Sample container for cell counting and method for manufacturing the sample container
A three-component plastic sample collection device with precise volume definition addresses manufacturing challenges, ensuring accurate fluid volume measurement for biological cell counting by using injection molding and bonding processes.
Patent Information
- Authority / Receiving Office
- JP · JP
- Patent Type
- Applications
- Current Assignee / Owner
- RITTER GMBH
- Filing Date
- 2025-10-09
- Publication Date
- 2026-04-24
AI Technical Summary
Existing plastic sample collection devices face challenges in achieving high accuracy for defining the volume of sample chambers due to the complexity of manufacturing processes.
A sample collection device comprising three plastic components, where two components define the sample chamber boundaries and a third component connects them, manufactured through injection molding and bonding processes to ensure precise volume definition.
The manufacturing method ensures high precision in producing a sample volume, eliminating the need for coating and enhancing the accuracy of fluid volume measurement in biological cell counting.
Smart Images
Figure 2026069780000001_ABST
Abstract
Description
Technical Field
[0001] The present application relates to a sample collection device comprising at least one sample collection chamber having a defined collection volume V for receiving a fluid, particularly for counting particles in the fluid or measuring the particle concentration, particularly for measuring biological cells. The invention also relates to a method of manufacturing a sample collection device, particularly of the kind described above.
Background Art
[0002] The concentration of biological cells in a fluid is measured using various methods, such as those based on fluorescence. When counting cells or measuring the concentration, it is necessary to define and actually provide an accurate fluid volume. For this purpose, plastic sample collection devices are provided with a sample chamber, a supply port, and optionally a vent. The collection device typically has a plate-like structure with a flat sample chamber embedded therein. A plastic film (which may be coated) can be joined, for example, by laser welding, to define the sample chamber in the space between the films. However, one of the challenges in plastic manufacturing is that a high degree of accuracy is required with respect to the volume of the sample chamber.
Summary of the Invention
Problems to be Solved by the Invention
[0003] Based on this, one object of the present invention is to provide a sample collection device comprising a sample chamber having a defined volume and a method for manufacturing the same.
Means for Solving the Problems
[0004] This object is achieved by a sample collection device for receiving a fluid, particularly for counting particles in the fluid or measuring the particle concentration, particularly for measuring the concentration of biological cells, and a method of manufacturing a sample collection device according to claim 11 or 12. Advantageous embodiments are obtained from the dependent claims.
[0005] The sample collection device according to the present invention is for receiving a fluid, in particular for counting particles in a fluid, or for measuring particle concentrations, in particular for measuring biological cells, and includes at least one sample collection chamber (i.e., a sample receiving chamber) having a defined collection volume (V), wherein the sample collection device includes at least two assembled components, namely a first component (A) and a second component (B), both of which are manufactured as plastic parts, and the two components (A, B) define the boundaries of the sample collection chamber (11, 12).
[0006] In particular, each sample collection chamber has a first opening for introducing fluid into its respective chamber, and optionally a second opening for ventilation.
[0007] In particular, the third component (C) is injection molded as a connecting component on the other two components to contact the first component (A) and the second component (B) to establish a friction connection, an adhesive bond connection, and / or a morph-fit connection between the first component (A) and the second component (B).
[0008] In particular, components A and B may be injection-molded parts. However, alternatively, components A and / or B may be stamped and / or embossed plastic films, which can be inserted into an injection mold and then overmolded.
[0009] In particular, the first component (A) is a plastic part, preferably an injection-molded part, and comprises a base body and at least one trough-shaped recess formed on the upper surface of the base body, the wall of which defines the boundary of the sample collection chamber.
[0010] The recess has a predetermined depth T, which is manufactured with high precision.
[0011] The second component (B) may include one or more plastic parts, preferably injection-molded parts, which cover the recess of component (A).
[0012] The second component (B) may form one or more covers that cover the trough-shaped recess.
[0013] In particular, the walls and cover of the recess define the boundary of the sample chamber.
[0014] The second component (B) is attached to the first component (A) by a third component made of further molded or injection-molded plastic, preferably an injection-molded component (C).
