Programmable Platform Rocker for Microfluidic Perfusion Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing platform rockers are limited in their ability to control the flow of culture medium in microfluidic systems, requiring separate pumps for each channel and prone to air entrapment issues.
Innovation Solution
A tiltable platform device with a control unit that allows for precise movement and tilting of the platform in a specified pattern, enabling continuous perfusion or pulsatile flow, and supporting complex cycle operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pumps are used to control the flow of culture medium, then flow control accuracy is improved, but device complexity increases due to requiring a separate pump for every channel
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple culture channels are merged into a single shared flow path. The system uses one pump to control flow for all channels simultaneously, eliminating the need for individual pumps per channel while maintaining flow control accuracy through the shared pump system
Solution Approach 2:
A single pump is designed to serve multiple functions by controlling flow across all culture channels. The pump system is configured to distribute culture medium to multiple channels through a manifold or distribution network, allowing one device to perform the work of many
2Device complexity
If gravity driven flow systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but flow control precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
A pump is introduced as an intermediary device between the culture medium reservoir and the channels. This intermediary component provides active flow control to compensate for the simplicity of the gravity-driven system, enabling precise flow regulation while maintaining overall system simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The passive gravity-driven mechanical flow system is replaced with an actively controlled pump system. The pump uses mechanical or electromagnetic actuation to control flow rate precisely, replacing reliance on gravitational force alone
3Productivity
If continuous perfusion flow is implemented, then culture medium utilization is improved, but control complexity increases due to maintaining constant flow over time
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is configured to operate continuously without interruption, maintaining constant flow of culture medium through all channels. This continuous operation maximizes medium utilization by ensuring constant nutrient supply and waste removal, while the pump's continuous run mode simplifies control compared to intermittent cycling
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 solution provides better control over the flow of culture medium, allowing for optimized perfusion rates and shear stress on cultures, while eliminating air entrapment issues and simplifying the setup process.
Implementation Method 1
gravity driven flow systems provided by the platform rockers remain popular. Tilting a culture plate forces the culture medium to flow downhill, from the higher end to the lower end.
Data Source
AI summary
A tiltable platform device having a base and a tiltable platform mounted to the base as well as a method of moving the tiltable platform during a process and the corresponding motions thereof. A control unit is configured to move the tiltable platform in a specified pattern as part of a process. The specified pattern can include settings corresponding to each of a plurality of steps, where each step includes user selectable settings. The user selectable settings of the step can include a target tilt angle and a rate of change when transitioning from a current tilt angle to the target tilt angle. The user selectable settings can be independently selectable for each step.