Organ chip culture device

Abstract

This application provides an organ-on-a-chip culture device, relating to the field of organoid technology. The device includes a culture platform comprising a first lower support platform, a first upper support platform, and a first support frame. The top end of the first support frame is connected to the first upper support platform, and the bottom end of the first support frame is connected to the first lower support platform. The first lower support platform is used to house an incubator, which has an airflow port. The incubator contains organ-on-a-chip components. A gas guiding mechanism is vertically and flexibly positioned on the upper side of the incubator. The gas guiding mechanism has an openable and closable valve port for connecting to the airflow port. A drive mechanism is located on the first upper support platform and is drively connected to the gas guiding mechanism. The drive mechanism drives the gas guiding mechanism to move vertically, thereby connecting or separating the valve port from the airflow port. The organ-on-a-chip culture device provided in this application achieves automatic docking of the valve port and the airflow port, avoiding contamination introduced by manual operation and improving operational efficiency.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of organoid technology, and more particularly to an organ-on-a-chip culture device. Background Technology

[0002] With the development of science and technology, organoid and organ-on-a-chip culture technologies have enabled cells to differentiate into cell types with organoid specificity. Through organoid culture technology, cell cultures can form spatial tissues similar to the organs they represent and possess some of the corresponding organ's functions. This technology can highly simulate the development of human organs in vitro, reconstructing the structure of human organs, thus replacing traditional animal models and providing more possibilities for the study of human diseases.

[0003] Currently, the culture of organoids and organ-on-a-chip mainly requires specific carbon dioxide incubators. These incubators provide the necessary growth conditions for organoid and organ-on-a-chip culture, such as suitable carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity. During the culture of organoids and organ-on-a-chip, microfluidic pressure technology is a core element in constructing physiologically relevant models. By precisely controlling parameters such as pressure and flow rate, it is possible to simulate the complex microenvironment of organs in vivo.

[0004] In related technologies, organoids and organ-on-a-chip are cultured in an incubator. During culture, pressure lines and the incubator need to be manually connected, which is complicated and increases the risk of contamination. Utility Model Content

[0005] In view of this, the present application provides an organ-on-a-chip culture device that realizes automatic connection between pressure pipelines and incubator, is simple to operate, reduces the risk of contamination, and improves the accuracy of gas delivery.

[0006] To achieve the above objectives, this application provides an organ-on-a-chip culture device, which adopts the following technical solution:

[0007] An organ-on-a-chip culture device provided in this application includes:

[0008] The culture machine includes a first lower support platform, a first upper support platform, and a first support frame. The top end of the first support frame is connected to the first upper support platform, and the bottom end of the first support frame is connected to the first lower support platform. The first lower support platform is used to set up an incubator. The incubator has an air vent, and the incubator is used to set up an organ-on-a-chip.

[0009] An air guiding mechanism is vertically mounted on the upper side of the incubator. The air guiding mechanism has an openable and closable valve port, which is used to connect to the air passage.

[0010] A drive mechanism is provided on the first upper support platform. The drive mechanism is connected to the air guide mechanism. The drive mechanism is used to drive the air guide mechanism to perform lifting and lowering movements so that the valve port is connected to or separated from the air passage.

[0011] In one possible implementation, the drive mechanism includes:

[0012] A driving component is disposed on the first upper support platform, and the driving component has a rotatable output shaft;

[0013] A transmission assembly is connected to the output shaft and the air guide mechanism respectively. The transmission assembly is used to convert the rotation of the output shaft into the lifting motion of the air guide mechanism.

[0014] In one possible implementation, the drive member is fixedly disposed on the side of the first upper support platform opposite to the first lower support platform, and the output shaft is horizontally disposed, with a through hole provided on the first upper support platform;

[0015] At least a portion of the transmission assembly is provided through the through hole to connect the output shaft and the air guide mechanism.

[0016] In one possible implementation, the transmission assembly includes:

[0017] A connecting shaft, which is coaxially arranged and connected to the output shaft;

[0018] A cam component, wherein the cam component is fixed to the connecting shaft;

[0019] A transmission rod, the axis of which is perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft, passes through the through hole, and is connected to the cam component and the air guide mechanism respectively.

[0020] In one possible implementation, the transmission rod includes:

[0021] An actuating rod is inserted vertically through the through hole, and the bottom end of the actuating rod is used to push against the air guiding mechanism;

[0022] A force-receiving plate is located at the top of the actuating rod, and the force-receiving plate is used to cooperate with the cam component.

