premixing chamber 202. The pressure-receiving component 4 includes a movable part 401 that is slidably connected to the premixing chamber 202. The bottom of the movable part 401 is provided with an elastic element 403 to buffer the pressure on the extrusion part 402. The top of the movable part 401 is provided with an extrusion part 402. One end of the extrusion part 402 that extends into the rotating cylinder 303 is provided with a pressure block connected to the rotating groove 304.

[0078] In use, carbon dioxide and oxygen enter the proportional valve through their respective inlet pipes 5. By adjusting the proportion of the proportional valve, carbon dioxide and oxygen enter the premixing chamber 202 at a corresponding flow rate. After preliminary mixing in the premixing chamber 202, they enter the first mixing chamber 2031 and the second mixing chamber 2032 through the control unit to ensure the uniformity of gas mixing.

[0079] It should be noted that after carbon dioxide and oxygen enter the premixing chamber 202, they mainly concentrate in the upper half of the premixing chamber 202, that is, the space above the moving part 401.

[0080] After carbon dioxide and oxygen enter the premixing chamber 202, the pressure inside the premixing chamber 202 is adjusted by the control and regulation unit, causing the position of the movable part 401 inside the premixing chamber 202 to change. When the movable part 401 moves, it drives the movable spiral 302 to deflect through the extrusion part 402, thereby changing the angle between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301. The specific operation is as follows:

[0081] As the internal pressure of the premixing chamber 202 gradually increases, the gas pressure compresses the movable part 401 downwards. The movable part 401 drives the extrusion part 402 downwards. Since the movable part 401 is slidably connected to the premixing chamber 202 and the movable spiral 302 is rotatably connected to the fixed spiral 301 through the rotating cylinder 303, during the downward movement of the extrusion part 402, the pressure block on the extrusion part 402 is squeezed against the swirl groove 304 on the rotating cylinder 303, forcing the movable spiral 302 to deflect, thereby increasing the angle between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301, and thus improving the mixing uniformity of the gas when it flows between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301.

[0082] When the internal pressure of the premixing chamber 202 decreases, under the elastic recovery capability of the elastic element 403, the movable part 401 drives the extrusion part 402 to move upward. When the extrusion part 402 moves upward, the pressure block on the extrusion part 402 is squeezed against the swirl groove 304 on the rotating cylinder 303, forcing the movable spiral 302 to deflect in the opposite direction, so that the angle between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301 is reduced, thereby increasing the flow rate of gas between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301.

[0083] In the application of this embodiment, when the cells inside the cell culture chamber do not require a high degree of gas mixing (e.g., conventional immortalized cell lines), the controller 9 controls the regulating valve at the connecting hole 204 to be partially open. At this time, the carbon dioxide and oxygen entering the premixing chamber 202 form a certain pressure. The pressure pushes the movable part 401 downward. The movable part 401 drives the movable spiral 302 to deflect through the squeezing part 402, ultimately making the angle between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301 between 0° and 30°. After carbon dioxide and oxygen are initially mixed in the premixing chamber 202, they enter the first mixing chamber 2031 through the connecting hole 204. Since the angle between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301 is between 0° and 30° at this time, although the gas will be divided and mixed at the junction of the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301 after entering the first mixing chamber 2031, the angle between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301 is not large, and the number of gas divisions will not be too many, that is, it will not cause too much interference to the gas flow, thus maintaining the high fluidity of the gas to a certain extent.

[0084] After the gas is mixed in the first mixing chamber 2031, it enters the second mixing chamber 2032 through the through hole 2033. At this time, the concentration sensor located inside the through hole 2033 detects the concentration of the mixed gas passing through the through hole 2033.

[0085] When the concentration sensor detects that the concentration of the mixed gas passing through the through hole 2033 is within the set range, it indicates that the gas has been fully mixed in the first mixing chamber 2031. At this time, the regulating valve in the connecting hole 204 remains in its current state. After the mixed gas passes through the second mixing chamber 2032, it enters the heating module 8 through the gas outlet pipe 6.

