Mechanical loading cell culture device

Abstract

This invention relates to a mechanically loaded cell culture device, comprising a culture chamber. The culture chamber contains a soft stimulation mechanism, a temperature stimulation mechanism, and a hard stimulation mechanism. The soft stimulation mechanism consists of a compression airbag and an air pump. The temperature stimulation mechanism consists of a hot air blower, a first connecting pipe, a cold air blower, and a second connecting pipe. The hard stimulation mechanism consists of a push rod, a spring, a lead screw, a sliding rod, a moving plate, and an electric push rod. This invention uses a drive motor to rotate the lead screw, which in turn moves the moving plate. The moving plate then moves the electric push rod, which activates after passing a contact block, contacting the block and causing it to move upwards. This allows the push rod to contact the culture container through a slot, enabling observation of the internal changes in the cells after hard stimulation during subsequent culture.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of cell culture apparatus technology, and more particularly to mechanically loaded cell culture apparatus. Background Technology

[0002] A mechanical cell culture apparatus is a device used to simulate and regulate the mechanical environment of cells. It provides a platform that can simulate the physiological and mechanical conditions experienced by cells to study processes such as cell growth, migration, differentiation, and adaptation.

[0003] However, in the prior art, existing mechanical cell culture devices, such as the cell culture device for applying mechanical stimulation to cells disclosed on the Chinese Patent Network (authorization announcement number CN101603005B), can observe the dynamic changes of cells at the molecular level in real time through a microscope set below the vacuum chamber. By controlling the shape and size of the elastic membrane and the cross-sectional shape of the vacuum chamber, different types of mechanical stimulation can be generated, which can better simulate the complex mechanical environment in vivo.

[0004] However, this patented technology can only generate mechanical stimulation through soft contact with the elastic membrane, and cannot provide the dynamic changes that cells produce when they encounter hard mechanical stimulation, or the internal changes that cells produce at different temperatures.

[0005] Therefore, the applicant proposes a novel mechanically loaded cell culture device to solve the above problems. Summary of the Invention

[0006] In view of the above-mentioned problems existing in the prior art, the main objective of the present invention is to provide a mechanically loaded cell culture device.

[0007] The technical solution of the present invention is as follows: a mechanically loaded cell culture device, including a culture chamber, wherein a soft stimulation mechanism, a temperature stimulation mechanism and a hard stimulation mechanism are respectively arranged inside the culture chamber; The soft stimulation mechanism consists of a compression airbag and an air pump; The temperature stimulation mechanism consists of a hot air blower, a first connecting pipe, a cold air blower, and a second connecting pipe; The rigid stimulation mechanism consists of a push rod, spring, cam, gear, lead screw, sliding rod, moving plate and electric push rod; The incubator is fixedly connected to a placement plate, and a culture container is placed on top of the placement plate. The soft stimulation mechanism is located above the culture container.

[0008] In a preferred embodiment, the two ends of the compression airbag are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the incubator, the air pump is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator, the output end of the air pump extends into the interior of the incubator and into the interior of the compression airbag, and the input end of the air pump is fixedly connected to an air inlet pipe.

[0009] In a preferred embodiment, the temperature stimulation mechanism is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator, the hot air blower is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator, the output end of the hot air blower is fixedly connected to a first connecting pipe, the end of the first connecting pipe away from the hot air blower extends into the interior of the incubator, the cold air blower is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator and to the side away from the hot air blower, the output end of the cold air blower is fixedly connected to a second connecting pipe, the end of the second connecting pipe away from the cold air blower extends into the interior of the incubator.

[0010] In a preferred embodiment, the rigid stimulation mechanism is positioned below the culture container. A fixed plate is fixedly connected inside the culture chamber and below the fixed plate. A push rod is equidistantly slidably connected inside the fixed plate. A contact plate is fixedly connected to the bottom of each push rod and below the fixed plate. A spring is sleeved on the outer side of each push rod between the contact plate and the fixed plate. A connecting groove for use with the push rod is equidistantly formed inside the placement plate. A cam is rotatably connected inside each connecting groove via a rotating shaft. A gear is fixedly connected to the outer side of each cam and outside the rotating shaft. Teeth are provided at three-quarters of the outer side of the gear. The top of each push rod extends into the corresponding connecting groove. Teeth are provided on the side of the push rod closest to the corresponding gear. The number of teeth on the gear and the push rod are the same.