[0023] In one possible implementation, the air guiding mechanism includes:

[0024] An air guide component is provided with an air guide channel inside. The air guide component is connected to the drive mechanism for transmission so as to perform lifting and lowering movements under the drive of the drive mechanism. The air guide component is used to connect to a pressure supply device.

[0025] The valve group corresponds one-to-one with the incubator. Each valve group includes at least one control valve, which is connected to the gas guide channel and has the valve port.

[0026] In one possible implementation, the air guiding mechanism further includes a driven rod, which is fixed to the air guiding member and arranged opposite to the transmission rod, and the driven rod is separable from the drive mechanism.

[0027] In one possible implementation, the culture platform further includes: a guide group, which corresponds to the gas guiding mechanism, and each guide group includes two guide rods located at both ends of the gas guiding mechanism, the guide rods extending vertically and fixed to the first upper support platform;

[0028] The air guide is provided with guide holes at both ends, and the guide rod passes through the guide holes so that the air guide mechanism and the guide rod are guided and cooperated.

[0029] In one possible implementation, the first support frame consists of two frames respectively located on both sides of the air guiding mechanism along the first direction. Each first support frame includes a crossbeam and a vertical beam. The two ends of the vertical beam are respectively connected to the first upper support platform and the first lower support platform, and the two ends of the crossbeam are respectively connected to the vertical beam.

[0030] The two ends of the guide rod are respectively connected to the crossbeam and the first upper support platform.

[0031] In one possible implementation, the culture machine further includes: an elastic reset member, which is sleeved on the guide rod, and its two ends abut against the crossbeam and the air guide member, respectively.

[0032] The organ-on-a-chip culture device provided in this application embodiment controls the lifting and lowering of the gas delivery mechanism through a drive mechanism, thereby achieving automatic docking between the valve port and the gas flow port. This avoids contamination introduced by manual operation, improves the stability of gas delivery control, enhances the accuracy of gas delivery docking, and improves the standardization and efficiency of the experimental process. Attached Figure Description

[0033] The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute a part of this specification, illustrate corresponding embodiments and, together with the description, serve to explain the principles of the embodiments of this application. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments, and those skilled in the art can obtain other drawings based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0034] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the organ-on-a-chip culture device provided in the embodiments of this application;

[0035] Figure 2 for Figure 1 Schematic diagram of the structure of the medium incubator;

[0036] Figure 3 for Figure 1 A schematic diagram of the drive mechanism;

[0037] Figure 4 for Figure 3 Exploded view of the central drive mechanism;

[0038] Figure 5 for Figure 4 A schematic diagram of the structure of the cam component.

[0039] Explanation of reference numerals in the attached figures:

[0040] 10 - Incubator; 11 - Air vent;

[0041] 100 - Culture machine platform; 110 - First lower support platform; 120 - First upper support platform; 130 - First support frame; 131 - Horizontal beam; 132 - Vertical beam; 140 - Guide assembly; 141 - Guide rod;

[0042] 200 - Air guiding mechanism; 210 - Air guiding component; 220 - Valve assembly; 221 - Control valve; 230 - Driven rod;

[0043] 300-Drive mechanism; 310-Driver component; 320-Transmission assembly; 321-Connecting shaft; 322-Cam component; 3221-Transmission part; 3221a-Receiving port; 3222-Rotating wheel part; 323-Transmission rod; 3231-Actuating rod; 3232-Force-receiving plate; 330-Support component;

[0044] 400 - Elastic reset component.

[0045] The accompanying drawings have illustrated specific embodiments, which will be described in more detail below. These drawings and descriptions are not intended to limit the scope of the embodiments of this application in any way, but rather to illustrate the concepts of the embodiments of this application to those skilled in the art through reference to particular embodiments. Detailed Implementation

[0046] Exemplary embodiments will now be described in detail, examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. When the following description relates to the drawings, unless otherwise indicated, the same numbers in different drawings represent the same or similar elements. The embodiments described in the following exemplary embodiments do not represent all embodiments consistent with those of this application. Rather, they are merely examples of apparatuses and methods consistent with some aspects of the embodiments of this application as detailed in the appended claims.

[0047] Secondly, it should be noted that in the description of the embodiments of this application, the terms "inner" and "outer" and other terms indicating the direction or positional relationship are based on the direction or positional relationship shown in the drawings. This is only for the convenience of description and does not indicate or imply that the device or component must have a specific orientation, or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation. Therefore, it should not be construed as a limitation on the embodiments of this application.

[0048] Furthermore, it should be noted that, in the description of the embodiments of this application, unless otherwise explicitly specified and limited, the terms "connected" and "linked" 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 the embodiments of this application according to the specific circumstances.

