Cell Dispensing Device With Buffer Tank for Aseptic Transfer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell culture devices require manual cell dispensing, which increases the risk of bacterial contamination and is inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A cell dispensing device with a syringe pump, buffer tank, and air filters that maintains an aseptic state by removing gas from the dispensing container and using a controlled suction and delivery process to transfer cell suspension to a dispensing container.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual dispensing is performed, then the device complexity is reduced, but the risk of bacterial contamination increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The connection tube is divided into multiple segments: first connection tube (connecting container to branch portion), second connection tube (connecting branch portion to dispensing container), and third connection tube (connecting dispensing container to culture device). Valves are installed at key positions to control fluid flow in each segment, enabling automated dispensing while maintaining aseptic conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
A buffer part is introduced as an intermediary component between the branch portion and the pump part. The buffer part temporarily stores cell suspension and allows the pump to control dispensing timing and rate, automating the process while maintaining sterility through the closed system.
2Quantity of substance
If gas is present in the dispensing container, then the device complexity remains simple, but the storage of cell suspension is hindered
Solution Approach 1:
The pump part performs preliminary suction to remove gas from the dispensing container before cell suspension is transferred. This preliminary action ensures that the dispensing container is ready to receive and store cell suspension without gas interference, maintaining the closed aseptic system.
3Productivity
If automated dispensing is implemented, then productivity increases and contamination risk decreases, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The pump part serves multiple functions: it removes gas from the dispensing container, sucks cell suspension from the container through the buffer part, and delivers cell suspension to the dispensing container. This multi-functionality automates the dispensing process, improving productivity while maintaining a relatively simple closed system structure.
4Ease of operation
If a direct connection tube is used between container and dispensing container, then device complexity is reduced, but the ability to control dispensing process and remove gas is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The connection system is segmented into multiple tubes with valves at strategic positions. The first connection tube connects the container to the branch portion, the second connection tube connects the branch portion to the dispensing container, and the third connection tube connects the dispensing container to the culture device. This segmentation enables controlled dispensing and gas removal while maintaining system simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
Valves are installed at key positions to dynamically control fluid flow direction and timing. The valves enable the system to switch between different operational modes (gas removal, cell suspension transfer, dispensing) by opening and closing appropriate flow paths, providing ease of operation within a simple closed structure.
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 enables efficient, aseptic cell dispensing with reduced bacterial contamination risk and improved efficiency compared to manual methods.
Implementation Method 1
a pump part installed to the second connection tube and configured to perform suction of a gas from the dispensing container, suction of the cell suspension from the container
Implementation Method 2
delivery of the cell suspension to the dispensing container through the connection path
Data Source
AI summary
A cell dispensing device capable of efficiently dispensing cells while reducing the risk of mixing of bacteria or the like is provided. The cell dispensing device includes a first tube configured to connect a container and a dispensing container to each other, a syringe pump attached to a second tube connected to a branch portion formed in the first tube, and a buffer tank provided between the syringe pump and the branch portion. The cell suspension stored in the container is temporarily stored in the buffer tank and is delivered to the dispensing container by the syringe pump.