Liquid Suction Device for Centrifuge Supernatant Removal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid suction devices fail to efficiently remove supernatant from centrifugal separation containers without drawing out cells, due to the supernatant accumulating above the suction nozzle tip, which is positioned above the cells to avoid cell removal errors.
Innovation Solution
A liquid suction device that inclines the centrifugal separation container to position the boundary between the main and bottom housing portions at the lowermost end, allowing the suction nozzle to be inserted at this boundary, ensuring only supernatant is drawn out by positioning the nozzle tip at the boundary portion during the inclining process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction nozzle tip is positioned above the cells to avoid drawing out cells by mistake, then cell contamination is prevented, but the supernatant accumulated between the upper surfaces of the cells and the tip end of the suction nozzle cannot be removed
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed with movable and adjustable positioning capabilities, allowing the tip to be dynamically positioned at different locations including the boundary portion between the main housing portion and bottom housing portion. This dynamic positioning enables the system to adapt between two operational modes: positioning above cells for contamination prevention and positioning at the boundary for complete supernatant removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the positional parameter of the suction nozzle tip from a fixed position above the cells to an adjustable position that can reach the boundary portion between the main housing and bottom housing. By changing this positional parameter, the system can optimize between preventing cell contamination and achieving complete supernatant removal based on operational requirements.
2Productivity
If the suction nozzle tip is positioned close to the cells to remove all supernatant, then supernatant removal efficiency is improved, but cells may be drawn out by mistake
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle incorporates movable positioning mechanisms that enable dynamic adjustment of the tip position. This allows the operator to precisely control the tip location, positioning it at the boundary portion between the main housing and bottom housing for complete supernatant removal while maintaining a safe distance from the cell pellet to prevent accidental cell aspiration.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces manual positioning with automated or semi-automated positioning systems that can precisely locate the suction nozzle tip at the boundary portion. This mechanical substitution provides more accurate and consistent positioning compared to manual operation, enabling reliable complete supernatant removal without cell contamination.
3Productivity
If the suction nozzle is inserted deep into the centrifugal separation container to reach all supernatant, then complete supernatant removal is achieved, but the risk of disturbing cells increases
Solution Approach 1:
The suction nozzle is designed with a specific tip geometry and positioning system that targets the boundary portion between the main housing and bottom housing. This localized approach allows the suction to be applied precisely at the boundary where supernatant accumulates, removing complete supernatant without extending the suction influence zone into the cell pellet region.
Solution Approach 2:
The boundary portion between the main housing and bottom housing serves as an intermediary zone that the suction nozzle targets. By positioning the tip at this boundary, the system uses this intermediate location as a safe zone for suction application, enabling complete supernatant removal while acting as a buffer that prevents direct contact with and disturbance of the cells in the conical bottom portion.
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
This method effectively removes the entire amount of supernatant from the centrifugal separation container without disturbing the cells, maintaining their position within the conical bottom housing portion and preventing mixing with the supernatant during subsequent cell collection.
Implementation Method 1
a suction means to which the suction nozzle is connected to draw out a liquid in the centrifugal separation container
Implementation Method 2
a cell suspension that contains cells and is housed in a centrifugal separation container is treated by a centrifugal separation device, the cell suspension is separated into cells and a supernatant
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
Only a supernatant in a centrifugal separation container is drawn out and removed as much as possible. The present disclosure relates to a liquid suction device 1 including container holding means 3 that holds a centrifugal separation container 2 in which a mouth portion 2d is formed at an upper portion, and a tubular main housing portion 2a and a conical bottom housing portion 2b below the main housing portion 2a are formed inside, with the bottom housing portion 2b facing down; a cylindrical suction nozzle N that is inserted into the centrifugal separation container 2; and suction means 8 to which the suction nozzle N is connected to draw out a liquid in the centrifugal separation container 2. Container inclining means 4 that inclines the container holding means 3, and nozzle inserting means 6 that inserts the suction nozzle N into an inside of the centrifugal separation container 2 are included, the container inclining means 4 inclines the container holding means 3 so that a boundary portion 2c between the main housing portion 2a and the bottom housing portion 2b in an inner peripheral surface of the centrifugal separation container 2 is at a lowermost end position, and a supernatant L is drawn out by the suction means in a state in which a tip end of the suction nozzle N is positioned at the boundary portion 2c at the lowermost end position.