[0086] When the concentration sensor detects that the concentration of the mixed gas passing through the through-hole 2033 is not within the set range, it indicates that the gas mixing effect in the first mixing chamber 2031 is poor, resulting in uneven mixing of carbon dioxide and oxygen. At this time, the controller 9 controls the regulating valve in the connecting hole 204 to operate. The regulating valve narrows the opening of the connecting hole 204 to reduce the flow rate from the premixing chamber 202 into the first mixing chamber 2031, causing the gas pressure in the premixing chamber 202 to increase. The moving part 401 drives the extrusion part 402 to gradually move downward. The extrusion part 402 drives the moving spiral 302 to deflect further through the pressure block and the rotating cylinder 303, so that the angle between the fixed spiral 301 and the moving spiral 302 is widened (the angle is controlled between 50° and 90°). This causes the gas to cut more frequently between the fixed spiral 301 and the moving spiral 302. Through more intense radial mixing and reverse rotation, the mixing effect of the gas in the mixing device 2 is improved.

[0087] It should be noted that the extrusion section 402 is symmetrically distributed on the upper surface of the movable section 401. The two extrusion sections 402 are respectively connected to the rotating cylinder 303 in the two mixing chambers. When the movable section 401 drives the extrusion section 402 to move downward, the movable spiral 302 located in the first mixing chamber 2031 and the second mixing chamber 2032 deflects synchronously, so as to increase the angle between the fixed spiral 301 and the movable spiral 302, thereby improving the mixing effect of the gas in the mixing device 2.

[0088] When the cells inside the cell culture chamber require a high degree of gas mixing (e.g., embryonic stem cells), the controller 9 further reduces the opening size of the connecting hole 204 by controlling the regulating valve. At this time, the carbon dioxide and oxygen entering the premixing chamber 202 are compressed to a certain extent before entering the first mixing chamber 2031 through the connecting hole 204. During the compression of the carbon dioxide and oxygen in the premixing chamber 202, the gas pressure pushes the movable part 401 downwards. The movable part 401, through the extrusion part 402, causes the movable spiral 302 to deflect, thus widening the angle between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301 (the angle is controlled between 80° and 90°). This increases the number of cuts between the fixed spiral 301 and the movable spiral 302, resulting in more intense radial mixing and reverse rotation, thus improving the mixing effect of the gas in the mixing device 2. With the increase in the number of cuts, the gas resistance increases, and the friction coefficient rises, reducing the gas flowability to meet the requirements of high-precision concentration.

[0089] After the gas is mixed in the first mixing chamber 2031, it enters the second mixing chamber 2032 through the through hole 2033. At this time, the concentration sensor located inside the through hole 2033 detects the concentration of the mixed gas passing through the through hole 2033.

[0090] When the concentration sensor detects that the concentration of the mixed gas passing through the through hole 2033 is within the set range, it indicates that the gas has been fully mixed in the first mixing chamber 2031. At this time, the regulating valve in the connecting hole 204 remains in its current state. After the mixed gas passes through the second mixing chamber 2032, it enters the heating module 8 through the gas outlet pipe 6.

[0091] When the concentration sensor detects that the concentration of the mixed gas passing through the through hole 2033 is not within the set range, it indicates that the gas mixing effect in the first mixing chamber 2031 is poor, resulting in uneven mixing of carbon dioxide and oxygen. At this time, the controller 9 controls the regulating valve in the connecting hole 204 to operate, and the regulating valve continuously expands and contracts the opening of the connecting hole 204.

[0092] When the regulating valve expands the opening of the connecting hole 204, the flow rate from the premixing chamber 202 into the first mixing chamber 2031 increases. At this time, the moving part 401 drives the extrusion part 402 to gradually move upward under the elastic recovery capability of the elastic element 403. The extrusion part 402 drives the moving spiral 302 to deflect in the opposite direction through the pressure block and the rotating cylinder 303.

[0093] When the regulating valve reduces the opening of the connecting hole 204, the flow rate of the premixing chamber 202 into the first mixing chamber 2031 is further reduced, the air pressure in the premixing chamber 202 increases, the moving part 401 drives the extrusion part 402 to move downward, and the extrusion part 402 drives the moving spiral 302 to deflect in the positive direction through the pressure block and the rotating cylinder 303.

[0094] As the regulating valve continuously expands and contracts the opening of the connecting hole 204, the movable spiral 302 located in the first mixing chamber 2031 and the second mixing chamber 2032 continuously rotates in both directions. That is, the spiral assembly 3 changes from a static mixing state to a dynamic mixing state. The movable spiral 302 rotating in both directions continuously disturbs the gas in different directions, thereby making the gas entering the first mixing chamber 2031 and the second mixing chamber 2032 more fully mixed to meet the requirements of high gas concentration accuracy.