[0049] With the development of science and technology, organoid and organ-on-a-chip culture technologies have enabled cells to differentiate into cell types with organoid specificity. Through organoid culture technology, cell cultures can form spatial tissues similar to the organs they represent and possess some of the corresponding organ's functions. This technology can highly simulate the development of human organs in vitro, reconstructing the structure of human organs, thus replacing traditional animal models and providing more possibilities for the study of human diseases.

[0050] Currently, the culture of organoids and organ-on-a-chip mainly requires specific carbon dioxide incubators. These incubators provide the necessary growth conditions for organoid and organ-on-a-chip culture, such as suitable carbon dioxide concentration, temperature, and humidity. During the culture of organoids and organ-on-a-chip, microfluidic pressure technology is a core element in constructing physiologically relevant models. By precisely controlling parameters such as pressure and flow rate, it is possible to simulate the complex microenvironment of organs in vivo.

[0051] In related technologies, organoids and organ-on-a-chip are cultured in incubators. During culture, the pressure tubing and incubator must be manually connected, which is complex and increases the risk of contamination. For example, in microfluidic pressure control, operators need to manually connect the pressure tubing to the air vent of the incubator, resulting in reduced experimental efficiency and increased risk of contamination.

[0052] To address the aforementioned issues, this application provides an organ-on-a-chip culture device that uses a drive mechanism to control the lifting and lowering of the gas delivery mechanism, thereby achieving automatic docking between the valve port and the gas flow port. This avoids contamination introduced by manual operation, improves the stability of gas delivery control, enhances the accuracy of gas delivery docking, and increases the standardization and efficiency of the experimental process.

[0053] The technical solution of this application and how the technical solution of this application solves the above-mentioned technical problems are described in detail below with specific embodiments. The following specific embodiments can be combined with each other, and the same or similar concepts or processes may not be described again in some embodiments.

[0054] The following will combine Figures 1 to 5 The embodiments of this application will be described below.

[0055] Reference Figures 1 to 3 As shown in the embodiment of this application, an organ-on-a-chip culture device includes a culture platform 100, a gas guiding mechanism 200, and a driving mechanism 300.

[0056] The incubator 100 includes a first lower support platform 110, a first upper support platform 120, and a first support frame 130. The top end of the first support frame 130 is connected to the first upper support platform 120, and the bottom end of the first support frame 130 is connected to the first lower support platform 110. The first lower support platform 110 is used to set up the incubator 10. Figure 2 The incubator 10 has an air inlet 11, and the incubator 10 is used to set organ-on-a-chip. The culture platform 100 is the basic structure supporting the incubator 10 and the air guiding mechanism 200. Specifically, it can be realized by combining a metal frame and a support platform. Its function is to provide a stable lifting path for the air guiding mechanism 200 and to ensure the relative positional accuracy of the incubator 10 and the air guiding mechanism 200.

[0057] The gas guiding mechanism 200 is vertically and flexibly mounted on the upper side of the incubator 10. The gas guiding mechanism 200 has an openable and closable valve port for connecting to the gas flow port 11. The gas guiding mechanism 200 is a component for controlling the gas flow. Specifically, it can be implemented using a gas guiding channel with a valve. Its function is to automatically connect the valve port and the gas flow port 11 through lifting and lowering movement, thereby establishing a gas passage between the pressure supply device and the incubator 10.

[0058] A drive mechanism 300 is mounted on the first upper support platform 120. The drive mechanism 300 is connected to the air guiding mechanism 200 via a transmission connection. The drive mechanism 300 drives the air guiding mechanism 200 to perform lifting and lowering movements, thereby connecting or separating the valve port from the air passage 11. The drive mechanism 300 is the power device that drives the movement of the air guiding mechanism 200. Specifically, it can be implemented by a power component and a transmission assembly 320 working together. In one example, a motor and a transmission assembly 320 can work together to convert rotary motion into linear lifting and lowering motion, controlling the displacement of the air guiding mechanism 200. In another example, a cylinder and a transmission component can work together to linearly drive and control the displacement of the air guiding mechanism 200.

[0059] Specifically, the drive mechanism 300 drives the gas guiding mechanism 200 to rise and fall through the transmission component 320. When a gas passage needs to be established, the drive mechanism 300 drives the gas guiding mechanism 200 to fall, so that the valve port is connected to the air passage 11 of the incubator 10. When the connection needs to be disconnected, the drive mechanism 300 drives the gas guiding mechanism 200 to rise, and the valve port is separated from the air passage 11.

