Rolling-Bearing Sample Grinding for Uniform Cell Fragmentation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for breaking up biological samples for contamination detection are labor-intensive, require long incubation times, produce non-uniform fragments, and generate debris that interferes with detection.
Innovation Solution
A biological sample grinding device with a vial and a bearing having rolling elements that crush samples between rotating surfaces, minimizing debris and reducing preparation time, using a conical or concave interior surface and a baffle to prevent air introduction and foaming.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional mechanical means (small homogenizers, shakers with metal balls) are used to break up biological samples, then the sample is fragmented, but the fragments are non-uniform and debris is generated that masks detection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful grinding surfaces from the system by eliminating traditional homogenizer blades and metal ball shakers. Instead, it uses a bearing with rolling elements that crush samples through controlled compression between the inner and outer races, preventing debris generation while achieving uniform fragmentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the mechanical parameter of sample breakdown from high-speed impact and shear forces (traditional methods) to controlled compression forces applied by rolling bearing elements. This parameter change achieves uniform fragmentation without generating debris that would interfere with detection.
2Productivity
If traditional mechanical homogenization methods are used, then samples are broken up, but the process is labor intensive and time consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs a self-contained bearing mechanism that automatically crushes and homogenizes samples through its own rotational motion. The bearing's inner and outer races work together to apply crushing forces without requiring external manipulation or additional mechanical components, eliminating labor-intensive operations and reducing preparation time.
3Measurement precision
If samples are not adequately broken up into individual cells, then contamination detection cannot be performed, but mechanical breaking generates noise and masks detection
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the potential harm of mechanical grinding (debris generation and noise) into a beneficial crushing action. By using controlled compression forces from bearing rolling elements, it achieves complete breakdown of sample clumps into individual cells for accurate contamination detection, while the controlled nature of the crushing minimizes background noise compared to traditional high-impact methods.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
The device achieves uniform sample fragmentation, reduces preparation time, and minimizes noise and debris, enhancing the accuracy of contamination detection.
Implementation Method 1
the biological sample is subject to being crushed or ground between at least one rolling element and at least one of the pair of surfaces
Implementation Method 2
the baffle inhibits the rotation of the fluid in the vial
Data Source
AI summary
In a biological sample grinding device and method, a bearing having a plurality of rolling elements disposed between a pair of rings is disposed in a container in which a fluid having at least one biological sample particle therein is introduced. With the bearing immersed in the fluid having the biological sample particle therein, one ring of the bearing is rotated relative to the other ring thereof, whereupon the rolling elements roll between the pair of rings and, in response thereto, the biological sample particle is drawn by the fluid between the pair of rings where it is subject to being crushed or ground between at least one of the rolling elements and at least one of the rings. A baffle can be disposed in the container for inhibiting the rotation of the fluid and, hence, the introduction of air into the fluid.