Cell Culture Device with Variable Speed Pump and Decompression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell culture automation devices face challenges in scalability, cost, and biological contamination risk due to the need for various pump sizes and culture channel components, as well as complex installation processes and leak confirmation methods.
Innovation Solution
A cell culture device with a control unit featuring separate gas supply and decompression sources, connected through multiple channels and valves, allowing for flexible and efficient liquid and gas management without requiring multiple pump sizes, and simplifying the installation and leak confirmation process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If a pump is used for liquid feeding with disposable tubes, then the automation device can be downsized, but it requires preparing tubes with various inner diameters and selecting optimum tube diameter for different culture scales
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single tube diameter that can be used across different culture scales by combining it with a variable speed pump system. The pump's ability to adjust rotational speed allows the same tube configuration to handle different flow rate requirements for small-scale and large-scale cultures, eliminating the need for multiple tube sizes while maintaining versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the operational parameters of the pump (rotational speed) rather than changing the physical parameters of the tube (inner diameter). By controlling the pump speed, the system can deliver appropriate flow rates for different culture volumes using the same tube, thus resolving the contradiction between device simplification and adaptability.
2Ease of manufacture
If tube-type pump with fixed motor output is used, then the pump performance is limited, but it cannot handle varying liquid volumes from several mL to several hundred mL
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms a static pump system into a dynamic one by implementing variable speed control. The pump motor speed can be adjusted in real-time to match the required flow rate for different culture volumes, allowing a single standardized pump design to handle a wide range of liquid volumes from mL to hundred mL scales.
Solution Approach 2:
A single pump design with variable speed capability serves multiple functions across different culture scales. The same pump can handle both small-scale cultures (several mL) and large-scale cultures (several hundred mL) by adjusting its operational speed, eliminating the need for multiple pump sizes or configurations.
3Reliability
If exchange-type culture channels are prepared individually for each culture scale, then the culture can be optimized for specific needs, but the cost for various components becomes enormous
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal culture channel configuration that can be used across different culture scales. By combining standardized tubes with a variable speed pump system, the same culture channel setup can handle both small and large scale cultures, eliminating the need to manufacture and stock multiple types of culture channels for different scales, thus reducing component costs while maintaining culture optimization.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of changing the physical configuration of culture channels for different scales, the system optimizes culture conditions by changing operational parameters (pump speed). This allows a single culture channel design to serve multiple purposes across different scales, reducing the need for expensive customized components while maintaining culture-specific optimization.
4Ease of manufacture
If manual installation of culture channel is performed, then the device can be assembled, but the installation process is complicated and leak confirmation is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates self-checking capabilities where the pump motor controls the flow and pressure, and the standardized connections allow the system to self-verify proper assembly. The simplified connection design enables operators to easily assemble the culture channel, and the system automatically detects potential leaks through flow rate monitoring and pressure feedback, reducing both installation complexity and verification difficulty.
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 easy construction and operation of cell culture devices that can handle varying liquid volumes and flow rates, reducing biological contamination risks and operational complexity while maintaining sterility.
Implementation Method 1
a control unit provided with a gas supply source
Implementation Method 2
a decompression source provided with a roller pump
Implementation Method 3
the decompression source provided with a roller pump
Data Source
AI summary
A cell culture device includes a control unit that includes a first gas supply source, a second gas supply source, and a decompression source, and a culture unit that includes a first container, a second container, a first gas channel that connects a third container, the first gas supply source, the second container to a connection point, a second gas channel, a third gas channel, a first liquid channel, a second liquid channel, a gas-liquid channel, a first valve, a second valve, a third valve, a fourth valve, and a fifth valve.