Dynamic Mixing Device for Cell Printing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mixing devices for cell printing compositions, such as the CELLMIXER, face inefficiencies due to static mixing screws, which hinder the effective combination of cell culture fluid and hydrogel, necessary for 3D printing tissue structures.
Innovation Solution
A mixing device comprising two syringes with moving elements and a rotating mixing container driven by a power transmission unit, utilizing threaded guides and gears to dynamically mix cell culture fluid and hydrogel, eliminating the need for additional power devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a static mixing screw is used in the mixing device, then the device structure is simple, but the mixing efficiency is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the static mixing screw into a dynamic rotating mixing unit. The mixing unit is driven by a power transmission unit that converts rotational motion into the mixing action, enabling the mixing element to rotate and dynamically mix the materials instead of remaining stationary. This dynamic approach significantly improves mixing efficiency while the integrated power transmission mechanism keeps the overall device complexity manageable.
2Productivity
If additional power devices are added for mixing, then mixing efficiency improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the power transmission function with the mixing function by integrating the planetary gear mechanism directly into the mixing unit structure. The power transmission unit, comprising sun gear, planetary gears, and ring gear, is combined with the mixing unit so that one power input simultaneously drives both the material discharge and the mixing action, eliminating the need for separate additional power devices.
Solution Approach 2:
The power transmission unit serves multiple functions: it drives the first and second moving elements for material discharge, simultaneously rotates the mixing unit for mixing, and coordinates the operation of multiple components through a single input. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional dedicated power devices while maintaining efficient mixing performance.
3Loss of time
If material injection and mixing are performed separately, then each function can be optimized independently, but the overall process time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the material injection function and mixing function into a single integrated system. The power transmission unit simultaneously drives the moving elements for material discharge and the mixing unit for mixing, enabling both operations to occur concurrently during the same time period, thus eliminating the sequential time loss while maintaining coordinated control through the integrated mechanism.
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 device dynamically mixes liquids by rotating the mixing container, ensuring efficient combination of cell culture fluid and hydrogel, enhancing the 3D printing process without requiring additional power for mixing, thus overcoming the limitations of static mixing.
Implementation Method 1
The power transmission unit comprises a ring gear, a sun gear which is rotated by the rotation of the ring gear, a first planetary gear which engages with the sun gear, and a second planetary gear which engages with the sun gear.
Implementation Method 2
a first threaded guide where the first moving element is movably connected; a second threaded guide where the second moving element is movably connected
Data Source
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AI summary
The mixing device of cell printing composition according to the present invention comprises a first syringe comprising a first container for containing first liquid, a first moving element discharging the first liquid contained in the first container; a second syringe comprising a second container for containing second liquid, a second moving element discharging the second liquid contained in the second container; a mixing container comprising a rotating mixing unit, where the discharged first liquid and the discharged second liquids enter and are mixed each other; and a power transmission unit for driving the first moving element, the second moving element and the mixing unit.