A constant current liquid level fluctuation preventing diaphragm clamp recording tank

Abstract

The utility model relates to the technical field of electrophysiological experiment equipment, and specifically discloses a constant current liquid surface fluctuation preventing diaphragm clamp recording tank. The recording tank comprises a three-section tank body structure formed by a liquid inlet tank, a recording tank and a liquid discharge tank, wherein a liquid level limiting mechanism is formed by an annular baffle and uniformly distributed overflow holes arranged in the recording tank, and a honeycomb-shaped turbulent flow dissipation layer formed by cooperating with a multi-hole buffer plate to realize graded absorption of liquid impact energy. The communication part is designed by combining a trapezoidal water distribution tank and a linear water distribution hole to realize uniform distribution of liquid inlet. The liquid discharge system adopts a siphon principle combined with a dynamic liquid level adjusting mechanism, and a closed-loop feedback system formed by cooperating with a liquid level sensor and a controller to realize real-time regulation and control of the flow parameters of the liquid inlet peristaltic pump and the liquid discharge peristaltic pump, which can effectively suppress the interference of liquid surface fluctuation on the diaphragm clamp experiment.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of electrophysiological experimental device technology, specifically a constant current patch clamp recording slot that prevents liquid level fluctuations. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of patch-clamp electrophysiology, a precise and stable liquid surface environment is a crucial prerequisite for obtaining high-quality ion channel current recordings. Patch-clamp technology uses glass microelectrodes to form a high-resistance seal with the cell membrane, enabling precise detection of single or multiple ion channel currents on the cell membrane. However, during experiments, liquid surface fluctuations caused by fluid flow remain a core challenge limiting the accuracy and reliability of experimental results.

[0003] In existing technologies, conventional patch-clamp recording tanks typically employ a simple single-cavity structure, with the liquid inlet and outlet processes directly affecting the same liquid surface area. When liquid is injected into or discharged into the recording tank via a peristaltic pump or other power source, factors such as the high-speed flow of the liquid within the pipe and abrupt changes in pipe diameter generate significant turbulence and eddies at the inlet and outlet. These unstable flow states directly impact the liquid surface within the recording tank, leading to problems such as frequent fluctuations in liquid level, liquid level tilting, and localized liquid level oscillations.

[0004] Liquid level fluctuations can trigger a series of negative effects. On the one hand, dynamic changes in liquid level height alter the relative position between the glass microelectrode and the cell membrane, disrupting the established high-resistivity seal, leading to a decrease in seal resistance or even seal failure, making it impossible to continue the experiment. On the other hand, liquid level tilting and local oscillations can change the pressure distribution and ion concentration environment of the liquid surrounding the cell, interfering with the normal function of ion channels, resulting in increased noise, baseline drift, and waveform distortion in the recorded current signal, severely affecting the accuracy and reproducibility of experimental data.

[0005] Therefore, a constant-flow diaphragm clamp recording slot with anti-liquid level fluctuation is proposed to solve the existing problems. Utility Model Content

[0006] To address the problems of existing technologies, this invention provides a constant-flow, anti-liquid-level-fluid-fluid-fluid-stabilized diaphragm clamp recording slot.

[0007] To solve the above-mentioned technical problems, this utility model is achieved through the following technical solution: a constant-flow anti-liquid-level fluctuation diaphragm clamp recording slot, including a slot body;

[0008] The tank body is provided with an inlet tank, a recording tank and an outlet tank in sequence along its length. The inlet tank and the recording tank are connected by a connecting part, and the recording tank and the outlet tank are connected by a through hole. The inlet tank is connected to an inlet pipe, and the outlet tank is connected to an outlet pipe.

[0009] The inner wall of the recording slot is surrounded by an annular baffle, and overflow holes are evenly distributed on the annular baffle. A porous buffer plate is provided at the bottom of the recording slot.

[0010] As an improvement, the tank has a cuboid structure and is made of transparent glass.

[0011] As an improvement, it also includes an inlet peristaltic pump and an outlet peristaltic pump, wherein the inlet peristaltic pump is connected to the inlet pipe and the outlet peristaltic pump is connected to the outlet pipe.

[0012] As an improvement, a feedback mechanism is also included, which includes a liquid level sensor and a controller. The liquid level sensor is disposed on the inner wall of the recording tank, and the liquid level sensor, the inlet peristaltic pump, and the outlet peristaltic pump are all electrically connected to the controller.

