Bioreactor Mechanical Stimulation Arms Isolate Motor from Humidity
Solution Overview
Problem
Bioreactors face challenges in applying mechanical strain to cells without damaging the electrical components used for agitation due to the humid environment, which can be detrimental to electrical devices.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor design that isolates electrical components from the humid environment by using a mechanical stimulation assembly with fixed and moving arms, driven by an external electrical motor, allowing for the application of mechanical strain to cells while keeping the electrical system outside the humid area, and incorporating a quick release mechanism for efficient operation and multiplexing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If electrical components are placed inside the bioreactor chamber to enable mechanical strain application, then mechanical stimulation can be directly applied to cells, but the electrical components are damaged by the humid environment
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into two separate systems: a mechanical stimulation assembly that operates inside the humid bioreactor chamber and an electrical motor that operates outside the chamber. The mechanical assembly includes fixed arms and moving arms that can be actuated by the external motor through a coupling mechanism, separating the electrical components from the harmful humid environment while maintaining mechanical stimulation capability.
Solution Approach 2:
A coupling mechanism serves as an intermediary between the external electrical motor and the internal mechanical arms. This intermediary transmission system allows mechanical force to be transmitted from the dry, protected electrical motor to the humid environment inside the chamber without direct contact between electrical components and moisture.
2Reliability
If a mechanical stimulation assembly with external motor is used, then electrical components are protected from humidity, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stimulation assembly is designed as a universal system that can be applied to multiple samples simultaneously through a single external motor controlling multiple moving arms. This multi-functional design reduces overall system complexity compared to having separate motors for each chamber, while still providing individual mechanical stimulation to each sample.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple moving arms are combined and controlled by a single external electrical motor through a shared coupling mechanism. This merging of control functions reduces the number of electrical components and simplifies the overall system architecture, offsetting the added complexity of the mechanical transmission system.
3Productivity
If multiple mechanical stimulation assemblies are used for multiplexing, then productivity increases, but the cost and complexity of the system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical stimulation assembly is designed as a universal module that can be replicated and configured for multiple samples. The standardized design of fixed arms, moving arms, and coupling mechanisms allows for easy multiplexing across different chambers without requiring custom configurations for each sample, thereby increasing productivity while controlling complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is segmented into identical, interchangeable mechanical stimulation modules that can be independently configured for different samples. This modular segmentation enables multiplexing by simply replicating the same proven design across multiple chambers, avoiding the complexity of designing unique systems for each application.
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
This design effectively applies mechanical strain to cells while protecting the electrical system from humidity, extending its lifespan and enabling cost reduction through multiplexing of mechanical stimulation assemblies with a single electrical motor.
Implementation Method 1
An electrical motor is located outside of the cover and is operably connected to the moving arm shaft. The electrical motor is configured to drive movement of the plurality of moving arms relative to the plurality of fixed arms via the moving arm shaft.
Data Source
AI summary
A bioreactor configured for stimulation of a plurality of samples includes a well plate containing a plurality of chambers and a cover placed over the well plate. A plurality of fixed arms are located in the cover, each chamber of the plurality of chambers having a fixed arm located therein. A plurality of moving arms are located in the cover, each chamber of the plurality of chambers having a moving arm located therein. The moving arm and fixed arm of each chamber hold a sample therebetween. A moving arm shaft is located in the cover, and is operably connected to the plurality of moving arms. An electrical motor is located outside of the cover and is operably connected to the moving arm shaft. The electrical motor is configured to drive movement of the plurality of moving arms relative to the plurality of fixed arms via the moving arm shaft.