[0060] By designing a drive mechanism 300, the gas guiding mechanism 200 and the incubator 10 are automatically connected, reducing operation steps and human contact, lowering the probability of contamination, and improving the standardization of the experimental process and operational efficiency.

[0061] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 , Figure 3 and Figure 4 The drive mechanism 300 includes a drive member 310 and a transmission assembly 320. The drive member 310 is disposed on the first upper support platform 120 and has a rotatable output shaft. The transmission assembly 320 is connected to the output shaft and the air guide mechanism 200 respectively. The transmission assembly 320 is used to convert the rotation of the output shaft into the lifting motion of the air guide mechanism 200.

[0062] The drive element 310 is an actuator that provides rotational power. Optionally, the drive element 310 can be implemented using a stepper motor or a servo motor. The output shaft is the rotary shaft through which the drive element 310 transmits power, used to transmit the rotational motion to the transmission assembly 320.

[0063] The transmission assembly 320 is a mechanism that converts rotary motion into linear motion. Optionally, the transmission assembly 320 can be implemented using a cam mechanism, a linkage mechanism, or a lead screw and nut mechanism. Through the cooperation of the mechanical structure, the rotation of the output shaft is converted into the vertical displacement of the air guide mechanism 200.

[0064] Specifically, the drive unit 310 is fixedly mounted on the first upper support platform 120, and its output shaft is connected to the air guide mechanism 200 via the transmission assembly 320 to transmit power. Optionally, a support member 330 may be provided on the first upper support platform 120 to fix the drive unit 310, and the output shaft is rotatably connected to the support member 330. In some examples, a bearing member is fixed on the support member 330, and the bearing member cooperates with the output shaft to improve the smoothness of the output shaft's rotation.

[0065] When the drive unit 310 is activated, the output shaft drives the transmission assembly 320 to move. The transmission assembly 320 converts the rotational motion into a linear lifting motion, which in turn drives the air guiding mechanism 200 to move vertically. The lifting motion of the air guiding mechanism 200 enables the valve port to connect or disconnect from the air passage 11 of the incubator 10, thereby completing the automatic docking or disconnection of the pressure pipeline.

[0066] By cooperating with the drive component 310 and the transmission component 320, the automatic lifting of the air guide mechanism 200 is realized, which solves the problems of low efficiency and high pollution risk caused by manual operation, and makes the pressure pipeline connection process more reliable and repeatable.

[0067] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 3 The drive component 310 is fixedly disposed on the side of the first upper support platform 120 away from the lower support platform. The output shaft is horizontally disposed. The first upper support platform 120 is provided with a through hole. At least part of the structure of the transmission component 320 passes through the through hole to connect the output shaft and the air guide mechanism 200.

[0068] The driving component 310 is fixedly installed on the side of the first upper support platform 120 away from the lower support platform. The driving component 310 can be fixed on the first upper support platform 120 by bolts or buckles.

[0069] In some examples, combined Figure 3 A support member 330 may be provided on the first upper support platform 120. The support member 330 is used to fix the drive member 310. The support member 330 is located on the side of the first upper support platform 120 away from the lower support platform.

[0070] Optionally, the bottom of the support member 330 is provided with an anti-slip pad to prevent relative sliding between the support member 330 and the first upper support platform 120. Optionally, the support member 330 is also provided with a guide cylinder, through which at least a portion of the structure of the transmission assembly 320 is disposed.

[0071] Optionally, the through hole can be achieved by using a circular hole structure with a wear-resistant bushing embedded in the inner wall to ensure that the transmission component 320 reduces friction when moving within the through hole.

[0072] Specifically, the drive unit 310 is mounted on the outer side of the top of the upper support platform, and its output shaft is connected to the transmission assembly 320. When the drive unit 310 is started, the horizontally positioned output shaft drives the transmission assembly 320 to move. Part of the structure of the transmission assembly 320 passes through the through hole and contacts the air guide mechanism 200. The movement trajectory of the transmission assembly 320 within the through hole is constrained by the hole wall, ensuring the linearity and stability of power transmission.

[0073] By placing the drive unit 310 on the outside of the upper support platform, and in conjunction with the horizontal output shaft and through-hole structure, an L-shaped layout is formed for the power transmission path, compressing the vertical space of the equipment. Furthermore, this design achieves physical isolation between the drive mechanism 300 and the incubator 10, reducing the potential impact of heat generated during equipment operation on the culture environment. In addition, the guiding design of the through-hole ensures the accuracy of power transmission and guarantees transmission efficiency.

[0074] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The transmission assembly 320 includes a connecting shaft 321, a cam 322, and a transmission rod 323.

