Cell Handling Device with State Determination for Bioprocessing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell handling devices lack the capability to modify the state of cells stored in a container at a transfer destination, leading to potential issues in processing work due to inappropriate cell states such as number, size, shape, life, and arrangement.
Innovation Solution
A cell handling device equipped with a container, cell detection unit, head device for picking and transferring cells, and a control unit that determines the cell state and executes operations such as picking all cells, picking a part of cells, adding a new cell, or terminating processing to ensure cells are stored as intended based on detection results.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cell handling device transfers cells from a dish to a microplate without state verification, then the transfer process is simple and fast, but the cell state (number, properties, arrangement) in the destination well may be inappropriate causing processing troubles
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs cell state determination before finalizing the transfer operation. The system detects cells in the destination well, determines their state (number, properties, arrangement), and only completes the transfer if the state is appropriate. This preliminary verification ensures reliability without requiring complex post-transfer modification mechanisms.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a feedback loop where the detection unit continuously monitors the cell state in the destination well during and after transfer. Based on this feedback, the determination unit decides whether to continue, modify, or terminate the transfer operation. This feedback mechanism ensures the cell state meets requirements without overly complicating the device structure.
2Manufacturing precision
If the device adds state determination and modification operations, then cells are stored as intended in the well, but the processing time and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit performs only the necessary cell state determination - checking number, properties, and arrangement - without requiring exhaustive analysis. The head device performs selective modification operations (picking specific cells, adding cells) rather than complete re-arrangement. This partial action approach achieves the required precision while minimizing additional processing time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system determines cell state preliminarily during the transfer process itself, rather than requiring separate verification and modification steps after transfer. The detection and determination occur in real-time, allowing immediate corrective actions if needed, thus reducing overall processing time while maintaining precision.
3Measurement precision
If the device performs comprehensive cell state determination including number, properties and arrangement, then the cell storage state is verified accurately, but the detection and measurement difficulty increases
Solution Approach 1:
The determination unit segments the cell state determination into three distinct measurement tasks: cell number counting, cell property detection (size, shape), and arrangement verification. Each task uses simplified detection methods appropriate to that specific parameter, making the overall comprehensive determination manageable without requiring overly complex measurement systems for each individual parameter.
Data Source
AI summary
The cell handling device includes a container having a section to store cells; a cell detection unit for detecting a cell stored in the section; a head device for conducting picking of cells, and transfer and release of the picked cells; a control unit; and a determination unit for making a determination of a cell state including at least one of the number, properties, and arrangement of the cells based on a detection result of the cell detection unit. The control unit causes the head device to execute, according to a state determination result obtained by the determination unit, one operation selected from among operation of picking all the cells stored in the section, operation of picking a part of the cells stored in the section, operation of picking a new cell and releasing the cell in the section, and operation of terminating processing of the section.