Planar Filter with Multi-Sized Through Holes for Cell Aggregate Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing cell sampling devices require multiple filtering steps to isolate cell aggregates of a desired size, leading to inefficiency and increased effort, as they fail to effectively separate cell aggregates of different sizes during the filtration process.
Innovation Solution
A filter design featuring a base member with both larger first through holes and smaller second through holes, arranged in a specific pattern to capture cell aggregates of varying sizes, allowing for efficient sampling of cell aggregates of a desired size in a single filtering process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple filtering steps are performed to isolate cell aggregates of desired size, then sampling precision is improved, but device complexity and operational effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The filter base member is segmented into multiple through hole regions with different sizes (first through holes and second through holes). The first through holes have a first average diameter while the second through holes have a second average diameter that is smaller than the first. This segmentation allows the single filter to perform multiple sorting functions simultaneously, eliminating the need for multiple separate filtering steps while maintaining sampling precision for cell aggregates of desired sizes.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating both first through holes and second through holes in the same base member. This universal filter structure can simultaneously separate cell aggregates of different size ranges in a single operation, reducing operational complexity while achieving the same sampling precision that would otherwise require multiple specialized filtering steps.
2Measurement precision
If multiple filtering steps are performed to isolate cell aggregates of desired size, then sampling precision is improved, but time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter merges the functions of multiple filtering steps into a single integrated structure. By combining first through holes and second through holes in one base member, the filter achieves simultaneous separation of cell aggregates of different sizes in a single operation, dramatically reducing the time required compared to performing multiple separate filtering steps sequentially.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter performs preliminary sorting action by pre-configuring different through hole sizes in the base member before the cell aggregates arrive. This allows the filter to immediately begin separating cell aggregates of desired sizes from the culture solution in the first filtering operation, eliminating the need for subsequent filtering steps and reducing overall processing time.
3Measurement precision
If cell aggregates are subjected to multiple filtering steps, then sampling precision is improved, but stress on aggregates increases
Solution Approach 1:
The filter segments the sorting function into spatially distributed first through holes and second through holes within a single base member. This allows cell aggregates to be separated based on size in one pass without undergoing multiple mechanical stress cycles, reducing the cumulative stress and damage that would result from repeated filtering operations while maintaining sampling precision.
4Ease of manufacture
If a filter with only one size of through holes is used, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but sampling capability for different sized aggregates is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The filter applies local quality by creating different through hole sizes in different regions of the base member. The first through holes have a first average diameter optimized for capturing larger cell aggregates, while the second through holes have a second average diameter optimized for capturing smaller cell aggregates. This local differentiation maintains manufacturing simplicity using a single base member while significantly enhancing the filter's adaptability and versatility for sampling different sized aggregates.
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
The filter enables easy sampling of cell aggregates of a specific size by capturing larger aggregates in the first holes and smaller ones in the second holes, reducing the need for multiple filtering steps and minimizing stress on the aggregates, thereby improving efficiency and handling of the sampling process.
Implementation Method 1
a base member having a plurality of first through holes, each first though hole having a first cross-sectional area; and the base member also having at least one through hole cluster comprising a plurality of second through holes, each through hole of the through hole cluster having a second cross-sectional area which is smaller than the cross-sectional area of each of the first through holes
Data Source
AI summary
A filter includes a plurality of first through holes which are periodically formed. At least one of the plurality of first through holes is divided by a plurality of second through holes that are smaller than the first through holes. With such a configuration, the cell aggregate having the desired size can be easily sampled.