[0075] The connecting shaft 321 is coaxially arranged and connected to the output shaft. The connecting shaft 321 is a rigid shaft that is coaxially connected to the output shaft of the drive component 310. Specifically, it can be a metal rod or a composite material rod, used to transmit the rotational power of the drive component 310.

[0076] The cam element 322 is fixed to the connecting shaft 321. The cam element 322 is an eccentric wheel structure set on the connecting shaft 321, which is suitable for generating periodic displacement changes through rotation.

[0077] The axis of the transmission rod 323 is perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft 321. The transmission rod 323 passes through the through hole and is connected to the cam component 322 and the air guide mechanism 200 respectively. The transmission rod 323 is a rod-shaped component arranged perpendicular to the connecting shaft 321. Its top end contacts the cam, and its bottom end pushes against the air guide mechanism 200, which is used to convert the rotational motion of the cam into linear lifting motion.

[0078] Specifically, when the output shaft of the drive component 310 drives the connecting shaft 321 to rotate, the cam component 322 fixed to the connecting shaft 321 rotates synchronously with the shaft. The top end of the transmission rod 323 contacts the outer contour of the cam. When the cam rotates to different phases, the radial change of its outer contour pushes the transmission rod 323 to produce a vertical displacement. The transmission rod 323 moves vertically along the through hole, and its bottom end directly acts on the air guiding mechanism 200, thereby realizing the lifting control of the air guiding mechanism 200.

[0079] By cooperating with the cam and the transmission rod 323, the rotational motion is converted into linear lifting, which realizes accurate control of the connection state between the air guiding mechanism 200 and the air passage 11 of the incubator 10, avoids positioning deviation caused by manual operation, and reduces the risk of gas leakage caused by poor contact during the culture process. In addition, the design has a simple structure and reduces maintenance requirements.

[0080] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 3 and Figure 4 The cam component 322 includes a transmission part 3221 and a rotating wheel part 3222. One end of the transmission part 3221 is fixedly connected to the connecting shaft 321, and the other end of the transmission part 3221 has a receiving opening 3221a. The rotating wheel part 3222 is rotatably connected to the receiving opening 3221a. The rotating surface of the rotating wheel part 3222 is used to contact the top end of the transmission rod 323 to apply the force of the driving member 310 to the transmission rod 323, causing the transmission rod 323 to produce vertical displacement.

[0081] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 4 The transmission rod 323 includes an action rod 3231 and a force receiving plate 3232. The action rod 3231 is vertically inserted through the through hole, and the bottom end of the action rod 3231 is used to push the air guiding mechanism 200. The force receiving plate 3232 is located at the top end of the action rod 3231 and is used to cooperate with the cam component 322.

[0082] Optionally, the end of the actuating rod 3231 facing away from the force-receiving plate 3232 is hemispherical to reduce the contact friction between the actuating rod 3231 and the air guiding mechanism 200, improve transmission efficiency, and avoid the risk of workers being cut by the sharp edge at the end of the actuating rod 3231.

[0083] Thus, when the output shaft of the drive component 310 drives the connecting shaft 321 to rotate, the cam component 322 fixed to the connecting shaft 321 rotates synchronously with the shaft. The force-receiving disk 3232 at the top of the transmission rod 323 contacts the outer contour of the cam. When the cam rotates to different phases, the radial change of its outer contour pushes the actuating rod 3231 to produce a vertical displacement. The actuating rod 3231 moves vertically along the through hole, and its bottom end directly acts on the air guiding mechanism 200, thereby realizing the lifting control of the air guiding mechanism 200.

[0084] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 2 The air guiding mechanism 200 includes an air guiding component 210 and a valve group 220. The air guiding component 210 has an internal air guiding channel. The air guiding component 210 is connected to the drive mechanism 300 for lifting and lowering under the drive of the drive mechanism 300. The air guiding component 210 is used to connect to a pressure supply device.

[0085] The air guide component 210 is a component with an internal air guide channel, which can be implemented using a hollow metal tube or a corrosion-resistant plastic tube. Optionally, the air guide channel includes an intake channel, an exhaust channel, a pressure channel, etc., and the specific design can be selectively chosen according to actual usage requirements.

[0086] Each valve assembly 220 corresponds one-to-one with the incubator 10. Each valve assembly 220 includes at least one control valve 221, which is connected to the gas delivery channel and has a valve port. The valve assembly 220 is a valve component matched with the incubator 10, and can be implemented using a solenoid valve or a pneumatic valve. Each valve assembly 220 can open and close its valve port through an independent control valve 221, thereby opening or closing different gas delivery channels.

