Integrated Cell Culture Device with Piston-Driven Fluid Distribution
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current biological and genetic engineering experiments require manual operation of multiple instruments, leading to time-consuming and labor-intensive processes, with inefficiencies in instrument compatibility and excessive use of cell culture fluids, resulting in high costs and potential exposure to harmful substances.
Innovation Solution
A compact cell culture and experiment device integrating a central distribution compartment, culture compartment, treatment compartment, and pipelines, featuring a distribution valve and piston for automated liquid delivery, and various compartments for treatment and measurement, allowing for automated operation and reduced material usage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Extent of automation
If traditional instruments are combined into a mini plant with control assembly, then automation degree is improved, but device complexity increases and the combined mini plant becomes too large for a traditional biochemical laboratory
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates multiple experimental operations (cell culture, measurement, separation, re-suspension, treatment) into a single integrated device with unified control, eliminating the need for multiple separate traditional instruments and reducing overall device complexity while maintaining automation
Solution Approach 2:
The central distribution compartment serves multiple functions: it acts as a distribution hub for liquid media, a control center for valve operations, and a coordination point for piston-driven fluid transfer to various compartments, allowing one component to perform multiple roles and reduce the number of separate components needed
2Extent of automation
If traditional instruments are combined into a mini plant, then automation degree is improved, but the combined mini plant becomes too large for a traditional biochemical laboratory
Solution Approach 1:
The device structure nests compartments within each other: the central distribution compartment is surrounded by culture compartments and treatment compartments, with pipelines and valves integrated within the compartment walls, creating a compact nested arrangement that minimizes overall device volume
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes three-dimensional spatial arrangement with compartments positioned at different levels and depths, connecting them via vertical and horizontal pipelines, effectively using vertical space and depth to reduce the device's horizontal footprint and overall volume
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple turns of experiment operations or experiment operations on a plurality of samples are executed manually, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption and labor intensity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The device incorporates dynamically controllable elements including rotatable valve elements that can be programmed to different positions, pistons that can be controlled to move at varying speeds and strokes, and a central control system that can adjust operational parameters, enabling the same device to adapt to different experimental protocols while maintaining high throughput
Solution Approach 2:
The automated control system manages the entire experimental process autonomously: the central control assembly automatically actuates valves and pistons based on pre-programmed sequences, the device self-regulates fluid distribution to different compartments, and the system completes multiple experimental cycles without human intervention, dramatically improving productivity
4Reliability
If a relatively large amount of cell culture fluid is used, then experimental requirements are met, but raw experimental materials become too expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses piston-driven hydraulic systems to precisely control fluid transfer: pistons move precise volumes of cell culture fluid from the central distribution compartment to specific culture or treatment compartments through controlled displacement, minimizing excess fluid usage while ensuring sufficient volume for reliable experimental results
Solution Approach 2:
The device allows dynamic adjustment of fluid distribution parameters including volume, flow rate, and destination compartment selection through the central control system, enabling optimization of material usage based on specific experimental requirements and reducing overall consumption while maintaining experimental reliability
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 automates cell culture and experimental processes, saving time and labor, reducing material waste, and minimizing exposure to harmful substances while efficiently completing multiple experimental tasks.
Implementation Method 1
a distribution chamber and a piston capable of moving back and forth in the distribution chamber to change the working volume of the distribution chamber
Implementation Method 2
a distribution valve for controlling the distribution chamber to be communicated with any pipeline is arranged at the bottom end of the distribution chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention discloses a cell culture and experiment device used in the field of biological and genetic engineering experiment apparatus, comprising a cent distribution compartment, a culture compartment, a treatment compartment, and pipelines for delivering liquid between the central distribution compartment and the culture compartment and between the central distribution compartment and the treatment compartment. The central distribution compartment is equipped with a distribution chamber and a piston which can be moved forward and backward in the distribution chamber to alter the working volume of the distribution chamber. At the bottom of the distribution chamber, the central distribution compartment is equipped with a distribution valve controlling the connectivity between the distribution chamber and any of the channels. The invention provides a miniaturized apparatus integrating the central distribution compartment, the culture compartment and the treatment compartment, which can replace manual operations, save time and labor, and avoid wasting experimental raw material.