Cell Handling Cartridge Seal Member for Airtight Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

The preparation of induced pluripotent stem cells (iPS cells) is costly and requires manual operation, even with automated cell preparation apparatuses, due to the need for precise molding and positioning of connection portions between cartridges and air pressure feeding mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A cell handling system that includes a cell handling cartridge with a passage and inlet for liquid flow, a body apparatus with a connection portion and presser for air pressure feeding, and a seal member for ensuring airtight connection, reducing the need for precise positioning and molding.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If the air pressure feeding method is adopted to automate cell preparation, then productivity and automation are improved, but device complexity and manufacturing costs increase due to the need for precise molding and positioning of connection portions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomation of cell preparationVSAvoidconnection structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A seal member is introduced as an intermediary component between the connection portion and the cartridge. The seal member includes a pressing portion that contacts the connection portion and a sealing portion that contacts the cartridge, mediating the connection and enabling airtight sealing without requiring high precision in either the connection portion or cartridge molding.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing mechanism changes from requiring precise dimensional parameters of the connection portion and cartridge to relying on the elastic deformation capability of the seal member. The seal member's ability to deform elastically under pressing force allows for parameter tolerance in the connection structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If precise molding and positioning are required for the connection portion, then airtightness is improved, but manufacturing costs and ease of manufacture worsen

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveairtightness of connectionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost of connection structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member serves as a mediator that achieves airtight sealing through its elastic deformation rather than through precise molding of the connection portion or cartridge. This intermediary component absorbs the tolerance in manufacturing dimensions while maintaining reliable sealing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The seal member is made of elastic material that can deform under pressing force to conform to the connection portion and cartridge surfaces. This flexibility allows for achieving airtightness without requiring highly precise rigid surfaces, thereby reducing manufacturing costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #30Flexible shells and thin films

3Reliability

If a seal member is added to ensure airtight connection, then airtightness and reliability are improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveairtightnessVSAvoidnumber of components

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The seal member performs multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing to ensure airtightness, it facilitates the connection between the connection portion and cartridge, and it compensates for dimensional tolerances. This multi-functionality justifies the addition of the component by consolidating several requirements into a single element.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 system simplifies the connection process between the cartridge and the air pressure feeding mechanism, reducing manufacturing costs and increasing efficiency in preparing iPS cells.

Implementation Method 1

a seal member (225) on at least one of an opposing face (2141) of the pressure feeding pad (214) or an opposing face (201) of the cell handling cartridge (20), the opposing face (201) of the cell handling cartridge (20) facing the pressure feeding pad (214), wherein the seal member (225) is pressed by the presser (213) to press against the cell handling cartridge (20)

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS20250115852A1Cell handling system, cell handling apparatus, and cell handling cartridge

Publication Date: 2025.04.10 CANON MEDICAL SYST CORP

AI summary

A cell handling system includes: a cell handling cartridge including a passage and an inlet, the passage configured to allow a liquid to flow through the passage, the inlet provided to the passage, and configured to allow a gas to pass through the inlet; a body apparatus including a connection portion and a presser, the connection portion being connected to the inlet and having an air passage configured to allow the gas to flow through the air passage, the presser being configured to press the connection portion against the cell handling cartridge; and a seal member on at least one of an opposing face of the connection portion or an opposing face of the cell handling cartridge, the opposing face of the connection portion facing the cell handling cartridge, the opposing face of the cell handling cartridge facing the connection portion.