[0087] Specifically, the air guide 210 is driven to move up and down by the drive mechanism 300. When the air guide 210 descends, the valve port is automatically connected to the air passage 11 of the incubator 10, and the pressure supply device delivers or discharges gas into the incubator 10 through the air guide channel. When the air guide 210 rises, the valve port is separated from the air passage 11, and the gas supply is cut off.

[0088] The one-to-one correspondence between valve group 220 and incubator 10 allows the gas flow rate of each incubator 10 to be adjusted independently. For example, the opening and closing states of different valve groups 220 can be controlled by solenoid valves to meet the culture requirements of different organ-on-a-chip.

[0089] Through the linkage design of the gas guide 210 and the valve group 220, the automatic connection and separation of the gas flow port 11 are realized, and the automatic connection of the pressure supply is achieved, reducing the risk of contamination caused by manual intervention. In addition, by controlling the opening and closing status of different valve ports through the independent valve group 220, the gas environment parameters of different incubators 10 are independently adjustable, which improves the stability and consistency of organ-on-a-chip culture.

[0090] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 and Figure 4 The air guiding mechanism 200 also includes a driven rod 230, which is fixed to the air guiding member 210 and arranged opposite to the transmission rod 323. The driven rod 230 can be separated from the drive mechanism 300.

[0091] Among them, the driven rod 230 is a rod-shaped structure rigidly connected to the air guide 210. Specifically, it can be made of metal rod or rigid plastic rod, and is used to provide symmetrical support when the transmission rod 323 applies driving force, thereby balancing the lifting and lowering trajectory of the air guide 210.

[0092] Specifically, when the air guide 210 moves up and down under the drive mechanism 300, the transmission rod 323 contacts the cam 322 through the force receiving plate 3232 to transmit the driving force, and the driven rod 230 transmits the driving force to the transmission rod 323, so that the transmission rod 323 and the air guide 210 can rise or fall simultaneously.

[0093] When the air guide 210 descends to the point where the valve port connects with the air passage 11, if the position of the incubator 10 shifts and the air guide 210 is obstructed, the contact pressure between the driven rod 230 and the drive mechanism 300 reaches a preset threshold, the drive mechanism 310 stops running, and the air guide mechanism 200 remains connected to the incubator 10.

[0094] By coordinating the drive of the symmetrically arranged transmission rod 323 and driven rod 230, the mechanical failure problem caused by uneven force or external interference in the air guiding mechanism 200 is solved, ensuring the accurate docking of the air guiding component 210 and the air flow port 11 of the incubator 10, and reducing the frequency of equipment maintenance and the cost of component replacement.

[0095] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1The culture machine platform 100 also includes a guide group 140, which corresponds to the gas guiding mechanism 200. Each guide group 140 includes two guide rods 141 located at both ends of the gas guiding mechanism 200. The guide rods 141 extend vertically and are fixed to the first upper support platform 120. The gas guiding component 210 has guide holes at both ends, and the guide rods 141 pass through the guide holes so that the gas guiding mechanism 200 and the guide rods 141 are guided and cooperated.

[0096] The guide group 140 provides vertical limits for the lifting and lowering movement of the air guiding mechanism 200 to prevent deviation. The guide rod 141 is a rigid support member 330 extending vertically, which can be a cylindrical rod, a prismatic rod, etc., and its two ends are fixed to the culture platform by welding or bolts to constrain the movement trajectory of the air guiding mechanism 200.

[0097] Optionally, the diameter of the guide hole matches the outer diameter of the guide rod 141. The guide hole can be fitted with a sliding bearing or a linear bearing, and the vertical movement of the air guiding mechanism 200 along the guide rod 141 can be achieved through sliding fit.

[0098] Specifically, the guide rod 141 passes through the guide holes at both ends of the air guide 210, forming a sliding pair. During the lifting and lowering process, the air guide 210 moves along the axial direction of the guide rod 141, avoiding lateral deviation or tilting. For example, when the drive mechanism 300 pushes the air guide 210 down through the transmission rod 323, the cooperation between the guide hole and the guide rod 141 ensures that the valve port of the air guide 210 is precisely aligned with the air passage 11 of the incubator 10, avoiding connection failure or poor sealing due to deviation in the movement trajectory.

[0099] The cooperation between the guide rod 141 and the guide hole limits the movement direction of the air guiding mechanism 200, eliminates lateral degrees of freedom, ensures stable and reliable lifting process, improves the docking accuracy between the valve port and the air passage 11, reduces sealing leakage or repeated adjustments caused by misalignment, and ensures docking efficiency.