[0011] In a preferred embodiment, the bottom of the incubator is symmetrically and fixedly connected to two support legs, and a lead screw is rotatably connected between the two support legs. A sliding rod is fixedly connected between the two support legs and on one side of the lead screw. A movable plate is provided between the outer sides of the sliding rod and the lead screw. The movable plate is slidably connected to the sliding rod and threadedly connected to the lead screw. An electric push rod is fixedly connected to the top of the movable plate. A slot is opened at the bottom of the incubator, and the output end of the electric push rod extends into the interior of the incubator through the slot. A drive motor is fixedly connected to the outer side of one of the support legs, and the output end of the drive motor extends to one side of the corresponding support leg and is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw.

[0012] In a preferred embodiment, an exhaust pipe is fixedly connected to one side of the incubator and between the placement plate and the compression airbag, and one end of the exhaust pipe extends to the outside of the incubator and is fixedly connected to a valve.

[0013] In a preferred embodiment, a pressure sensor is fixedly connected to one side of the inner wall of the incubator, and a temperature sensor is fixedly connected to one side of the inner wall of the incubator and below the pressure sensor.

[0014] In a preferred embodiment, the incubator is rotatably connected to a door, the inside of which is fitted with a viewing glass. An electronic display is fixedly connected to the outside of the door and below the viewing glass. A control button is fixedly connected to the outside of the door and outside the electronic display. A controller is fixedly connected to the outside of the door and to the side of the control button. A handle is fixedly connected to the outside of the door and to the side of the controller away from the control button.

[0015] In a preferred embodiment, both the hot air blower and the cold air blower have heat dissipation slots equidistantly spaced on their tops.

[0016] In a preferred embodiment, the air pump, hot air blower, cold air blower, electric push rod, and drive motor are all electrically connected to the controller, and the pressure sensor and temperature sensor are all electrically connected to the electronic display.

[0017] Compared with the prior art, the advantages and positive effects of the present invention are as follows: 1. The drive motor drives the lead screw to rotate, which in turn drives the moving plate to move. When the moving plate moves, it drives the electric push rod to move. The electric push rod is activated after passing the contact block, so that it contacts the contact block and drives it to move upward. This allows the push rod to contact the culture container through the slot. In the subsequent culture process, the internal changes of the cells in the culture container after being subjected to hard stimulation can be observed. 2. The air pump draws air into the squeezing bladder, causing it to expand. This expands the bladder and makes it contact the culture container, generating stimulation through this soft contact. This allows for observation of the internal changes in the cells within the culture container after the soft stimulation during the subsequent culture process. 3. After air enters the hot air blower or cold air blower, it is heated or cooled to the preset temperature and then discharged into the incubator. This allows the cells inside the culture container to be in different temperature environments, so that the internal changes of the cells in the culture container after being stimulated by different temperatures can be observed during the subsequent culture process. Attached Figure Description

[0018] Figure 1 This invention provides an isometric view of a mechanically loaded cell culture apparatus in a top view. Figure 2 This invention provides an isometric view of a mechanically loaded cell culture device in a bottom-view state. Figure 3This invention provides a schematic diagram of the internal structure of a mechanically loaded cell culture device; Figure 4 A front sectional view of a mechanically loaded cell culture apparatus is provided for this invention; Figure 5 This invention provides a mechanically loaded cell culture device. Figure 4 Enlarged view of point A in the middle; Figure 6 This invention provides a mechanically loaded cell culture device. Figure 4 Enlarged view of point B in the middle; Figure 7 This invention provides a schematic diagram of the circuit structure of a mechanically loaded cell culture device; Figure 8 This invention provides a schematic diagram showing the connection status of the pressure sensor, temperature sensor, and address display table in a mechanically loaded cell culture device.

[0019] Legend: 1. Incubator; 2. Placement plate; 3. Culture container; 4. Compression airbag; 5. Air pump; 6. Air inlet pipe; 7. Hot air blower; 8. First connecting pipe; 9. Cold air blower; 10. Second connecting pipe; 11. Fixing plate; 12. Top rod; 13. Contact plate; 14. Spring; 15. Connecting groove; 16. Support leg; 17. Lead screw; 18. Sliding rod; 19. Moving plate; 20. Electric push rod; 21. Groove; 22. Drive motor; 23. Exhaust pipe; 24. Valve; 25. Pressure sensor; 26. Temperature sensor; 27. Door; 28. Viewing glass; 29. ​​Electronic display; 30. Control button; 31. Controller; 32. Handle; 33. Heat dissipation groove; 34. Cam; 35. Gear. Detailed Implementation