[0095] It should be noted that: because the pitch of the swirl groove 304 in the first mixing chamber 2031 is greater than that in the second mixing chamber 2032, when the regulating valve continuously expands and contracts the opening of the connecting hole 204, the rotation speed of the movable spiral 302 in the first mixing chamber 2031 is less than that in the second mixing chamber 2032. This allows the mixed gas entering the second mixing chamber 2032 to be mixed more uniformly, meeting the requirements for high-precision concentration and preventing uneven mixing of the mixed gas entering the second mixing chamber 2032. A normal rotation speed would not create sufficient disturbance, resulting in uneven mixing of the mixed gas entering the cell culture chamber.

[0096] It should be noted that in this embodiment, when the movable part 401 moves from the middle region to the bottom region of the premixing chamber 202, the pressure block on the extrusion part 402 moves from the top to the bottom of the swirl groove 304. When the pressure block moves from the top to the bottom of the swirl groove 304, the number of rotations of the movable spiral 302 is greater than one. The number of rotations of the movable spiral 302 is adjusted by setting the pitch and number of rotations of the swirl groove 304. The angle between the movable spiral 302 and the fixed spiral 301 is controlled by controlling the position of the movable part 401 in the premixing chamber 202.

[0097] Example 3

[0098] Although the gas supply device for cell culture chambers designed in the above embodiments can meet the precise requirements of different cells for gas mixing concentration to a certain extent, in long-term practical applications, the heating module and mixing device in the gas supply device lack monitoring mechanisms for gas concentration and gas temperature, and cannot build an effective concentration and temperature compensation system. In view of this, technical improvements are made based on Embodiment 2, and the improved technical solution is as follows:

[0099] This invention proposes a gas concentration and temperature compensation method based on cell culture:

[0100] Step 1: Data Acquisition: Collect gas concentration and temperature data through the concentration acquisition unit and the temperature acquisition unit.

[0101] The concentration acquisition unit includes a concentration sensor located inside the through hole 2033, which is used to detect the concentration of the mixed gas passing through the through hole 2033.

[0102] The temperature acquisition unit includes a temperature sensing element 803 (temperature sensor), which is located inside the heat conduction cavity 802 and is used to measure the temperature of the mixed gas in the heat conduction cavity 802 in real time.

[0103] By setting appropriate sampling frequencies for the temperature and concentration acquisition units, gas concentration and temperature data are continuously collected. For example, data can be collected every 1 to 5 minutes to capture dynamic changes in environmental parameters.

[0104] Step 2: Model building: Construct a mathematical model of gas concentration and temperature changes in the cell culture environment, and establish curves for the changes in temperature and gas concentration.

[0105] By integrating the core physical properties of the culture container (material thermal conductivity, geometric dimensions, ventilation efficiency) with real-time environmental parameters (CO2 concentration gradient, temperature distribution), a dynamic environmental database is established.

[0106] Based on the construction of a dynamic environment database, machine learning algorithms are used for modeling. This embodiment selects Long Short-Term Memory (LSTM) networks from neural network algorithms for time-series modeling, and combines it with algorithms such as Support Vector Machine (SVM) to train a multimodal empirical model. The model adopts a hierarchical architecture:

[0107] Input layer: Integrates container parameters and real-time sensor data, including key indicators such as gas concentration and temperature.

[0108] Hidden layer: Through in-depth analysis, the nonlinear mapping relationships between environmental parameters and cell growth rate, survival rate, and differentiation state are revealed. This process references studies on the correlation between single-cell transcriptome data and metabolites to enhance the biological rationale of the model.

[0109] Output layer: Based on the input data and the analysis results of the hidden layer, dynamic environmental regulation curves for specific cell types are generated, providing a scientific basis for the precise regulation of the cell culture environment.

[0110] To facilitate user operation and data interpretation, this embodiment includes a display screen electrically connected to the controller 9 on the housing 1 to achieve interactive visualization functions. The content displayed on the screen mainly includes the following two aspects:

[0111] Customized environmental curve display: Based on the cell type selected by the user, such as human stem cells or hypoxia-tolerant cells, the system dynamically displays the temperature-CO2 concentration synergistic change curve. For example, in the stem cell maturation cycle, a CO2 pulse regulation strategy is employed, and this is visually displayed through a graphical interface.