[0100] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 The first support frame 130 consists of two parts located on both sides of the air guiding mechanism 200 along the first direction. Each first support frame 130 includes a horizontal beam 131 and a vertical beam 132. The two ends of the vertical beam 132 are respectively connected to the first upper support platform 120 and the first lower support platform 110. The two ends of the horizontal beam 131 are respectively connected to the vertical beam 132. The two ends of the guide rod 141 are respectively connected to the horizontal beam 131 and the first upper support platform 120.

[0101] Each first support frame 130 consists of a horizontal beam 131 and a vertical beam 132. The two ends of the vertical beam 132 are connected to the first upper support platform 120 and the first lower support platform 110, respectively, so that the vertical beam 132 can tightly connect the upper support platform and the lower support platform to form a stable vertical support structure. Furthermore, the two ends of the horizontal beam 131 are connected to the vertical beam 132, which further enhances the stability of the support frame, so that the horizontal beam 131 and the vertical beam 132 form a stable frame structure that can effectively distribute and bear forces from different directions.

[0102] The two ends of the guide rod 141 are connected to the crossbeam 131 and the first upper support platform 120, respectively, so that the guide rod 141 can play a guiding and supporting role between the crossbeam 131 and the upper support platform. When the air guiding mechanism 200 moves or is subjected to external force during operation, the guide rod 141 can guide it to move smoothly along the preset direction, ensuring the stable operation of the air guiding mechanism 200, avoiding problems such as shaking or positional deviation caused by insufficient support, and improving the reliability and service life of the entire device.

[0103] In some embodiments, combined with Figure 1 The drive structure also includes an elastic reset member 400, which is sleeved on the guide rod 141. The two ends of the elastic reset member 400 abut against the crossbeam 131 and the air guide member 210, respectively.

[0104] The elastic reset element 400 is a mechanical element that generates restoring force through elastic deformation. Optionally, the elastic reset element 400 can be implemented using a helical spring or a rubber elastomer, serving to provide a reset function for the air guiding mechanism 200. The guide rod 141 is a rigid rod extending in the vertical direction, specifically implemented using a stainless steel round rod or an aluminum alloy profile. Its function is to constrain the movement trajectory of the air guiding mechanism 200 and form a mounting carrier for the elastic reset element 400.

[0105] Specifically, when the drive mechanism 300 drives the air guide 210 to move, the elastic reset member 400 uses the elastic potential energy generated by its own compression to push the air guide 210 back to its initial position. For example, when the air guide 210 moves downward under the action of the transmission rod 323, the elastic reset member 400 is compressed between the crossbeam 131 and the air guide 210; when the transmission rod 323 releases the thrust on the air guide 210, the elastic reset member 400 releases its elastic potential energy to reset the air guide 210 upward.

[0106] The guide rod 141 engages with the guide hole on the air guide 210 to ensure that the elastic reset member 400 always maintains an axial force state during compression and rebound.

[0107] Optionally, in some examples, the transmission rod 323 applies a thrust to the air guide mechanism 200 to connect the air passage 11 to the valve port, and the elastic reset member 400 applies a reverse thrust to the air guide mechanism 200 to disconnect the air passage 11 from the valve port. In this way, the drive mechanism 300 realizes the connection or separation of the valve port and the air passage 11.

[0108] In some examples, the resilient reset element 400 may be made of stainless steel spring, the surface of the guide rod 141 may be coated with polytetrafluoroethylene to reduce the coefficient of friction, and a linear bearing may be installed in the guide hole on the air guide element 210 to improve motion accuracy.

[0109] The elastic reset component 400 and the guide rod 141 cooperate to separate the valve port and the air passage 11. It also realizes energy buffering and automatic reset during the lifting and lowering process of the air guiding mechanism 200, improves motion control accuracy, reduces mechanical wear of the drive mechanism 300, extends the service life of the device, and further reduces the risk of failure of docking between the incubator 10 and the valve port due to motion deviation.

[0110] Other embodiments of the present application will readily conceive of by considering the specification and practicing the technical solutions disclosed herein.

[0111] The embodiments of this application are intended to cover any variations, uses, or adaptations of the embodiments of this application, which follow the general principles of the embodiments of this application and include common knowledge or customary technical means in the art that are not disclosed in the embodiments of this application.

[0112] The description and embodiments are to be considered exemplary only, and the true scope and spirit of the embodiments of this application are indicated by the following claims.

[0113] It should be understood that the embodiments of this application are not limited to the precise structures described above and shown in the accompanying drawings, and various modifications and changes can be made without departing from their scope. The scope of the embodiments of this application is limited only by the appended claims.

