Cell Suction System with Automated Tip Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell suction systems lack precision in targeting and suctioning intracellular substances due to reliance on manual visualization and limited positional accuracy of suction tips, making them inefficient for processing multiple cells.
Innovation Solution
A cell suction system with a suction section, detection section, and conveyance section that allows for precise three-dimensional movement of the suction tip based on real-time detection of the tip's position, enabling micron-order precision in positioning the suction tip within a cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual visualization and existing nanospray tip are used for cell suction, then the system is simple and easy to operate, but the positional precision of the suction tip is only at the level of about tens of micrometers, making it very difficult to precisely pick up a substance in a desired cell
Solution Approach 1:
A detection section is introduced as an intermediary between the suction section and the operator. This detection section includes a microscope for imaging the suction tip and a position detection unit that calculates the tip's position coordinates, serving as a mediator that provides precise positional information without requiring the operator to manually estimate position
Solution Approach 2:
The manual visual estimation method is replaced with an automated optical detection system. The microscope captures images of the suction tip, and a position detection unit automatically calculates precise coordinates, substituting the mechanical/manual positioning process with an optical-mechanical automated system that achieves micron-order precision
2Productivity
If manual visualization is used to track cell changes and determine target cells, then the operation is flexible, but the working efficiency is low as it requires processing cells one by one
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements feedback by continuously detecting the position of the suction tip relative to the target cell image and using this information to automatically adjust and correct the tip's position. The position detection unit provides real-time feedback on positioning accuracy, enabling precise target cell selection while maintaining operational flexibility
Solution Approach 2:
The visual information from the microscope is captured and processed as digital image data. The position detection unit creates a digital representation of the tip's position based on image analysis, allowing the system to work with copied visual information rather than direct manual observation, thereby improving both efficiency and precision
3Manufacturing precision
If the suction tip position is not precisely controlled, then the system is simpler to operate, but it is impossible to accurately analyze the intracellular substance from a specific cell
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning by automatically detecting the suction tip position and calculating its coordinates relative to the target cell. The conveyance section automatically adjusts the tip position based on detected information, enabling the system to self-correct positioning errors without requiring skilled manual operation
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical positioning of the suction tip is replaced with automated motor-driven conveyance mechanisms. The conveyance section uses motor control to precisely move the suction tip based on position detection feedback, substituting manual mechanical operation with automated mechanical control that provides both precision and ease of use
Data Source
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Figure 3(a)~3(e)
AI summary
Provided is a cell suction system that supports suction work of a substance within a cell. The cell suction system includes: a suction section including a tubular tip configured to suction the substance from the inside of the cell received in a container; a detection section configured to acquire information on a front end part of the tip; and a conveyance section configured to make the suction section three-dimensionally movable, the conveyance section being configured to move the suction section to guide the front end part of the tip attached to the suction section into one specific cell based on the information obtained in the detection section.