[0020] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some, not all, of the embodiments of the present invention. The components of the embodiments of the present invention described and shown in the accompanying drawings can generally be arranged and designed in various different configurations. Therefore, the following detailed description of the embodiments of the present invention provided in the accompanying drawings is not intended to limit the scope of the claimed invention, but merely to illustrate selected embodiments of the invention. All other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art based on the embodiments of the present invention without inventive effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0021] In the description of this invention, it should be noted that the terms "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," and "outer," etc., indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings. They are used only for the convenience of describing the invention and for simplifying the description, and do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, they should not be construed as limitations on the invention. Furthermore, the terms "first," "second," and "third" are used for descriptive purposes only and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0022] In the description of this invention, it should also be noted that, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "set," "install," "connect," and "link" should be interpreted broadly. For example, they can refer to a fixed connection, a detachable connection, or an integral connection; they can refer to a mechanical connection or an electrical connection; they can refer to a direct connection or an indirect connection through an intermediate medium; and they can refer to the internal connection of two components. Those skilled in the art can understand the specific meaning of the above terms in this invention according to the specific circumstances.

[0023] The present invention will be further described below with reference to the accompanying drawings and specific embodiments.

[0024] Example 1 like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 As shown, the present invention provides a technical solution: including an incubator 1, wherein the interior of the incubator 1 is respectively provided with a soft stimulation mechanism, a temperature stimulation mechanism and a hard stimulation mechanism; The soft stimulation mechanism consists of a compression airbag 4 and an air pump 5; The temperature stimulation mechanism consists of a hot air blower 7, a first connecting pipe 8, a cold air blower 9, and a second connecting pipe 10. The rigid stimulation mechanism consists of a top rod 12, a spring 14, a cam 34, a gear 35, a lead screw 17, a sliding rod 18, a moving plate 19, and an electric push rod 20. The incubator 1 is fixedly connected to a placement plate 2, and a culture container 3 is placed on top of the placement plate 2. The soft stimulation mechanism is located above the culture container 3. The two ends of the compression airbag 4 are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the incubator 1, the air pump 5 is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator 1, the output end of the air pump 5 extends into the interior of the incubator 1 and into the interior of the compression airbag 4, and the input end of the air pump 5 is fixedly connected to the air inlet pipe 6. Based on the above statements, supplementary information, and explanation of the underlying principles: Air pump 5 draws air into the squeezing airbag 4, causing the squeezing airbag 4 to expand. This expands the squeezing airbag 4 and brings it into contact with the culture container 3. This soft contact generates stimulation, allowing the internal changes of the cells in the culture container 3 to be observed during subsequent culture.

[0025] The temperature stimulation mechanism is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator 1. The hot air blower 7 is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator 1. The output end of the hot air blower 7 is fixedly connected to a first connecting pipe 8. The end of the first connecting pipe 8 away from the hot air blower 7 extends into the interior of the incubator 1. The cold air blower 9 is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator 1 and to the side away from the hot air blower 7. The output end of the cold air blower 9 is fixedly connected to a second connecting pipe 10. The end of the second connecting pipe 10 away from the cold air blower 9 extends into the interior of the incubator 1. Based on the above statements, supplementary information, and explanation of the underlying principles: After air enters the hot air blower 7, it is heated to a preset temperature and discharged into the incubator 1 through the first connecting pipe 8. This allows the cells inside the culture container 3 to be in a high-temperature environment, so that the internal changes of the cells in the culture container 3 after being stimulated by high temperature can be observed during the subsequent culture process. After air enters the cold air blower 9, it is cooled to a preset temperature and discharged into the incubator 1 through the second connecting pipe 10. This allows the cells inside the culture container 3 to be in a low-temperature environment, so that the internal changes of the cells in the culture container 3 after being stimulated by low temperature can be observed during the subsequent culture process.

