Inclined-Tip Cell Suction Pipette for Secure Embryo Cell Holding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing suction pipettes face challenges in securely holding cells without causing damage, particularly due to the need for strong suction that can dislodge cells and the risk of cells falling off the pipette tip, and difficulty in efficiently separating suctioned cells from the fertilized egg or embryo.

Innovation Solution

A cell suction holding pipette with a hollow body featuring an inclined surface on its leading end portion, designed to guide cells smoothly onto the pipette tip and ensure secure holding, and a cell suction collecting pipette with a smaller diameter leading end for efficient cell collection.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If cells are suctioned strongly to ensure secure holding, then cell holding reliability is improved, but cell damage increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell holding reliabilityVSAvoidcell damage
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction force is localized to specific regions through the inclined surface design, creating areas of different suction intensity. The inclined surface directs cells toward the suction port while concentrating the holding force at the cell contact region, allowing secure holding without applying excessive suction force across the entire cell structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined surface acts as an intermediary element between the suction port and the cell. It guides cells smoothly onto the suction port and distributes the suction force, preventing direct application of strong suction force that could damage the cell while still achieving secure holding.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If cells are discharged above the outer surface of the leading end portion, then cell transfer is facilitated, but cells may fall to the side of the pipette

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell transfer easeVSAvoidcell holding reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The inclined surface provides a curved transition path that guides cells smoothly from the discharge location to the suction port. This curved geometry prevents cells from falling to the side by creating a continuous sloping path that directs cells inward toward the suction port rather than allowing them to drop outward.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #14Spheroidality (Curvature)

Solution Approach 2:

The inclined surface adds a dimensional element to the cell transfer path, creating a sloped surface that guides cells in a controlled manner. This transforms the cell transfer from a simple vertical discharge to a controlled sliding motion along the inclined surface, preventing lateral falls while maintaining ease of operation.

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

3Stability of the object's composition

If a surrounding wall is added to hold cells laterally, then cell holding stability is improved, but cell damage from pressing increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecell holding stabilityVSAvoidcell damage from pressing
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cell holding function is segmented into multiple components: the suction port provides primary holding force, the inclined surface provides guidance and secondary support, and the surrounding wall provides lateral stability. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function without excessive force, preventing cell damage from pressing while maintaining stability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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

Facilitates secure and damage-free cell suctioning and collection operations, reducing the risk of cell loss and damage during handling.

Implementation Method 1

the inside of the internal passage 3 is suctioned to generate negative pressure via the connection port by operating the injector. As a result, the operation target 1 such as a cell is suctioned and held by the suction port 2

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

the discharged cell moves along the inclined surface portion 4 toward the leading end and downward as shown in FIG. 19

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectGravitational force: Gravitation

Data Source

PatentEP4715036A1Pipette for suctioning/holding cells, and instrument for collecting cells from fertilized egg or embryo
Publication Date: 2026.03.25 KITAZATO CORP
  • EP4715036A1 patent drawingFigure 1~3
  • EP4715036A1 patent drawingFigure 4~6
  • EP4715036A1 patent drawingFigure 7~9

AI summary

A cell suction holding pipette 1 includes a hollow body 2 and a lumen 3 having a leading end opening 31 and a rear end opening 32. The hollow body 2 includes a leading end portion 21, and the leading end portion 21 includes an inclined surface portion 4 formed on an outer surface of the leading end portion 21 and inclining toward a leading end side extension line of a central axis of the lumen 3.