Mode-Switched Cell Picking for Adherent and Suspended Cells

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cell-sucking systems struggle with inefficiencies in cell suction due to varying cell states in a sample, particularly when cells adhere to or are suspended in a container.

Innovation Solution

A cell picking device and method that switches between adherent and suspension cell modes, utilizing a driver with a work mode switcher and controller to control the pipette tip's movement and suction, allowing efficient cell collection based on cell adherence or suspension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a single suction mode is used, then the device structure is simple, but cell suction efficiency varies depending on cell state

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell suction efficiencyVSAvoiddevice structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The suction device implements dynamic operation by switching between two distinct work modes (first mode for adherent cells with scanning motion, second mode for suspension cells without scanning) based on the cell state in the sample container. This allows the device to adapt its suction approach dynamically, improving efficiency for different cell conditions while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Quantity of substance

If the pipette tip scans the bottom surface, then adherent cells are collected effectively, but the operation time increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell collection quantityVSAvoidoperation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The device applies partial scanning action only when necessary (first mode for adherent cells) rather than continuously scanning in all cases. For suspension cells, the scanning function is completely omitted, reducing operation time. This selective application of scanning based on cell state optimizes the balance between cell collection quantity and operation time.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Reliability

If the sucking member advances to the bottom surface, then complete cell suction is achieved, but the risk of contamination increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesuction completenessVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The suction process is segmented into two distinct approaches: first mode where the pipette tip contacts the bottom surface for adherent cell collection, and second mode where the tip remains suspended above the bottom for suspension cell collection. This segmentation allows the system to minimize bottom surface contact only when necessary, reducing contamination risk while maintaining suction completeness for both cell types.

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

Enables efficient cell suction by adapting to cell states, reducing downtime, and improving operational efficiency by allowing immediate return of unsucked cells to the sample.

Implementation Method 1

a driver that moves the sucking member and performs suction through the sucking member and the pipette tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical movement:

Implementation Method 2

causing the sucking member to advance in an axial direction of the pipette tip with the pipette tip, attached to the sucking member, being tilted with respect to a vertical direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical tilting:

Implementation Method 3

scanning work for scanning the bottom surface of the sample container toward a first position using the end of the pipette tip by moving the sucking member in a horizontal direction

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHorizontal movement:

Implementation Method 4

sucking work for sucking a sample in the sample container through the sucking member and the pipette tip

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectSuction: Suction

Data Source

PatentUS12449438B2Cell picking device and cell picking method

Publication Date: 2025.10.21 SHIMADZU CORP

AI summary

A cell picking device for sucking cells from a liquid sample in a sample container includes a sucking member to which a pipette tip is attachable, a driver that moves the sucking member and performs suction through the sucking member and the pipette tip, a work mode switcher that switches a work mode of the driver between a first mode and a second mode, and a controller that controls the driver.