[0015] A third component, optionally an injection-molded component (C), may be attached to the surface of the first component (A), particularly to the space between the second components (B), or to the surrounding area of the edges of the second components (B) by injection molding.
[0016] A third component, optionally an injection-molded component (C), may also be formed by injection molding. The third component (C) may be inserted into one or more grooves formed in the second component (B), which face the surface of the first component (A) in which a recess is formed.
[0017] A method according to the present invention for manufacturing a sample collection device, particularly such a sample collection device, is to perform the following steps: (a) manufacturing a first component A in a manufacturing process, preferably an injection molding process; (b) manufacturing a second component B in a manufacturing process, preferably an injection molding process; (c) positioning the second component (B) to cover the recessed opening of the first component (A); and (d) introducing a third component (C) into the space located between the second components (B), or in the surrounding region of at least one edge of the second component (B) on the surface of the first component (A).
[0018] In a method according to the present invention for manufacturing a sample collection device, particularly such a sample collection device, the following steps are performed: (a) manufacturing a first component A by an extrusion or casting process, preferably an injection molding process; (b) manufacturing a second component B by an extrusion or casting process, preferably an injection molding process; (c) positioning the second component (B) so as to cover the opening of a recess in the first component (A), wherein at least one groove, particularly a groove formed in the second component (B), faces the surface of the base body; and (d) inserting a third component (C) into the groove of the second component (B) on the surface of the first component (A), wherein the insertion is preferably performed through at least one hole connecting the groove to the exposed upper surface of the second component (B).
[0019] In particular, the first component (A) and the second component (B) are manufactured simultaneously using the same tool in process steps (a) and (b).
[0020] A sample collection device consisting of essentially three components (A, B, and C) is manufactured by a bonding process, particularly using transfer technology, but is manufactured in at least a single step, preferably by a multi-component injection molding process.
[0021] A sample collection device consisting of essentially three components (A, B, and C) can be manufactured by a sequential or multi-stage injection molding process.
[0022] The components (A, B, C), in particular the first and second components (A, B), may be made of the same material, and / or the material of the third component (C) may be the same as or different from the material of the first component (A) and / or the material of the second component (B).
[0023] Further features and advantages of the present invention will become apparent from the following description with reference to the following drawings. [Brief explanation of the drawing]
[0024] [Figure 1] Disclosed is a perspective view of a sample collection device according to the present invention. [Figure 2] Disclosed are a plan view and an A-A sectional view of a first embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 2A] Disclosed is an enlarged portion of the sectional view of FIG. 1. [Figure 3] Disclosed are a plan view and an A-A sectional view of a second embodiment of the present invention. [Figure 3A] Disclosed is an enlarged portion of the sectional view of FIG. 3. [Figure 3B] Disclosed is an enlarged portion of the plan view of FIG. 3. [Figure 4] Disclosed is a schematic view of a manufacturing method according to the present invention.
BEST MODE FOR CARRYING OUT THE INVENTION
[0025] FIG. 1 shows a sample collection device 1 for receiving a fluid, particularly for counting particles in the fluid or measuring the particle concentration, particularly for measuring biological cells. The sample collection device 1 can be used as a microscope slide for cell counting.
[0026]
[0027] The number of chambers is not limited to two, and the device may have one or more chambers.
[0028] FIGS. 2 and 2A show a first embodiment of the sample collection device 1 described above. For simplicity, the openings are not shown.
[0029] The sample collection device 1 is made of three plastic components A, B, and C.
[0030] Plastic components A and B are generally rigid. Component A is a relatively flat injection-molded part comprising a base body 2 and two trough-shaped recesses 21 and 22 formed on the upper surface of the base body 2, the recesses 21 and 22 defining the sample collection chambers 11 and 12.
[0031] The recesses 21 and 22 have a predetermined depth T, for example 95 mm, and are manufactured with high precision.
