Microplate Electrode Layout for Cell Stimulation in Concave Wells
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell observation devices face difficulties in applying electrical stimulation effectively to cells held in concave wells due to the configuration of electrode pairs, which is not suitable for microplates with U-shaped or concave well bottoms.
Innovation Solution
The device employs an electrode pair configuration where the first electrode extends beyond the second electrode, positioned closer to the center of the well, allowing for precise positioning and efficient electrical stimulation application even in concave wells.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional electrode pairs are used in concave wells, then the device structure remains simple, but electrical stimulation cannot be appropriately applied to cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry by designing an asymmetric electrode pair configuration where the first electrode extends further into the concave well than the second electrode. This asymmetric structure allows the first electrode to reach the cell sample effectively in concave wells, while the second electrode maintains a shorter extension to avoid interference with the well structure, thereby resolving the contradiction between stimulation effectiveness and device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements local quality by differentiating the extension lengths of the two electrodes based on their specific functional requirements. The first electrode has a longer extension to ensure contact with cells in the concave well bottom, while the second electrode has a shorter extension. This localized differentiation of electrode properties enables effective electrical stimulation without requiring complex overall device restructuring.
2Measurement precision
If electrode tips are positioned deep into concave wells, then electrical stimulation reaches cells effectively, but the electrode structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses asymmetry to achieve precise electrical stimulation without increasing overall device complexity. By making the first electrode longer than the second electrode, the system achieves deep penetration into concave wells for precise cell stimulation, while the shorter second electrode prevents excessive structural complexity. This asymmetric design allows precise measurement and stimulation while maintaining reasonable device simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrode structure into two distinct parts with different extension lengths. The first electrode segment extends deeper to reach cells in concave wells, while the second electrode segment remains shorter. This segmentation allows each electrode to be optimized for its specific function, achieving precise stimulation without requiring a single complex electrode structure.
3Reliability
If the first electrode extends more than the second electrode, then electrical stimulation is appropriately applied to cells in concave wells, but the electrode positioning becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies asymmetry to balance stimulation effectiveness with positioning ease. The first electrode's extended length enables appropriate contact with cells in concave wells, while the second electrode's shorter length provides a stable reference point for positioning. This asymmetric configuration makes the positioning process more manageable by providing clear geometric references, thereby resolving the contradiction between stimulation appropriateness and positioning ease.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the second electrode as an intermediary reference element for positioning the first electrode. By having the second electrode extend less than the first electrode, it creates a stable geometric relationship that facilitates accurate positioning of the first electrode tip relative to the well bottom and cell sample, making the overall positioning process easier while maintaining stimulation effectiveness.
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 configuration enables appropriate electrical stimulation to cells in concave wells, facilitating accurate evaluation results by reducing the distance between the electrode tip and the sample, thus enhancing the effectiveness of the stimulation process.
Implementation Method 1
an electrical stimulation unit including an electrode pair having a first electrode and a second electrode
Data Source
AI summary
A cell observation device is cell observation device for observing a cell held by a microplate having a well holding a sample including the cell and includes a microplate holder for holding the microplate thereon, an electrical stimulation unit including an electrode pair including a first electrode and a second electrode, and a position controller for controlling a position of the electrical stimulation unit in a state in which the first electrode is disposed closer to the center of the well than the second electrode when the electrode pair is disposed in the well of the microplate. The tip of the first electrode extends more than the tip of the second electrode.