Linked Sensor Unit for Consistent Cell Culture Immersion Depth
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cell culture analysis devices face challenges in accurately positioning sensors within culture vessels, leading to variability in sensor immersion depth and decreased measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sensor unit with a plurality of sensors linked by a linking portion, ensuring precise positioning and consistent immersion depth through the use of a sensor fixing jig and prongs to secure sensors to a bottom plate, enhancing positional accuracy.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If sensors are inserted into culture vessels individually, then the device structure is simple, but the positional accuracy of sensors with respect to the culture vessel deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors that were previously inserted individually into culture vessels are now merged into a single sensor unit. The sensor unit comprises multiple sensors arranged in a specific configuration and fixed together, ensuring consistent positional accuracy when inserted as one unit into the culture vessel.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensors are preliminarily fixed to a support structure within the sensor unit before insertion into the culture vessel. This preliminary positioning ensures that when the sensor unit is inserted, the sensors automatically assume the correct positions with high precision, eliminating the need for individual positioning during insertion.
2Ease of operation
If sensors are inserted individually into culture vessels, then installation is simple, but immersion depth consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sensors are combined into a single sensor unit with a unified support structure. This structure ensures that all sensors within the unit maintain consistent immersion depths when inserted into the culture vessel, as they are mechanically coupled and positioned relative to each other with fixed spacing.
Solution Approach 2:
The support structure within the sensor unit is designed with specific local features such as positioning protrusions or fixed-distance mounting points. These local structural qualities ensure that each sensor is held at a predetermined distance from the insertion point, guaranteeing consistent immersion depth across all sensors in the unit.
3Manufacturing precision
If sensors are linked together with a linking portion, then positional accuracy improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor unit is segmented into modular components: multiple sensors, a support structure, and linking portions. Each component has a specific function, and they are assembled together to form the complete sensor unit. This segmentation allows for precise positioning while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular design.
Solution Approach 2:
The linking portion serves multiple functions: it mechanically connects the sensors together, maintains fixed spacing between sensors, and provides structural support for the entire sensor unit. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional separate components, thereby managing device complexity while achieving positional accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
A sensor unit has sensors for measuring the components of a culture medium in a culture vessel, and comprises a plurality of sensors and a linking portion. The plurality of sensors each have a main body and a sensing unit disposed on the lower end side of the main body and immersed in the culture medium to measure the components of the culture medium. The linking portion links the plurality of sensors on the upper end side of the main body.