[0112] Growth Status Prediction Dashboard: Real-time mapping of the impact of environmental parameter fluctuations on cell morphology (such as pseudopodia formation) and metabolic activity (ATP production rate). Through this visual dashboard, users can intuitively understand the correlation between changes in environmental parameters and cell phenotype, providing a reference for optimizing the cell culture process.

[0113] Step 3: Algorithm Design: Based on the established model, design a compensation algorithm for gas concentration and temperature.

[0114] This embodiment, tailored to the actual needs of biological culture equipment, employs a classic PID control algorithm to design a gas concentration and temperature compensation system. When a deviation of the gas concentration or temperature from the set value is detected, the algorithm calculates the amount of adjustment required. For example, if the temperature is lower than the set value, the algorithm calculates the amount of heat the heating equipment needs to provide based on the magnitude of the temperature drop and model predictions.

[0115] The PID control algorithm system is explained in detail in the following layers:

[0116] Gas concentration compensation design principle:

[0117] Dynamic proportional control (P-stage): The system employs a dynamic proportional control mechanism for gas concentration compensation.

[0118] When the sensor detects that the concentration of the target gas (e.g., CO2) is lower than the set value, the system rapidly increases the opening of the solenoid valve according to the deviation ratio to quickly replenish the gas. For example, when the CO2 concentration drops by 5%, the valve opening will increase proportionally, thus achieving instantaneous response.

[0119] Integration eliminates steady-state error (I-term): To address the long-term concentration drift problem caused by environmental temperature fluctuations (such as changes in CO2 solubility due to diurnal temperature differences), the integral term continuously accumulates small deviations.

[0120] When the cumulative deviation exceeds the preset threshold, the system automatically fine-tunes the gas supply to eliminate the concentration deviation after long-term operation and ensure that the concentration is maintained within the set range (e.g., 5%CO2±0.2%).

[0121] Differential suppression of sudden changes (D-term): When external disturbances occur (such as sudden changes in airflow caused by opening the incubator door), the differential term adjusts in advance according to the rate of concentration change. For example, when the CO2 concentration drops by 2% in 1 second, the system can predict the downward trend and increase the gas supply in advance, thereby effectively suppressing concentration oscillations.

[0122] Multi-gas coordinated control: The system adopts a cascaded PID structure for multi-gas coordinated control.

[0123] The main PID calculates the total O2 / CO2 ratio based on the target concentration, while the secondary PID controls the opening of the dual-channel solenoid valves to ensure the accuracy of the mixed gas ratio.

[0124] Temperature compensation design principle:

[0125] The system adopts a partitioned weighted control strategy, dividing the cultivation area into a core cultivation area, an edge buffer zone, and an air intake preheating zone, and assigning different weights and control objectives to each.

[0126] The core culture area (weight 60%) is preferentially maintained at 37℃±0.1℃ to quickly respond to temperature fluctuations;

[0127] An edge buffer (weight 30%) allows for 36.8℃ ± 0.3℃ to avoid excessive energy consumption;

[0128] The intake preheating zone (weight 10%) is set at 38℃±0.5℃ to compensate for heat loss during gas inflow.

[0129] Meanwhile, the system monitors the ambient temperature via an auxiliary temperature sensor. When a change in ambient temperature is detected (such as the start / stop of the laboratory air conditioner), the thermoelectric potential reading is corrected in real time. For example, when the ambient temperature rises by 2°C, the software will automatically adjust the reading upwards by 0.5°C to compensate for measurement errors.

[0130] When the temperature deviation exceeds 1°C (e.g., due to abnormal temperature rise caused by a heating module malfunction), the system will suspend the integral term and only activate proportional-derivative control to avoid cell damage from continuous heating. Simultaneously, the system will trigger an alarm and cut off the heat source to ensure safety.

[0131] It is important to note that the PID control system in this embodiment adaptively adjusts according to the cell growth stage. During stem cell differentiation, the system increases the proportional coefficient (P) and derivative coefficient (D) to quickly respond to temperature fluctuations caused by metabolic heat production; during cell maturation, the system enhances the integral coefficient (I) to maintain long-term temperature steady state.

[0132] Meanwhile, the system uses an embedded periodic perturbation algorithm to adjust CO2 concentration (±0.5%) and temperature (±0.3℃) according to a 24-hour cycle to simulate the human circadian rhythm and promote the physiological maturation of stem cells.

[0133] Step 4: Execution Control: Based on the results of the algorithm calculation, adjust the gas supply system accordingly.