[0032] Component B consists of one or more flat injection-molded parts 31, 32, or one or more flat injection-molded parts 31, 32, which form a “window” covering the recesses 21, 22 of the first component A. In Figure 2, there are two injection-molded parts or covers 31, 32, which cover the trough-shaped recesses 21 and 22. The walls of the recesses 21, 22 and the covers 31, 32 define the boundaries of the respective sample chambers 11 and 12. The surface area of the covers 31, 32 is smaller than the surface area of the base body 2, but larger than the openings of the recesses 21, 22, so that the covers 31, 32 protrude beyond the edges of the openings of the recesses 21, 22 and fit therein. In principle, at least one first opening (not shown) for introducing fluid is formed in each of the covers 31, 32. Plastic component B is transparent (at least to some extent) to allow optical counting to be performed. In particular, the additives required for the measurement process can be incorporated into plastic component A. This eliminates the need for the potentially unavoidable step of coating the plastic.
[0033] Figure 2A is a detailed view showing the recess 21 and its associated cover 31.
[0034] Component B is attached to the first component A by a further injection-molded component C. In the first embodiment, covers 31, 32 (components B) are positioned perpendicular to each other on the surface of the base body 2. The additional component C connects components A and B (and component C) and is inserted between covers 31 and 32 on the surface of the base body 2 by injection molding (e.g., in a two-component (2K) or multi-component injection molding process). The third component C forms a connecting component 40. The connection may be an adhesive bond (e.g., composite injection molding in the case of thermodynamically compatible plastics AC and BC) or a morph-fit connection (e.g., assembly injection molding in the case of non-compatible plastics AC and / or BC).
[0035] In the first manufacturing process, the following steps are performed: (a) manufacturing a first component A in an injection molding process; (b) manufacturing one or more second components B in an injection molding process; (c) positioning the components B so as to cover the openings of the recesses 21 and 22 of the first component A; and (d) introducing a third component C into the space between the second components B or into the area surrounding the edges of the second components B on the surface of the first component A. By inserting the third component C, components A, B, and C are connected.
[0036] The exposed surface of the third component C may be formed flush with the exposed surface of the second component B.
[0037] The sample collection device 1 can be manufactured from a total of three components by a multi-component injection molding process. The design and manufacturing process ensures the production of a sample volume V with high precision.
[0038] Figures 3 and 3A illustrate a second embodiment of the present invention, in which the same features / components as in the first embodiment are given the same reference numerals. Unlike the first embodiment, the second component B is not designed as individual plate-shaped covers arranged adjacent to each other on the first component A, but as a continuous element or continuous plate 3 of approximately the same size as the surface of the base body 2. However, as in the first embodiment, the plate 3 is divided into two cover regions 31 and 32 by two grooves 33 and 34 facing the surface of the base body 2 and an edge plate region 30 surrounding the cover regions 31 and 32. The grooves 33 and 34 extend around the cover regions 31 and 32, respectively. Through holes 35A to 35D are located at specific positions in the grooves and connect the grooves to the exposed surface of the second component B.
[0039] This is shown in an enlarged view in Figure 3B. Figure 3B shows an upwardly exposed hole 35A and a groove 33 below it formed in plate 3. Grooves 33 and 34 are formed in plate 3 and connected to the outside by small holes 35A to 35C, through which components C in the form of connecting components 41 are inserted or injection molded. This connection is similar to the connection described in relation to the first embodiment.
[0040] The manufacturing process of the second embodiment is essentially the same as the manufacturing process of the first embodiment of the sample collection device 1. The second manufacturing process is performed by the following steps: (a) manufacturing the first component A by an injection molding process; (b) manufacturing the second component B by an injection molding process; (c) positioning the second component B so as to cover the openings of recesses 21 and 22 formed in the first component A, with grooves 33 and 34 facing the surface of the base body 2; and (d) inserting component C into grooves 33 and 34 of the second component B on the surface of component A, the insertion being performed through holes 35A to 35D that connect grooves 33 and 34 to the exposed upper surface of the second component B, respectively. The third component C connects components A, B, and C by contacting both the first component A and the second component B.
