Contactless Pattern Generation Using Immiscible Fluids
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for producing monoclonal cell lines are time-consuming and labor-intensive, requiring manual handling and frequent cleaning or replacement of pins, which complicates the process of creating patterns on carrier surfaces for cell deposition.
Innovation Solution
A method and device that utilize a contactless force transmission system to generate patterns on a carrier surface by moving an object relative to the surface, using immiscible fluids to separate and position cells, eliminating the need for manual pin manipulation and reducing the number of fluids involved, thereby simplifying the workflow and reducing contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a pin is used to create patterns on the carrier surface, then the pattern generation is possible, but the pin requires frequent cleaning or replacement which increases time consumption and operational complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin-based system with a magnetic field-based system. A magnet moves along the carrier surface, manipulating the immiscible fluid interface to create patterns without physical contact. This eliminates the need for mechanical pins that require cleaning and replacement, thereby increasing productivity and reducing time loss.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a magnetic field as an intermediary between the moving object and the fluid. The magnetic field acts as a mediator to transmit force to the magnet, which in turn manipulates the fluid interface. This intermediary system allows for contactless pattern generation, eliminating the contamination and cleaning issues associated with direct mechanical contact.
2Measurement precision
If manual checking of cell suspension is performed, then cell regions can be identified, but the process becomes labor-intensive and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated optical detection system. The detection device automatically identifies cell-containing regions by analyzing the fluid interface patterns, eliminating the need for manual checking under a microscope. This maintains measurement precision while dramatically improving ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-detection and self-positioning functions. The optical detection device automatically identifies cell regions, and the control device automatically adjusts the magnet's position and movement based on detection results. This automation eliminates manual intervention, making the process both precise and operationally simple.
3Productivity
If multiple fluids are used in the process, then pattern generation is achieved, but the number of handling steps and contamination risks increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary fluid handling steps from the process. By using a magnet to manipulate the fluid interface instead of physical pins, the system reduces the number of handling steps required. The magnetic field-based approach allows pattern generation with fewer operational interventions, thereby improving productivity while reducing device complexity.
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
This approach enables more efficient and automated workflows in the laboratory, reducing the time and effort required for cell pattern creation, improving the consistency and reproducibility of cell deposition, and allowing for smoother force application across varying carrier shapes.
Implementation Method 1
generating the pattern by a relative movement between the object and the carrier, in which a force is exerted on the object from a force generating means (28), wherein the transmission of force from the force generating means (28) to the object is contactless
Implementation Method 2
the pattern is generated by part of the second fluid wetting the carrier surface
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for producing at least one pattern (2) on a carrier surface (7) of a carrier (3), wherein the method comprises the following steps:a. adding a first fluid (4) to the carrier surface (7) andb. adding a second fluid (5), wherein the second fluid (5) is immiscible with the first fluid (4) and at least partially covers the first fluid (4) andc. adding at least one object (6) above the carrier surface (7),d. generating the pattern (2) by a relative movement between the object (6) and the carrier (3) in which a force is exerted on the object (6) from a force generating means (28), wherein the force transmission from the force generating means (28) on the object (6) is contactless and the pattern (2) is generated by a portion of the second fluid (15) wetting the carrier surface (7).