[0134] Step 5: Monitoring and Optimization: Continuously monitor gas concentration, temperature, and cell growth status to optimize and adjust the algorithm.

[0135] Cell growth is assessed by observing cell morphology under a microscope and detecting cell metabolites using biochemical analysis. If poor cell growth is detected, the analysis may indicate inaccurate gas concentration or temperature control. The algorithm parameters are then adjusted to improve control precision and stability.

[0136] It is important to note that:

[0137] Finally, it should be noted that the above description is only a preferred embodiment of the present invention and is not intended to limit the present invention. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art can still modify the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments or make equivalent substitutions for some of the technical features. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, improvements, etc., made within the spirit and principles of the present invention should be included within the protection scope of the present invention.

[0138] Although embodiments of the invention have been shown and described, those skilled in the art will recognize that various changes, modifications, substitutions and variations can be made to these embodiments without departing from the principles and spirit of the invention, the scope of which is defined by the appended claims and their equivalents.

Claims

1. A carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture, comprising a housing, characterized in that, The shell is equipped with a mixing device. Gas enters the mixing device through the inlet pipe and is mixed. The mixed gas enters the heating module through the outlet pipe. The heating module heats the mixed gas and then it enters the cell culture chamber. The mixing device is symmetrically equipped with spiral components, which include staggered fixed spirals and movable spirals. The fixed spirals are fixedly connected to the mixing device, and the movable spirals are rotatably connected to the fixed spirals. Below the spiral assembly is a pressure-receiving component, which is connected to the movable spiral body. By adjusting the pressure of the pressure-receiving component, the angle between the movable spiral body and the fixed spiral body is changed to adapt to the gas supply requirements of different cells. The mixing device includes: a body, which is fixedly disposed inside the housing; A premixing chamber is located in the bottom region of the machine body, and the pressure-bearing component is located inside the premixing chamber; A mixing section is located above the premixing chamber, and the spiral assembly is located inside the mixing section; A connecting hole is located at the junction of the premixing chamber and the mixing section, and an adjusting element is provided on it to adjust the flow rate of gas entering the mixing section through the connecting hole; The mixing section includes a first mixing chamber and a second mixing chamber, which are symmetrically arranged above the premixing chamber, and each chamber is equipped with a spiral assembly inside. A through-hole is provided, through which the first mixing chamber and the second mixing chamber are interconnected, and a gas concentration detection unit is provided inside the through-hole; The movable helix is ​​rotatably connected to the fixed helix via a rotating cylinder. The rotating cylinder is provided with a rotating groove, and the rotating cylinder is connected to the pressure-bearing component through the rotating groove. The pressure-bearing component includes: a movable part, which is disposed inside the premixing chamber and slidably connected to the premixing chamber; The extrusion section has a top with a movable part, and a pressure block is provided at one end of the extrusion section located inside the rotating cylinder. The pressure block is in contact with the rotating groove. An elastic element is provided at the bottom of the movable part to buffer the pressure on the extrusion part; The pitch of the swirl groove located in the first mixing chamber is greater than the pitch of the swirl groove located in the second mixing chamber; Because the pitch of the swirl groove in the first mixing chamber is greater than that in the second mixing chamber, when the regulating valve continuously expands and contracts the opening of the connecting hole, the rotation speed of the active spiral in the first mixing chamber is less than that of the active spiral in the second mixing chamber. This allows the mixed gas entering the second mixing chamber to be mixed more uniformly, thus meeting the requirements for high-precision concentration.

2. The carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture according to claim 1, characterized in that, The heating module includes: a heating base connected to the gas outlet pipe, and a heat-conducting cavity inside for heating the mixed gas; A heating unit, which is installed inside the heating base, provides heat to the heat conduction cavity; A temperature sensing element, which is located inside the heat-conducting cavity, is used to detect the temperature change of the mixed gas when it is heated; The air outlet is located on the outside of the heating base and is connected to the heat conduction cavity. The heated mixed gas enters the cell culture chamber through the air outlet.

3. The carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The gas outlet pipe is equipped with a filter, which is used to filter impurities in the mixed gas.

4. The carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The air outlet of the air inlet pipe enters the premixing chamber through a proportional valve, where the gas undergoes preliminary mixing.

5. The carbon dioxide gas supply device for cell culture according to claim 2, characterized in that, The housing contains a controller, and all electrical components inside the housing are electrically connected to the controller.

Citation Information

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