[0041] The first method is schematically shown in Figure 4. The first component A and the second component B are manufactured in the first manufacturing step by injection molding using the first mold. After cooling, components A and B are superimposed in the second manufacturing step (B is placed on top of A), and component C is joined to each other by injection molding into the second mold. The manufacturing process can be carried out in a sequential or multi-stage injection molding process.
[0042] Ideally, the first component A and the second component B are made of the same material. Material C may be made of the same material as components A and / or B, or it may be made of a different material from the material of components A and / or B.
Claims
1. A sample collection device (1) for receiving a fluid, particularly for counting particles in the fluid or measuring particle concentration, and particularly for measuring biological cells, At least one sample collection chamber (11, 12) having a specified collection volume (V) Equipped with, Here, the sample collection device (1) comprises at least a first component (A) and at least a second component (B) of which are manufactured as plastic components and assembled together, particularly injection-molded components, wherein the two components (A, B) define the boundary of the at least one sample collection chamber (11, 12). Sample collection device (1).
2. The sample collection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the third component (C) is injection molded as a connecting component (40, 41) to contact the first component (A) and the second component (B) to establish an adhesive attachment connection and / or morph-fit connection between the first component (A) and the at least one second component (B).
3. The sample collection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the first component (A) is a plastic component, particularly an injection-molded part, and comprises a base body (2) and at least one trough-shaped recess (21, 22) formed on the upper surface of the base body (2), the walls of the recess define the boundary of the sample chamber (11, 12).
4. The sample collection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the recesses (21, 22) have a predetermined depth T and are manufactured with high precision.
5. The sample collection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second component (B) comprises one or more plastic components, in particular injection-molded parts (3, 31, 32), which cover the recesses (21, 22) of the first component (A).
6. The sample collection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second component (B) forms one or more covers (31, 32) that cover the trough-shaped depressions (21, 22).
7. The sample collection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the walls of the recesses (21, 22) and the covers (31, 32) define the boundaries of the sample collection chambers (11, 12).
8. The sample collection device (1) according to claim 1, wherein the second component (B) is attached to the first component (A) by a further injection-molded third component (C).
9. The sample collection device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the third injection-molded component (C) is attached to the surface of the first component (A) by injection molding into the space between the second components (B) or into the surrounding region of the edge of the second component (B).
10. The sample collection device (1) according to claim 8, wherein the third injection-molded component (C) is formed by injection molding into one or more grooves formed in the second component (B), the grooves facing the surface of the first component (A).
11. A method for manufacturing a sample collection device (1), particularly the sample collection device (1) according to claim 9, the method comprising the following steps: (a) manufacturing the first component (A) particularly by an injection molding process; (b) manufacturing the second component (B) particularly by an injection molding process; (c) positioning the second component (B) to cover the opening of the recess (21, 22) formed in the first component (A); and (d) introducing the third component (C) into the space between the second components (B) or into the area surrounding the edge of the second component (B) on the surface of the first component (A).
12. A method for manufacturing a sample collection device (1), particularly the sample collection device (1) according to claim 10, the method comprising the following steps: (a) manufacturing the first component (A) particularly using injection molding; (b) manufacturing the second component B particularly using an injection molding process; (c) positioning the second component B so as to cover the opening of the recess (21, 22) of the first component (A), wherein at least one groove (33, 34) faces the surface of the base body (2); and (d) inserting the third component (C) into the groove (33, 34) of the second component (B) on the surface of the first component (A), wherein the insertion is preferably performed through at least one hole (35A to 35B) connecting the groove (33, 34) to the exposed upper surface of the second component (B).
13. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the first component (A) and the second component (B) are manufactured simultaneously with the same tool in steps (a) and (b).
14. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the sample collection device (1), which essentially consists of the three components (A, B, C), is manufactured by a multi-component injection molding process.
15. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the sample collection device (1), which essentially consists of the three components (A, B, C), is manufactured by a sequential or multi-stage injection molding process.
16. The method according to claim 11 or 12, wherein the components (A, B, C), in particular the first and second components (A, B), are made of the same material, and / or the material of the third component (C) is the same as or different from the material of the first component (A) and / or the second component (B).