Cell Screening Device With Inclined Bubble-Discharge Surface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell screening devices face issues with air bubbles entering the reagent introduction channel, blocking fluid flow and affecting screening due to the design of the reagent introduction part, which can introduce air bubbles when the device is inclined or liquid levels change.
Innovation Solution
The cell screening device incorporates a bubble discharge surface on the flow channel end part, formed in an inclined or stepped shape, to guide air bubbles away from the flow channel and out of the device, preventing blockages and ensuring smooth fluid flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a reagent introduction part is provided at the end part of the device, then reagents can be supplied to the accumulation part, but air bubbles may enter the reagent introduction channel and block the flow channel
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of air bubbles into a beneficial feature by designing a bubble discharge surface that actively guides air bubbles away from the flow channel. The inclined or stepped surface uses the natural buoyancy of air bubbles to direct them toward a discharge path, transforming the potential blockage problem into a self-cleaning mechanism that maintains reliable fluid flow while preserving reagent introduction functionality
2Adaptability or versatility
If the device is inclined or liquid level drops, then liquid can be introduced or removed through the reagent introduction part, but air bubbles enter the flow channel end part
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a bubble discharge surface as an intermediary structure between the flow channel end part and the external environment. This intermediate surface captures air bubbles before they can enter the flow channel, using its inclined or stepped geometry to guide bubbles along a separate path to a discharge hole, thereby mediating between the adaptable liquid introduction function and the need to prevent air bubble contamination
3Reliability
If air bubbles enter the flow channel, then fluid flow between the well and flow channel is obstructed, but screening function is affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by providing a bubble discharge surface that intercepts and redirects air bubbles before they can enter the flow channel and cause obstructions. The inclined or stepped surface is positioned to capture bubbles at the earliest possible point, guiding them along a predetermined safe path to a discharge hole, thereby preventing fluid flow obstruction before it can occur and maintaining reliable screening function
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 bubble discharge surface effectively prevents air bubbles from entering the flow channel, maintaining reliable screening operations even when the device is inclined or liquid levels change, reducing the risk of fluid flow obstruction.
Implementation Method 1
a bubble discharge surface is formed on at least a part of the back side of the lid part, that is, a ceiling surface of the flow channel end part, the bubble discharge surface rising in an inclined surface shape or a stepped shape as the bubble discharge surface approaches the fluid injection hole, air bubbles move toward the fluid outlet along the bubble discharge surface
Data Source
AI summary
A cell screening device including a bottom plate, a cell placement membrane, a pair of fluid injection parts, and a flow channel, the flow channel being formed between the bottom plate and the cell placement membrane and extending in such a manner that the flow channel end parts respectively reach the fluid injection parts. In the cell placement membrane, a plurality of wells, each having a size capable of housing a single cell, and through holes are formed. In the back side of each lid, i.e., the ceiling face of the flow channel end part, a debubbling surface, which rises in an inclined or step-like manner as getting closer to a fluid injection hole, is formed.