Claims

1. An organ-on-a-chip culture device, characterized in that, include: The culture platform (100) includes a first lower support platform (110), a first upper support platform (120) and a first support frame (130). The top end of the first support frame (130) is connected to the first upper support platform (120), and the bottom end of the first support frame (130) is connected to the first lower support platform (110). The first lower support platform (110) is used to set up an incubator (10). The incubator (10) has an air vent (11). The incubator (10) is used to set up an organ-on-a-chip. An air guiding mechanism (200) is vertically mounted on the upper side of the incubator (10). The air guiding mechanism (200) has an openable and closable valve port, which is used to connect to the air passage (11). A drive mechanism (300) is provided on the first upper support platform (120). The drive mechanism (300) is connected to the air guide mechanism (200) for transmission. The drive mechanism (300) is used to drive the air guide mechanism (200) to perform lifting and lowering movements so that the valve port is connected to or separated from the air passage (11).

2. The organ-on-a-chip culture device according to claim 1, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (300) includes: A drive unit (310) is disposed on the first upper support platform (120), and the drive unit (310) has a rotatable output shaft; The transmission assembly (320) is connected to the output shaft and the air guide mechanism (200) respectively. The transmission assembly (320) is used to convert the rotation of the output shaft into the lifting motion of the air guide mechanism (200).

3. The organ-on-a-chip culture device according to claim 2, characterized in that, The drive unit (310) is fixedly disposed on the side of the first upper support platform (120) facing away from the first lower support platform (110), and the output shaft is horizontally disposed, and the first upper support platform (120) is provided with a through hole; At least a portion of the structure of the transmission assembly (320) passes through the through hole to connect the output shaft and the air guide mechanism (200).

4. The organ-on-a-chip culture device according to claim 3, characterized in that, The transmission assembly (320) includes: A connecting shaft (321) is coaxially arranged and connected to the output shaft; Cam component (322), the cam component (322) is fixed to the connecting shaft (321); A transmission rod (323) is provided, the axis of which is perpendicular to the axis of the connecting shaft (321). The transmission rod (323) passes through the through hole and is connected to the cam (322) and the air guide mechanism (200) respectively.

5. The organ-on-a-chip culture device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The transmission rod (323) includes: An actuating rod (3231) is inserted vertically through the through hole, and the bottom end of the actuating rod (3231) is used to push against the air guiding mechanism (200); A force-receiving disc (3232) is located at the top of the actuating rod (3231), and the force-receiving disc (3232) is used to cooperate with the cam component (322).

6. The organ-on-a-chip culture device according to claim 4, characterized in that, The air guiding mechanism (200) includes: An air guide (210) is provided with an air guide channel inside. The air guide (210) is connected to the drive mechanism (300) for transmission, so as to perform lifting and lowering movements under the drive of the drive mechanism (300). The air guide (210) is used to connect to a pressure supply device. Valve group (220), each valve group (220) corresponds to the incubator (10), each valve group (220) includes at least one control valve (221), the control valve (221) is connected to the gas guide channel, and the control valve (221) is provided with the valve port.

7. The organ-on-a-chip culture device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The air guiding mechanism (200) further includes a driven rod (230), which is fixed to the air guiding member (210) and arranged opposite to the transmission rod (323). The driven rod (230) can be separably contacted with the drive mechanism (300).

8. The organ-on-a-chip culture device according to claim 6, characterized in that, The culture machine platform (100) further includes: a guide group (140), which corresponds to the gas guiding mechanism (200). Each guide group (140) includes two guide rods (141) located at both ends of the gas guiding mechanism (200). The guide rods (141) extend vertically and are fixed to the first upper support platform (120). The air guide (210) has guide holes at both ends, and the guide rod (141) passes through the guide holes so that the air guide mechanism (200) and the guide rod (141) are guided and cooperated.

9. The organ-on-a-chip culture device according to claim 8, characterized in that, The first support frame (130) consists of two such frames located on both sides of the air guiding mechanism (200) along the first direction. Each first support frame (130) includes a crossbeam (131) and a vertical beam (132). The two ends of the vertical beam (132) are respectively connected to the first upper support platform (120) and the first lower support platform (110). The two ends of the crossbeam (131) are respectively connected to the vertical beam (132). The two ends of the guide rod (141) are connected to the crossbeam (131) and the first upper support platform (120), respectively.

10. The organ-on-a-chip culture device according to claim 9, characterized in that, The drive mechanism (300) further includes an elastic reset member (400), which is sleeved on the guide rod (141), and the two ends of the elastic reset member (400) abut against the crossbeam (131) and the air guide member (210) respectively.

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