Object Selecting Device Using Tapered Holes for Gentle Cell Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object selecting devices often deform or destroy bio-based cells and capsules during the selection process, particularly when using suction methods, leading to damaged or dead cells due to their soft nature and shape variations.
Innovation Solution
An object selecting device with a container and plate featuring tapered through holes that allow objects to settle by gravity, a microscope for shape determination, and a removing mechanism to gently extract only objects of a predetermined shape, preventing deformation and destruction.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If suction methods are used to extract cells and capsules, then selection efficiency is improved, but the cells and capsules are deformed or destroyed due to their soft nature
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical suction method with an optical detection system (microscope) combined with a gentle removal mechanism. The microscope identifies cells by shape without contact, and the removal mechanism extracts only selected cells without applying deforming forces, thus substituting harmful mechanical suction with a non-contact optical field and gentle removal process.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary optical detection system (microscope) between the selection process and the cells. This intermediary allows identification of cells by their optical properties (shape) without direct mechanical contact, preventing deformation while maintaining selection efficiency.
2Speed
If conventional selection methods are used, then processing speed is improved, but shape uniformity and selection precision deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical selection methods with an optical detection system that uses light to identify and sort cells by shape. This substitution allows for precise shape-based selection while maintaining high processing speed, as the optical system can rapidly analyze multiple cells simultaneously without physical contact.
3Productivity
If suction extraction is used, then selection throughput is improved, but cell viability deteriorates due to deformation-induced death
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical suction extraction system with a gentle removal mechanism that does not apply deforming forces to cells. The optical detection system identifies viable cells by shape, and the removal mechanism extracts them without contact or mechanical stress, maintaining high throughput while preserving cell viability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an optical detection intermediary that enables selection based on shape without mechanical contact. This intermediary system allows for high-throughput selection while maintaining cell viability, as the optical field does not physically deform or damage the soft cellular structures.
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 the selective retrieval of bio-based cells and capsules without deformation or destruction, ensuring uniformity and reliability for bio-related applications by supporting objects with tapered holes and using a microscope for shape verification.
Implementation Method 1
when an object immersed in a liquid precipitates under gravity, it is brought into contact with the inner wall surface of the through hole
Data Source
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AI summary
An object selecting device includes a container including an inner bottom part and configured to store liquid, a plate having a top surface and a bottom surface, including a through hole at a support position for the selection object and to be immersed in the liquid, a determining means for determining whether or not the supported object is good, and a removing means for removing the object determined to be defective. Out of a collection of objects having different shapes, only the selection object having a predetermined shape can be supported by the plate. Whether or not any non-object having a distorted shape is included in the objects supported by the plate is determined by the determining means. If such a non-object is present, it can be removed by the removing means. Since the supported selection object needs not be extracted such as by suction while causing forced deformation or the like, it can be gently extracted by a method such as vertical inversion of the plate. Thus, only the selection object having the predetermined shape can be selected without being deformed or destroyed.