[0013] As an improvement, the connecting part is disposed between the annular baffle and the porous buffer plate. The connecting part includes a second through hole connecting the liquid inlet tank and the recording tank, and a water distribution tank. The water distribution tank is located on the side wall of the recording tank and cooperates with the second through hole. A row of water distribution holes is opened at the bottom of the water distribution tank.

[0014] As an improvement, the cross-section of the water distribution trough is trapezoidal, and the water distribution holes are linearly arranged on the inclined surface at the bottom of the water distribution trough.

[0015] As an improvement, the liquid inlet pipe has a "7" shaped structure, the bottom end of the liquid inlet pipe extends to the bottom of the liquid inlet tank, and a funnel-shaped water distribution port is connected to the bottom of the liquid inlet pipe.

[0016] As an improvement, the drain pipe 5 is located at the drain tank 103 and is vertically arranged, extending from its upper end to the upper part of the drain tank 103.

[0017] As an improvement, the bottom of the tank is provided with an elastic shock-absorbing pad.

[0018] The beneficial effects of this utility model are as follows:

[0019] 1. Through the three-section independent partition design of liquid inlet tank, recording tank and liquid outlet tank, the turbulent energy generated by the liquid during the liquid inlet and liquid outlet process is effectively absorbed, which significantly reduces the direct impact and interference of the liquid on the liquid surface of the recording tank, thereby greatly improving the stability of the liquid surface.

[0020] 2. The trapezoidal cross-section design of the water distribution tank ensures that the liquid undergoes initial flow velocity homogenization before entering the recording tank. The linear inclined distribution of the water distribution holes ensures that the liquid is dispersed along the surface of the porous buffer plate at a uniform flow rate, avoiding local impact.

[0021] 3. The honeycomb structure of the porous buffer plate converts the liquid kinetic energy into the energy dissipation of tiny eddies, disperses the velocity gradient, and, combined with the annular baffle, provides secondary blocking for residual fluctuations. After the liquid surface impact force is attenuated by the porous buffer plate, the remaining fluctuation energy is evenly released through the overflow hole of the annular baffle. Attached Figure Description

[0022] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure of a diaphragm clamp recording slot for preventing constant flow and liquid level fluctuations according to this utility model.

[0023] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the tank body in a diaphragm clamp recording tank for constant flow and preventing liquid level fluctuations, according to this utility model. Figure 1 .

[0024] Figure 3 This is a schematic diagram of the tank body in a diaphragm clamp recording tank for constant flow and preventing liquid level fluctuations, according to this utility model. Figure 2 .

[0025] Figure 4 This is a top view of a diaphragm clamp recording slot for preventing liquid level fluctuations according to this utility model.

[0026] Figure 5 yes Figure 4 Sectional view at point AA.

[0027] Figure 6 yes Figure 5 A magnified view of a section at point B.

[0028] As shown in the figure:

[0029] 1. Tank body; 101. Liquid inlet tank; 102. Recording tank; 103. Liquid drain tank;

[0030] 2. Connecting part, 201. Through hole two, 202. Water distribution groove, 203. Water distribution hole

[0031] 3. Through hole 1, 4. Inlet pipe, 5. Drain pipe, 6. Annular baffle, 7. Overflow hole, 8. Porous buffer plate, 9. Inlet peristaltic pump, 10. Outlet peristaltic pump, 11. Liquid level sensor, 12. Controller, 13. Horn-shaped water distribution port, 14. Elastic shock-absorbing pad. Detailed Implementation

[0032] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the utility model embodiments clearer, the technical solutions of the utility model embodiments will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the utility model, not all embodiments. The components of the utility model embodiments described and shown in the accompanying drawings can typically be arranged and designed in various different configurations.

[0033] In the description of the embodiments of the utility model, it should be noted that if terms such as "center," "upper," "lower," "left," "right," "vertical," "horizontal," "inner," or "outer" indicate the orientation or positional relationship based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, or the orientation or positional relationship commonly used when the utility model product is in use, they are only for the convenience of describing the utility model and 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, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the utility model. Furthermore, terms such as "first," "second," and "third" are only used to distinguish descriptions and should not be construed as indicating or implying relative importance.

[0034] Furthermore, the use of terms such as "horizontal," "vertical," and "sag" does not imply that the component must be absolutely horizontal or suspended, but rather that it can be slightly tilted. For example, "horizontal" simply means that its direction is more horizontal relative to "vertical," and does not mean that the structure must be completely horizontal, but can be slightly tilted.

