Cell Detachment Device with Piezoelectric Feedback Control

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cell detachment devices face challenges in determining whether the applied vibration is within the desired conditions, as insufficient vibration may not detach cells effectively, while excessive vibration can cause damage, and there is no clear method to assess if the vibration is too large or too small.

Innovation Solution

A cell detachment device incorporating a piezoelectric element excited by alternating current, a vibrated system with a vibration member, and a detection unit using a sensor electrode to output and detect the state of the vibration, allowing for continuous vibration at predetermined frequency and amplitude, ensuring appropriate vibration conditions for cell detachment.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If vibration amplitude or applying time is increased to improve cell detachment, then detachment efficiency is improved, but cell damage may be caused

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell detachment efficiencyVSAvoidcell damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs a feedback mechanism where a sensor detects the vibration state of the culture vessel and feeds this information back to the control unit. The control unit compares the detected vibration state with the target vibration state and adjusts the driving voltage applied to the piezoelectric element accordingly. This closed-loop control ensures that the vibration remains within the optimal range for cell detachment while preventing excessive vibration that could damage cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent dynamically adjusts the vibration parameters (amplitude and frequency) by controlling the driving voltage applied to the piezoelectric element. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time based on feedback from the sensor, allowing the system to maintain optimal detachment conditions while avoiding cell damage. This involves changing electrical parameters (voltage) to control mechanical parameters (vibration amplitude and frequency).

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Object-affected harmful factors

If vibration amplitude or applying time is decreased to prevent cell damage, then cell safety is improved, but insufficient detachment may occur

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell damage preventionVSAvoidcell detachment efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Object-affected harmful factorsVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism continuously monitors the vibration state and ensures it remains above the threshold required for effective cell detachment. The control unit adjusts the driving voltage to maintain the vibration within the optimal range, preventing it from dropping too low and causing insufficient detachment while still avoiding excessive vibration that could damage cells.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adjusts the vibration parameters in real-time based on the actual vibration state detected by the sensor. This dynamic control allows the system to adapt to changing conditions and maintain optimal detachment efficiency while preventing cell damage, rather than using fixed vibration parameters throughout the process.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Measurement precision

If a distance sensor is used to detect cell detachment, then detachment status can be determined, but the vibration state cannot be assessed

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell detachment detectionVSAvoidvibration state information
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The patent makes the piezoelectric element serve multiple functions: it acts as both the actuator that generates vibration for cell detachment and the sensor that detects the vibration state through the inverse piezoelectric effect. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate sensors and allows simultaneous monitoring of both vibration state and cell detachment status, providing comprehensive process information.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The piezoelectric element performs self-detection of the vibration state through the inverse piezoelectric effect, where the mechanical stress from vibration generates an electrical signal. This self-service capability allows the system to monitor its own operating conditions without requiring external sensors, providing continuous feedback on the vibration state while maintaining cell detachment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

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 effectively determines if the vibration is within the desired range, preventing cell damage by ensuring continuous vibration at optimal conditions, thus ensuring efficient cell detachment without excessive or insufficient vibration.

Implementation Method 1

a piezoelectric element in which a second vibration is excited by applying a first alternating current using a first electrode and a second electrode

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

a third electrode used configured to output a second alternating current excited on the piezoelectric element by the first vibration generated in the vibrated system caused by the second vibration

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectInverse piezoelectric effect: Converse Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS20240174964A1Cell detachment device, vibration element, cell detachment device control method, and medium
Publication Date: 2024.05.30 CANON KK
  • US20240174964A1 patent drawing
  • US20240174964A1 patent drawing
  • US20240174964A1 patent drawing

AI summary

Provided is a cell detachment device causing to know whether the vibration applied to a culture vessel and the cells under the desired condition is applied. The device generating a first vibration and detaching a culture cell from a culture vessel using the first vibration, comprises: a piezoelectric element in which a second vibration is excited by applying a first alternating current using a first and second electrodes; a vibrated system in which the second vibration propagates, including a vibration member to which the piezoelectric element is fixed and on which the culture vessel mounted; a third electrode used outputting a second alternating current excited on the piezoelectric element by the first vibration generated in the vibrated system caused by the second vibration; and a detection unit detecting a state of the first vibration generated in the vibrated system by using the second alternating current output from the third electrode.