Multiwell Container with Segmented Electrodes for Individual Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multiwell containers for biochemical and pharmaceutical applications lack the ability to individually control and adjust electric fields in each chamber, limiting the flexibility and efficiency of testing multiple samples under different conditions.
Innovation Solution
A container design where at least two first electrodes of different chambers are conductively coupled, and at least one second electrode is separately conductively connectable, allowing for individual chamber control and simplifying electrical contacting, while using conductive polymers and specific contact materials to reduce complexity and costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If all electrodes of same polarity are electrically connected via common voltage source, then assembly is simplified, but individual chamber operation is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode system into two types: first electrodes that are conductively coupled across multiple chambers (shared reference electrodes), and second electrodes that are individually connectable (working electrodes). This segmentation allows the common voltage source to drive all first electrodes while individual second electrodes can be independently controlled, resolving the contradiction between simplified assembly and individual chamber operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The first electrodes serve multiple functions simultaneously: they act as reference electrodes for multiple chambers and are all connected to the common voltage source. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of electrical connections needed while still enabling individual chamber control through the separately connectable second electrodes.
2Ease of operation
If band-like electrodes are arranged with contact areas for voltage generator connection, then entire rows of chambers can be activated, but individual chamber electrical parameter adjustment is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the electrode control system by making only the second electrodes (working electrodes) individually connectable while keeping first electrodes (reference electrodes) conductively coupled. This allows row-level activation through the shared first electrodes while enabling individual chamber parameter adjustment through independent control of second electrodes via individual contact areas.
3Stability of the object's composition
If planar arrangement of conducting paths is used, then all reaction areas are exposed to same electric conditions, but variable adjustment of electric parameter is not possible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements local quality by making only the second electrodes individually connectable while keeping first electrodes conductively coupled across chambers. This creates a system where the reference potential is uniform (maintaining stable electric field distribution) while individual chamber working electrodes can be independently adjusted, enabling variable electric parameter adjustment without compromising overall field uniformity.
4Productivity
If multiple chambers are tested under different conditions, then high-throughput analysis is enabled, but container and probe changes are required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables dynamic control of individual chambers through separately connectable second electrodes while maintaining a stable reference system through conductively coupled first electrodes. This dynamic capability allows multiple samples to be tested under different electrical conditions simultaneously without requiring physical changes to the container or probes, thereby eliminating time losses associated with reconfiguration.
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 flexible, individual, and fast generation of electric fields in each chamber, allowing multiple samples to be tested under different conditions without changing the container or probes, suitable for automated high-throughput methods, and reduces manufacturing complexity and costs.
Implementation Method 1
at least two first electrodes of different chambers are conductively coupled and at least one second electrode of said chamber is separately conductively connectable
Data Source
AI summary
The invention concerns a container 1 with chambers 2 which each comprise at least one pair of electrodes including a first 4 and a second electrode 5 for the application of electric voltage for generating an electric field within one chamber 2. At least two first electrodes 4 of different chambers 3 are conductively coupled and at least one second electrode 5 of said chamber 2 is separately conductively connectable. The invention further concerns a method for manufacturing said container 1 as well as a device for electrically contacting at least one of said containers 1.