Bubble Removal Pressing Member for Cell Culture Observation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for removing bubbles from culture bags in cell culture systems either fail to provide stable images due to adverse effects on cells or require impractical apparatus modifications, such as increasing pressure or using anti-foaming agents that can harm cells or promote mold growth.
Innovation Solution
A method and apparatus that utilize a pressing member to push bubbles outside the observation area by pressing from above the container's upper surface, allowing for bubble removal without affecting cell observation, using a combination of horizontal, oblique, and repeated up-down movements to efficiently remove both small and large bubbles.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-generated harmful factors
If conventional bubble removal methods (pressure increase, anti-foaming agents, ultrasonic vibration) are used, then bubbles are removed from the liquid, but cells are adversely affected or mold growth is promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention divides the container into two distinct zones: an observation area where cells are viewed and a bubble removal area where bubbles are collected. By segmenting the space, bubbles are redirected to a specific region away from the observation area, eliminating the need for harmful bubble removal methods that would damage cells.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention extracts bubbles from the observation area by providing a dedicated bubble removal area. A pressing member applies pressure to move bubbles from the liquid in the observation area to the bubble removal area, effectively separating bubbles from the cell observation zone without using harmful substances or methods.
2Object-generated harmful factors
If pressure is increased to remove bubbles, then bubbles are removed from the liquid, but the apparatus becomes more complex and operation difficult
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of increasing pressure throughout the entire container, the invention applies localized pressure only in the bubble removal area using a pressing member. This local pressure application is sufficient to move bubbles to the designated area without requiring complex pressure control systems throughout the apparatus.
Solution Approach 2:
The container's own structure is utilized to create the bubble removal area, eliminating the need for additional complex apparatus. The pressing member simply needs to apply localized pressure, and the container geometry itself facilitates bubble movement and collection.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If anti-foaming agents are used to remove bubbles, then bubbles are removed from the liquid, but cell viability decreases and mold growth is promoted
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces a physical intermediary (the pressing member and bubble removal area) to separate bubbles from the observation area, replacing chemical intermediaries (anti-foaming agents). This physical mediation achieves bubble removal without introducing substances that would harm cells or promote mold growth.
4Object-generated harmful factors
If ultrasonic vibration is applied to remove bubbles, then bubbles are removed from the liquid, but the apparatus complexity increases and operation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention replaces complex mechanical ultrasonic vibration systems with a simple pressing member that applies localized mechanical pressure. This substitution maintains effectiveness in bubble removal while dramatically simplifying the apparatus and ease of operation.
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
Enables stable bubble-free imaging during cell observation without harming cells, applicable to various soft package containers, effectively addressing the limitations of existing bubble removal techniques.
Implementation Method 1
bubbles are pushed outside the observation area by pressing from above a part of the upper surface of the container that is positioned above the observation area by means of a pressing member and by moving the pressing member
Implementation Method 2
a pressure difference is provided in the flow path of the liquid in the container, and move of the bubbles is controlled, thereby to remove the bubbles
Data Source
AI summary
A method for removing bubbles from an observation area includes pressing, with a pressing member, a part of an upper surface of the container that is positioned above the observation area, and moving the pressing member so as to push the bubbles outside the observation area.