[0026] The rigid stimulation mechanism is located below the culture container 3. A fixed plate 11 is fixedly connected inside the culture chamber 1 and below the fixed plate 11. A push rod 12 is equidistantly slidably connected inside the fixed plate 11. A contact plate 13 is fixedly connected to the bottom of each push rod 12 and below the fixed plate 11. A spring 14 is sleeved on the outer side of each push rod 12 between the contact plate 13 and the fixed plate 11. A connecting groove 15, equidistantly spaced inside the placement plate 2, is used to engage with the push rod 12. A cam 34 is rotatably connected inside each connecting groove 15 via a rotating shaft. A gear 35 is fixedly connected to the outer side of each cam 34 and outside the rotating shaft. Teeth are provided at three-quarters of the outer side of the gear 35. The top of each push rod 12 extends into the corresponding connecting groove 15. Teeth are provided on the side of each push rod 12 near the corresponding gear 35. The gear 35 and the push rod 12 have the same number of teeth. Two support legs 16 are symmetrically fixedly connected to the bottom of the incubator 1. A lead screw 17 is rotatably connected between the two support legs 16. A sliding rod 18 is fixedly connected between the two support legs 16 and on one side of the lead screw 17. A moving plate 19 is provided between the outer side of the sliding rod 18 and the lead screw 17. The moving plate 19 is slidably connected to the sliding rod 18. The moving plate 19 is threadedly connected to the lead screw 17. An electric push rod 20 is fixedly connected to the top of the moving plate 19. A slot 21 is opened at the bottom of the incubator 1. The output end of the electric push rod 20 extends into the interior of the incubator 1 through the slot 21. A drive motor 22 is fixedly connected to the outer side of one of the support legs 16. The output end of the drive motor 22 extends to one side of the corresponding support leg 16 and is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw 17. Based on the above statements, supplementary information, and explanation of the underlying principles: The drive motor 22 drives the lead screw 17 to rotate, which in turn moves the moving plate 19. The moving plate 19 then moves the electric push rod 20, which in turn activates after passing the contact block 13, contacting and moving it upwards. This allows the push rod 12 to move upwards as well. During this movement, the push rod 12 meshes with the gear 35, which is a three-quarter gear with the same number of teeth as the push rod 12. Therefore, the movement of the push rod 12 drives the gear... The gear 35 rotates, causing the cam 34 to rotate. When the cam 34 rotates, it will contact and impact the culture container 3, resulting in the first hard contact. After the gear 35 is engaged, the cam 34 will be reset by gravity, and the push rod 12 will continue to rise, making a second hard contact with the culture container 3. During the descent, the push rod 12 will engage with one tooth on the gear 35, causing the gear 35 to rotate slightly. However, since there are no teeth that continue to engage, the gear 35 will not rotate.

[0027] Example 2 like Figure 1 , Figure 2 , Figure 3 , Figure 4 , Figure 5 , Figure 6 , Figure 7 , Figure 8 As shown, an exhaust pipe 23 is fixedly connected to one side of the incubator 1 and between the placement plate 2 and the compression airbag 4. One end of the exhaust pipe 23 extends to the outside of the incubator 1 and is fixedly connected to a valve 24. Based on the above statements, supplementary information, and explanation of the underlying principles: With this setup, valve 24 can be used to vent air from the incubator 1, preventing excessive internal air pressure.

[0028] A pressure sensor 25 is fixedly connected to one side of the inner wall of the incubator 1, and a temperature sensor 26 is fixedly connected to one side of the inner wall of the incubator 1 and below the pressure sensor 25. Based on the above statements, supplementary information, and explanation of the underlying principles: By setting pressure sensor 25, the air pressure inside incubator 1 can be monitored to prevent excessive pressure. Similarly, temperature sensor 26 can monitor the temperature inside incubator 1 to prevent excessively high or low temperatures. The incubator 1 is rotatably connected to a door 27. A viewing glass 28 is embedded inside the door 27. An electronic display 29 is fixedly connected to the outside of the door 27 and below the viewing glass 28. A control button 30 is fixedly connected to the outside of the door 27 and outside the electronic display 29. A controller 31 is fixedly connected to the outside of the door 27 and to one side of the control button 30. A handle 32 is fixedly connected to the outside of the door 27 and to the side of the controller 31 away from the control button 30. Heat dissipation slots 33 are equidistantly opened on the top of both the hot air blower 7 and the cold air blower 9. Based on the above statements, supplementary information, and explanation of the underlying principles: The inclusion of a viewing glass 28 facilitates better observation by staff, while the inclusion of a handle 32 makes it easier to open the cabinet door 27. The air pump 5, hot air blower 7, cold air blower 9, electric push rod 20 and drive motor 22 are all electrically connected to the controller 31, and the pressure sensor 25 and temperature sensor 26 are all electrically connected to the electronic display 29. Based on the above statements, supplementary information, and explanation of the underlying principles: The above settings facilitate better control of the air pump 5, hot air blower 7, cold air blower 9, electric push rod 20, and drive motor 22 by the controller 31, while the electronic display 29 can better display the information collected by the pressure sensor 25 and temperature sensor 26.

[0029] Finally, it should be noted that the above-described embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and are not intended to limit them. Although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features therein. Such modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A mechanically loaded cell culture device, comprising an incubator (1), characterized in that: The incubator (1) is equipped with a soft stimulation mechanism, a temperature stimulation mechanism and a hard stimulation mechanism. The soft stimulation mechanism consists of a squeezing airbag (4) and an air pump (5); The temperature stimulation mechanism consists of a hot air blower (7), a first connecting pipe (8), a cold air blower (9), and a second connecting pipe (10); The rigid stimulation mechanism consists of a top rod (12), a spring (14), a cam (34), a gear (35), a lead screw (17), a sliding rod (18), a moving plate (19), and an electric push rod (20); The incubator (1) is fixedly connected to a placement plate (2), and a culture container (3) is placed on top of the placement plate (2). The soft stimulation mechanism is located above the culture container (3).

