Cell Sheet Detachment With Cross-Directional Tapping and Shaking

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing methods for detaching cell sheets from culture substrates often result in tearing and inefficiency, particularly when the direction of movement is parallel to the impact direction.

Innovation Solution

A combined method of tapping and shaking the culture container at angles relative to each other, utilizing external stimuli like tapping, shaking, and ultrasonic waves to detach cell sheets efficiently while minimizing tearing.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the culture container is allowed to undergo back-and-forth movement in a direction parallel to the impact direction, then the cell sheet detachment efficiency is improved, but the cell sheet is prone to tearing

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell sheet detachment efficiencyVSAvoidcell sheet integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the direction of movement from parallel to perpendicular relative to the impact direction. Specifically, the culture container is moved in a direction perpendicular to the impact direction applied by the detachment start unit, which prevents tearing while maintaining detachment efficiency. This dimensional change in movement direction resolves the contradiction between detachment efficiency and sheet integrity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Speed

If the culture container is tapped with a large impact force, then the detachment speed is increased, but the cell sheet is more likely to tear

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment speedVSAvoidcell sheet integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
SpeedVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs dynamic control of the tapping process through repeated, controlled impacts rather than a single large force. The detachment start unit repeatedly taps the culture container in a controlled manner, allowing gradual detachment while maintaining sheet integrity. This dynamic approach balances detachment speed with prevention of tearing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If the culture container is shaken vigorously, then the detachment process is accelerated, but the cell sheet quality deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedetachment efficiencyVSAvoidcell sheet quality
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses periodic shaking movements rather than continuous vigorous shaking. The shaking unit performs repeated, controlled shaking cycles that gradually facilitate detachment while maintaining cell sheet quality. This periodic action allows the system to achieve high detachment efficiency without compromising sheet integrity through excessive force.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #19Periodic action

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 method effectively detaches cell sheets with reduced tearing and shorter detachment times, maintaining high cell survival rates and efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

a tapping process of tapping the culture container... the tapping unit that taps the culture container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectImpact force: Impact Force

Implementation Method 2

a shaking process of shaking the culture container... the shaking unit that shakes the culture container

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectVibration: Vibration

Data Source

PatentEP4617352A1Cell detachment method and cell detachment system
Publication Date: 2025.09.17 CANON KK
  • EP4617352A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4617352A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4617352A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A cell detachment method that detaches a cell sheet adhering to a culture surface of a culture container (8) from the culture container (8) by using a cell detachment system includes a tapping process of tapping the culture container (8) in a first direction that contains a direction component parallel to the culture surface; and a shaking process of shaking the culture container (8) in a second direction that contains a direction component parallel to the culture surface, in which the first direction and the second direction are different from each other as viewed in a direction perpendicular to the culture surface.