Cell Culture Device with Integrated Liquid Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell culture devices have complex structures, leading to increased size and complicated operations, which hinder efficient parallel testing and evaluation of multiple specimens.
Innovation Solution
A cell culture device with a simplified structure featuring a storage tank containing cell culture units with airtight liquid storage chambers, permeable membranes, and a vent hole for gas exchange, allowing for easy liquid transfer and pressurization, enabling parallel testing through a straightforward operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional cell culture devices use complex piping structures for liquid transfer, then liquid transfer can be achieved, but the device size increases and operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the liquid transfer function from complex external piping systems and integrates it into a simplified internal structure. The culture device uses a single chamber design where liquid is transferred directly from the liquid storage chamber to the culture chamber through integrated flow paths, eliminating the need for complicated external piping while maintaining effective liquid transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges multiple functions into a single integrated chamber structure. The liquid storage chamber and culture chamber are combined in one device with direct communication between them, eliminating separate piping systems. This merging of storage and culture functions in a single integrated unit simplifies the overall device structure and operation.
2Volume of stationary object
If conventional cell culture devices use complex structures, then various functions can be implemented, but the device size increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a nested structure where the culture chamber is positioned within or directly adjacent to the liquid storage chamber, sharing common walls and interfaces. This nesting arrangement allows multiple functional chambers to occupy minimal space while maintaining their distinct functions, effectively reducing overall device volume without sacrificing functional capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement within the single chamber design, creating vertical and horizontal flow paths that maximize functional density. By arranging liquid storage, culture, and gas exchange functions in three-dimensional space rather than linear extensions, the device achieves high functionality in a compact volume.
3Ease of operation
If conventional cell culture devices use complicated structures, then liquid transfer can be controlled, but operation becomes complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-regulating liquid transfer through pressure equalization mechanisms. Gas can be introduced into the liquid storage chamber to automatically pressurize and transfer liquid to the culture chamber without external pumping or complex control systems. The system uses inherent pressure-difference-driven flow to achieve reliable liquid transfer while maintaining simple operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses pneumatic pressure control through gas introduction into the liquid storage chamber to drive liquid transfer. By controlling gas pressure in the storage chamber, liquid flow to the culture chamber is automatically regulated, providing reliable liquid transfer control through simple pneumatic actuation rather than complex mechanical or electronic control systems.
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 miniaturizes the system, facilitates easy operation, and allows for efficient parallel evaluation of a large number of specimens, improving the throughput and reliability of cell assays.
Implementation Method 1
a permeable membrane having one surface to which the cells are able to adhere
Implementation Method 2
supplying gas to the first liquid storage chamber through the vent hole to pressurize an inside of the first liquid storage chamber
Implementation Method 3
introducing the liquid from a space on the other surface side of the membrane into the second liquid storage chamber with a pressure increase in the first liquid storage chamber
Data Source
AI summary
A cell culture device includes a storage tank having one or a plurality of cell culture units. Each of the cell culture units includes a first liquid storage chamber having an airtight structure in which a liquid is to be stored, a second liquid storage chamber in which the liquid is to be stored, a culture liquid storage chamber having a culture liquid storage space in which a culture liquid of cells is to be stored, a permeable membrane having one surface to which the cells are able to adhere, said one face facing the culture liquid storage space, and a liquid lead-out flow path that introducing the liquid from a space on the other surface side of the membrane into the second liquid storage chamber, the first liquid storage chamber being set as a supply source of the liquid.