2. The mechanically loaded cell culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The two ends of the compression airbag (4) are fixedly connected to the inner wall of the incubator (1), the air pump (5) is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator (1), the output end of the air pump (5) extends into the interior of the incubator (1) and into the interior of the compression airbag (4), and the input end of the air pump (5) is fixedly connected to the air inlet pipe (6).

3. The mechanically loaded cell culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The temperature stimulation mechanism is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator (1), the hot air blower (7) is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator (1), the output end of the hot air blower (7) is fixedly connected to a first connecting pipe (8), the end of the first connecting pipe (8) away from the hot air blower (7) extends into the interior of the incubator (1), the cold air blower (9) is fixedly connected to the top of the incubator (1) and to the side away from the hot air blower (7), the output end of the cold air blower (9) is fixedly connected to a second connecting pipe (10), the end of the second connecting pipe (10) away from the cold air blower (9) extends into the interior of the incubator (1).

4. The mechanically loaded cell culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The rigid stimulation mechanism is located below the culture container (3). A fixed plate (11) is fixedly connected inside the culture box (1) and below the fixed plate (11). A top rod (12) is equidistantly slidably connected inside the fixed plate (11). A contact plate (13) is fixedly connected to the bottom of the top rod (12) and below the fixed plate (11). A spring (14) is sleeved on the outside of the top rod (12) between the contact plate (13) and the fixed plate (11). The placement plate (2) has equidistant openings inside. A connecting groove (15) is provided for use with a push rod (12). The interior of the connecting groove (15) is rotatably connected to a cam (34) via a rotating shaft. A gear (35) is fixedly connected to the outside of the cam (34) and located outside the rotating shaft. Teeth are provided at three-quarters of the outer side of the gear (35). The top of the push rod (12) extends into the interior of the corresponding connecting groove (15). Teeth are provided on the side of the push rod (12) close to the corresponding gear (35). The number of teeth of the gear (35) and the push rod (12) is the same.

5. The mechanically loaded cell culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the incubator (1) is symmetrically and fixedly connected to two support legs (16). A lead screw (17) is rotatably connected between the two support legs (16). A sliding rod (18) is fixedly connected between the two support legs (16) and on one side of the lead screw (17). A moving plate (19) is provided between the outer side of the sliding rod (18) and the lead screw (17). The moving plate (19) is slidably connected to the sliding rod (18). The moving plate (19) is threadedly connected to the lead screw (17). An electric push rod (20) is fixedly connected to the top of the moving plate (19). A slot (21) is opened at the bottom of the incubator (1). The output end of the electric push rod (20) extends into the interior of the incubator (1) through the slot (21). A drive motor (22) is fixedly connected to the outer side of one of the support legs (16). The output end of the drive motor (22) extends to one side of the corresponding support leg (16) and is fixedly connected to one end of the lead screw (17).

6. The mechanically loaded cell culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: An exhaust pipe (23) is fixedly connected to one side of the incubator (1) and between the placement plate (2) and the compression airbag (4). One end of the exhaust pipe (23) extends to the outside of the incubator (1) and is fixedly connected to a valve (24).

7. The mechanically loaded cell culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: A pressure sensor (25) is fixedly connected to one side of the inner wall of the incubator (1), and a temperature sensor (26) is fixedly connected to one side of the inner wall of the incubator (1) and below the pressure sensor (25).

8. The mechanically loaded cell culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The incubator (1) is rotatably connected to a door (27). A viewing glass (28) is embedded inside the door (27). An electronic display (29) is fixedly connected to the outside of the door (27) and below the viewing glass (28). A control button (30) is fixedly connected to the outside of the door (27) and outside the electronic display (29). A controller (31) is fixedly connected to the outside of the door (27) and to the side of the control button (30). A handle (32) is fixedly connected to the outside of the door (27) and to the side of the controller (31) away from the control button (30).

9. The mechanically loaded cell culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that: The top of both the hot air blower (7) and the cold air blower (9) are provided with heat dissipation slots (33) at equal intervals.

10. The mechanically loaded cell culture device according to claim 7, characterized in that: The air pump (5), hot air blower (7), cold air blower (9), electric push rod (20) and drive motor (22) are all electrically connected to the controller (31), and the pressure sensor (25) and temperature sensor (26) are all electrically connected to the electronic display (29).

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