[0035] In the description of the utility model embodiments, "a plurality of" means at least two.

[0036] In the description of the embodiments of the utility model, 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 the utility model according to the specific circumstances.

[0037] As shown in the attached figures, a constant-flow diaphragm clamp recording tank for preventing liquid level fluctuations includes a tank body 1.

[0038] In specific implementation, the structure of the tank 1 can be set according to the actual situation. In this embodiment, the tank 1 is a cuboid structure and the tank 1 is made of transparent glass.

[0039] The tank 1 is longitudinally provided with an inlet tank 101, a recording tank 102, and a drain tank 103. The separation of the inlet tank 101, drain tank 103, and recording tank 102 creates independent areas for the inlet, drain, and reaction zones, forming a buffer zone that absorbs turbulent energy during the inlet and drain processes. This effectively reduces direct interference of the liquid surface in the recording tank 102 during inlet and drain processes, ensuring the stability of the liquid surface within the recording tank 101. In practice, the length of the recording tank 102 is greater than the lengths of the inlet tank 101 and the drain tank 103.

[0040] An annular baffle 6 is provided around the center of the inner wall of the recording slot 102, and overflow holes 7 are evenly distributed on the annular baffle 6.

[0041] In this embodiment, the annular baffle 6 is adapted to the liquid level in the recording tank 102. When the liquid level reaches the height of the annular baffle 6, the excess liquid will overflow through the overflow hole 7, thereby maintaining the stability of the liquid level.

[0042] Specifically, the annular baffle 6 can buffer the impact of the liquid entering the recording tank 102, limit the liquid flow range, prevent the local liquid level from being too high or too low, and reduce the overall fluctuation of the liquid level.

[0043] The uniform distribution of the overflow holes 7 ensures that excess liquid can overflow evenly, avoiding local liquid levels that are too high or too low, thereby maintaining the overall stability of the liquid level.

[0044] The bottom of the recording tank 102 is provided with a porous buffer plate 8, which is connected to the inner wall of the recording tank 101 by a biocompatible adhesive to effectively buffer the impact of the liquid when it enters the recording tank 102 and reduce the impact force of the liquid.

[0045] In this embodiment, the porous buffer plate 8 is made of polycarbonate and has a honeycomb structure, which reduces turbulence and eddies, and improves the uniformity and stability of the fluid. As the liquid passes through, its velocity and momentum are dispersed, reducing liquid fluctuations and preventing eddies, further improving liquid surface stability.

[0046] The upper end of the porous buffer plate 8 extends to the bottom of the annular baffle 6, which ensures that the liquid passes through the porous buffer plate 8 first when entering the recording tank 102, so as to exert its buffering effect.

[0047] The liquid inlet tank 101 and the recording tank 102 are connected by a connecting part 2. The connecting part 2 connects the liquid inlet tank 101 and the recording tank 102, and controls the path and speed of the liquid flowing from the liquid inlet tank 101 to the recording tank 102, so as to ensure that the liquid can enter the recording tank 102 smoothly and evenly.

[0048] Specifically, the connecting part 2 is disposed between the annular baffle 6 and the porous buffer plate 8. The connecting part 2 includes a second through hole 201 connecting the liquid inlet tank 101 and the recording tank 102 and a water distribution tank 202. The second through hole 201 forms a channel for liquid to flow from the liquid inlet tank 101 to the recording tank 102, ensuring that the liquid flows smoothly into the recording tank 102.

[0049] The water distribution tank 202 is located on the side wall of the recording tank 102 and cooperates with the second through hole 201. It can further distribute and buffer the incoming liquid, prevent the liquid from directly impacting the liquid surface in the recording tank 101, and reduce the fluctuation of the liquid surface.

[0050] Meanwhile, the trapezoidal cross-section of the water distribution tank 202 can, to some extent, converge and guide the liquid. When liquid enters the trapezoidal cross-section water distribution tank 202, due to the trapezoidal structure, the liquid flow within the tank will be smoother and more evenly distributed. Furthermore, the trapezoidal design helps control the liquid flow rate, allowing the liquid to flow into the recording tank 101 at a more suitable speed, further ensuring the stability of the liquid inlet.

