Cam Securing Apparatus for Tissue Engineering Sample Fixation
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Solution Overview
Problem
In tissue engineering, accurately positioning and securing multiple movable members relative to samples for physical stimulation is challenging, as accidental release can damage the samples, and existing methods fail to ensure precise positioning and controlled application of strain across multiple samples simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
A securing apparatus comprising a housing, cam member, and movable device that allows for precise positioning and fixation of movable members using a cam mechanism and friction members, enabling controlled physical stimulation of tissue explants or tissue engineering constructs with adjustable clamp force and resistance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If multiple movable members are positioned manually before stimulation, then positioning flexibility is improved, but the risk of accidental release and sample damage increases
Solution Approach 1:
The cam members are pre-positioned in a first position before the movable members are engaged, allowing manual positioning flexibility. When the movable members are inserted, the cam members automatically move to a second position that secures them, eliminating the risk of accidental release during the positioning process.
2Reliability
If movable members are secured firmly to prevent movement, then reliability is improved, but the ability to apply controlled physical stimulation is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The cam members can transition between a first position that allows movable member movement and a second position that secures them. This dynamic positioning enables the system to provide both stable positioning during setup and controlled movement during stimulation phases.
3Device complexity
If a simple positioning method is used, then device complexity is reduced, but manufacturing precision and positioning accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The cam members act as intermediaries between the housing and the movable members. The cam mechanism translates simple rotational movement into precise linear positioning, achieving high positioning accuracy without requiring complex positioning mechanisms.
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 accurate and controlled physical stimulation of multiple samples, preventing damage and ensuring consistent strain application across samples of varying dimensions, facilitating efficient research by allowing for the comparison of stimulated and non-stimulated samples.
Implementation Method 1
a cam member, and a movable device that can be moved in a first direction to engage a first surface of the cam member to cause the cam member to move from a first position to a second position
Implementation Method 2
a friction member which is positioned in a friction fit about the first movable member. The friction member is positionable along a longest dimension of the first movable member and engageable with a portion of the housing in order to hold the first movable member in a fixed position against a force of gravity
Implementation Method 3
Gravity is allowed to force each friction member against one of the portions of the housing to suspend each movable member at a desired position
Data Source
AI summary
A securing apparatus includes a housing, a cam member, and a movable device that can be moved in a first direction to engage a first surface of the cam member to cause the cam member to move from a first position to a second position. When the cam member is in the first position, first and second movable members can be moved relative to the housing. When the cam member is in the second position, second and third surfaces of the cam member press respectively against the first and second movable members to trap the first and second movable members respectively between the second and third surfaces of the cam member and the housing such that the first and second movable members are fixed relative to the housing.