Fragile Object Retaining Device With Water-Repellent Protective Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing containers for transporting fragile sheet-like cell cultures require sophisticated technology to achieve a liquid-tight state and often result in damage due to vibrations and ripple formation during lid operation.
Innovation Solution
A device with a water-repellent, flexible protecting member sandwiched between the lid and container, which forms a liquid-tight space by pressing out bubbles and preventing gas entry, allowing for simple operation and easy release of the liquid-tight state.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the container is made liquid-tight by exhausting air and sealing with a lid, then bubbles do not move during transportation and the cell sheet is protected from breakage, but highly sophisticated technology is required and strong force is necessary to remove the lid which causes liquid ripple and potential cell sheet damage
Solution Approach 1:
A protecting member (film or sheet) is introduced as an intermediary between the lid and the cell sheet. This protecting member is pressed against the inner surface of the lid to form a fluid-impermeable seal, eliminating the need for sophisticated air exhaustion techniques. The protecting member absorbs the sealing function, allowing simple lid placement and removal without directly contacting the cell sheet, thus preventing damage while maintaining liquid-tightness.
2Ease of operation
If strong force is applied to remove the lid from the liquid-tight container, then the lid can be detached, but the liquid ripples and the cell sheet becomes damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting member serves as a mediator between the lid and the cell sheet during lid removal. When force is applied to remove the lid, the protecting member absorbs this force and prevents direct transmission to the liquid and cell sheet. The water-repellent treatment on the protecting member further reduces adhesion, allowing easy removal without causing liquid ripple or cell sheet damage.
Solution Approach 2:
The protecting member is subjected to water-repellent treatment, changing its surface properties. This parameter change reduces the adhesion between the protecting member and the liquid, allowing the lid to be removed with minimal force. The water-repellent surface prevents liquid from clinging to the protecting member during removal, thereby preventing liquid ripple and cell sheet damage.
3Ease of operation
If simple operation is used to place and remove the lid, then ease of operation is improved, but the liquid-tight state cannot be efficiently achieved and bubbles may enter the container
Solution Approach 1:
The protecting member acts as an intermediary sealing element that is pressed against the inner surface of the lid. This simple mechanical pressing action, facilitated by the protecting member's flexibility and water-repellent properties, efficiently achieves a liquid-tight state without requiring sophisticated air exhaustion equipment. The protecting member prevents bubbles from entering while allowing simple lid placement and removal operations.
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 efficiently maintains a liquid-tight state during transportation, preventing damage to fragile objects and allowing for safe handling in clean environments like bio-clean rooms and intensive care units.
Implementation Method 1
The protecting member and/or the lid member may be subjected to a water-repellent treatment
Data Source
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AI summary
An object of the present invention is to provide means for stably maintaining a shape of a fragile object in a liquid. The present invention relates to a device including a container for accommodating the fragile object, a lid member for sealing the container, and a protecting member, the device being capable of forming a liquid-tight space by covering a liquid surface in the container which accommodates the fragile object and the liquid with the protecting member and further covering the protecting member and an opening portion of the container with the lid member.