Gravity Liquid Splitting for Balanced Cell Passaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell passaging methods are inefficient, time-consuming, and result in cell loss and damage due to manual operations and the use of peristaltic pumps, which also increase costs and contamination risks.
Innovation Solution
A gravitational liquid-splitting device and cell passaging device that utilizes gravity to split cell solutions equally between centrifuge containers, incorporating a funnel, dispensing valve, and stirring assembly to automate the process, ensuring balanced centrifugation and reducing cell loss and damage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If peristaltic pumps are used to dispense cell solution, then flow control precision is improved, but cell loss increases due to liquid stranded in tubing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the peristaltic pump and its associated tubing from the cell dispensing system. Instead, it uses a gravitational flow system where cell solution is dispensed through a funnel and channel structure without requiring pressurization or complex pumping mechanisms, thereby eliminating the source of cell loss in tubing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical peristaltic pumping system with a gravity-based fluid control system. The cell solution flows under gravity through a funnel and channel structure, eliminating the need for mechanical pressurization and tubing that would otherwise trap and lose cells.
2Measurement precision
If peristaltic pumps are used to dispense cell solution, then flow control is improved, but cell damage increases due to pressure difference
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the peristaltic pump and its pressurization mechanism from the system. The cell dispensing is achieved through gravity alone, eliminating the pressure differential that causes cell damage while maintaining adequate flow control through the gravitational flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent substitutes the mechanical peristaltic pump with a gravity-based flow system. This replacement eliminates pressurization and the associated harmful pressure differences, allowing cells to be dispensed without mechanical stress or damage.
3Adaptability or versatility
If manual operations are used for cell passaging steps, then flexibility is maintained, but time consumption increases and contamination risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a self-service automated system where the gravitational liquid-splitting device automatically divides cell solution into multiple containers without requiring manual intervention. The system uses gravity and simple mechanical structures to perform the dispensing and splitting functions that would otherwise require manual operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual operations with an automated gravitational flow system. The cell solution is automatically transferred and split into multiple containers through gravity-driven flow through channels, eliminating the need for manual handling and reducing both time consumption and contamination risk.
4Adaptability or versatility
If manual splitting of cell solution is performed, then adaptability is maintained, but complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a self-service system where the gravitational liquid-splitting device automatically performs the splitting function. The device uses gravity and a simple channel structure to divide cell solution into equal portions for multiple containers, eliminating the need for complex manual procedures while maintaining adaptability through adjustable channel configurations.
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 improves efficiency, reduces labor intensity, enhances cell survival rates, and minimizes contamination risks by automating the cell passaging process while preventing cell loss and damage.
Implementation Method 1
a gravitational liquid-splitting device is used to split the collected solution with detached cells equally between two centrifuge containers
Implementation Method 2
The stirrer is connected to the funnel cover and is configured to stir liquid in the funnel
Implementation Method 3
the two centrifuge containers are disposed symmetrically in a centrifuge for centrifugation, thereby ensuring dynamic balance during centrifugation
Data Source
AI summary
A gravitational liquid-splitting device has a funnel, a dispensing valve, a liquid-splitting part, and a stirring assembly. The funnel has an inner space and a bottom opening connected to each other. The dispensing valve is mounted to the funnel and is configured to close or open the bottom opening of the funnel. The liquid-splitting part is connected to a bottom of the funnel and has an input channel and two output channels. The input channel is formed in the liquid-splitting part and extends upward and downward. An upper end of the input channel forms an input opening on a top of the liquid-splitting part and is connected to the bottom opening of the funnel. The stirring assembly has a stirrer configured to stir liquid in the funnel. Therefore, the gravitational liquid-splitting device improves efficiency and quality, and also reduces risk of contamination in the cell passaging operation.