[0051] A row of water distribution holes 203 is provided at the bottom of the water distribution tank 202. Furthermore, the cross-section of the water distribution tank 202 is trapezoidal, and the water distribution holes 203 are linearly arranged on the inclined surface at the bottom of the water distribution tank 202, allowing the liquid to flow out of the water distribution tank 202 evenly. Because the liquid will naturally fall along the inclined side under the action of gravity, the linearly arranged water distribution holes allow the liquid to enter the recording tank 101 with a relatively uniform flow rate and speed, avoiding situations where the local flow rate is too large or too small when the liquid enters the recording tank 101, thereby effectively reducing liquid surface fluctuations and ensuring the stability of the liquid surface in the recording tank 101.

[0052] The recording tank 102 and the drain tank 103 are connected by a through hole 3, which provides a channel for liquid flow between the recording tank 102 and the drain tank 103, allowing the liquid in the recording tank 102 to flow smoothly to the drain tank 103.

[0053] In practical implementation, the setting of the through hole 3 also helps to reduce the fluctuation and interference of liquid in the process of flowing from the recording tank 102 to the drain tank 103, and avoids the liquid flow in the drain tank 103 from causing a large impact on the liquid surface in the recording tank 102, thereby maintaining the relative stability of the liquid surface in the recording tank 102.

[0054] The liquid inlet tank 101 is connected to a liquid inlet pipe 4, which has a “7” shaped structure. The bottom end of the liquid inlet pipe 4 extends to the bottom of the liquid inlet tank 101. The bottom of the liquid inlet pipe 4 is connected to a trumpet-shaped water distribution port 13, which allows the liquid to flow into the liquid inlet tank 101 more evenly and avoids the liquid directly impacting the bottom of the tank and causing large fluctuations.

[0055] The drain trough 103 is connected to a drain pipe 5. Specifically, the drain pipe 5 is located at the drain trough 103 and is vertically arranged, extending from its upper end to the upper part of the drain trough 103.

[0056] In practice, the drain pipe 5 creates a siphon effect, and the drain pipe 5 can automatically adjust the liquid level based on the principle of gravity difference. When the liquid in the recording tank 101 changes due to the injection volume of the inlet peristaltic pump 9, the drain pipe 5 can dynamically adjust the drainage rate according to the liquid level pressure difference to prevent liquid level oscillation caused by sudden changes in pump speed.

[0057] It also includes an inlet peristaltic pump 9 and an outlet peristaltic pump 10, wherein the inlet peristaltic pump 9 is connected to the inlet pipe 4 and the outlet peristaltic pump 10 is connected to the outlet pipe 5.

[0058] It also includes a feedback mechanism, which includes a liquid level sensor 11 and a controller 12. The liquid level sensor 11 is disposed on the inner wall of the recording tank 102 and can monitor the change of liquid level in the recording tank 102 in real time. The liquid level sensor 11, the inlet peristaltic pump 9 and the outlet peristaltic pump 10 are all electrically connected to the controller 12.

[0059] In practical implementation, the liquid level sensor 11 monitors the liquid level in the recording tank 102 in real time and converts the liquid level information into an electrical signal, which is then transmitted to the controller 12. The controller 12 compares and judges the received liquid level signal with a preset liquid level value, and then outputs corresponding control signals to the inlet peristaltic pump 9 and the outlet peristaltic pump 10 to adjust the inflow and outflow of liquid, thereby achieving precise control of the liquid level in the recording tank 102.

[0060] Specifically, if the liquid level in the recording tank 102 is lower than the preset value, the controller 12 increases the power of the inlet peristaltic pump 9 and increases the inflow of liquid from the inlet pipe 4 to the inlet tank 101.

[0061] If the liquid level is higher than the preset value, the controller 12 increases the power of the liquid discharge peristaltic pump 10 and increases the amount of liquid discharged from the drain pipe 5 in the drain tank 103.

[0062] In this embodiment, the inlet peristaltic pump 9 and the outlet peristaltic pump 10 are miniature peristaltic pumps of model BT-100SD, the liquid level sensor 11 is a non-contact liquid level sensor of model XKC-Y25-V, and the controller 12 is a PLC of model S7-1200.

[0063] The bottom of the tank 1 is provided with an elastic shock-absorbing pad 14, which can reduce the impact of external vibration on the liquid in the tank and avoid liquid surface fluctuations caused by vibration.

[0064] In specific implementation of this utility model:

[0065] In the initial state, the through tank 1 is fixed to the anti-vibration platform, and the bottom is installed with elastic shock-absorbing pads 14 to ensure that the experimental platform is free from vibration interference. At the same time, the inlet peristaltic pump 9 is connected to the inlet pipe 4, and the outlet peristaltic pump 10 is connected to the outlet pipe 5.

[0066] During implementation, the controller 12 is started, the preset liquid level height of the liquid level sensor 11 is set, and the solution is injected into the liquid inlet tank 101 through the liquid inlet peristaltic pump 9. The solution flows evenly through the funnel-shaped water distribution port 13 at the bottom of the liquid inlet pipe 4 to avoid impact on the bottom of the tank.

[0067] The solution enters the recording tank 102 evenly through the trapezoidal water distribution trough 202 and water distribution hole 203 in the connecting part 2. After the honeycomb porous buffer plate 8 disperses the turbulence, the liquid fluctuation is reduced. The annular baffle 6 reduces the overall fluctuation of the liquid surface.

[0068] The liquid level is dynamically adjusted by the siphon effect through the liquid outlet peristaltic pump 10 and the liquid outlet pipe 5. The controller 12 automatically controls the inlet and outlet flow rates of the liquid inlet peristaltic pump 9 and the liquid peristaltic pump 10 based on the feedback from the liquid level sensor 11.

[0069] The present invention and its embodiments have been described above. This description is not restrictive, and the accompanying drawings are only one embodiment of the present invention; the actual structure is not limited thereto. In conclusion, if those skilled in the art are inspired by this description and design similar structures and embodiments without departing from the inventive spirit of the present invention, such designs should fall within the protection scope of the present invention.

Claims

1. A constant-current patch clamp recording slot for preventing liquid level fluctuations, characterized in that: Including the tank (1); The tank body (1) is provided with an inlet tank (101), a recording tank (102) and a drain tank (103) in sequence along its length. The inlet tank (101) and the recording tank (102) are connected by a connecting part (2). The recording tank (102) and the drain tank (103) are connected by a through hole (3). The inlet tank (101) is connected to an inlet pipe (4), and the drain tank (103) is connected to a drain pipe (5). The inner wall of the recording slot (102) is surrounded by an annular baffle (6), and overflow holes (7) are evenly distributed on the annular baffle (6). A porous buffer plate (8) is provided at the bottom of the recording slot (102).

2. The constant-current diaphragm clamp recording slot for preventing liquid level fluctuations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The tank (1) has a cuboid structure and is made of transparent glass.

3. The constant-current anti-liquid-level-fluid-fluid-fluid-stabilized diaphragm clamp recording slot according to claim 1, characterized in that: It also includes an inlet peristaltic pump (9) and an outlet peristaltic pump (10), wherein the inlet peristaltic pump (9) is connected to the inlet pipe (4) and the outlet peristaltic pump (10) is connected to the outlet pipe (5).

4. A constant-current diaphragm clamp recording slot for preventing liquid level fluctuations according to claim 3, characterized in that: It also includes a feedback mechanism, which includes a liquid level sensor (11) and a controller (12). The liquid level sensor (11) is disposed on the inner wall of the recording tank (102). The liquid level sensor (11), the inlet peristaltic pump (9) and the outlet peristaltic pump (10) are all electrically connected to the controller (12).

5. A constant-current diaphragm clamp recording slot for preventing liquid level fluctuations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The connecting part (2) is disposed between the annular baffle (6) and the porous buffer plate (8). The connecting part (2) includes a second through hole (201) connecting the liquid inlet tank (101) and the recording tank (102) and a water distribution tank (202). The water distribution tank (202) is located on the side wall of the recording tank (102) and cooperates with the second through hole (201). A row of water distribution holes (203) is opened at the bottom of the water distribution tank (202).

6. A constant-current diaphragm clamp recording slot for preventing liquid level fluctuations according to claim 5, characterized in that: The cross-section of the water distribution trough (202) is trapezoidal, and the water distribution holes (203) are linearly arranged on the inclined surface at the bottom of the water distribution trough (202).

7. A constant-current diaphragm clamp recording slot for preventing liquid level fluctuations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The liquid inlet pipe (4) has a "7" shaped structure. The bottom end of the liquid inlet pipe (4) extends to the bottom of the liquid inlet tank (101). The bottom of the liquid inlet pipe (4) is connected to a trumpet-shaped water distribution port (13).

8. A constant-current diaphragm clamp recording slot for preventing liquid level fluctuations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The drain pipe (5) is located at the drain tank (103) and is set vertically, extending from its upper end to the upper part of the drain tank (103).

9. A constant-current diaphragm clamp recording slot for preventing liquid level fluctuations according to claim 1, characterized in that: The bottom of the trough (1) is provided with an elastic shock-absorbing pad (14).

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