SBS Format Cell Culture Container with Frustoconical Vessel

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Solution Overview

Problem

Automated laboratory systems face compatibility issues with cultivation vessels of varying shapes and sizes, particularly round and conical vessels, as they require specialized robotics, which is costly and inefficient, limiting the automation of experiments involving larger volumes.

Innovation Solution

A cell culture container with a frustoconical shape that fits within the SBS format, allowing standard robotics to handle and stack vessels, including a cover for hermetic sealing with gas permeability, enabling automation of experiments typically done manually.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Volume of moving object

If round and conical cultivation vessels are used to hold larger volumes, then the volume capacity is improved, but compatibility with automated systems deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecultivation vessel volumeVSAvoidcompatibility with automated systems

Core Design Contradiction:

Volume of moving objectVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into two parts: a standardized outer container (SBS-format deep well plate) that ensures automated system compatibility, and inner cultivation vessels (round/conical flasks) that provide the required volume capacity. The outer container acts as an adapter that bridges the incompatibility between non-standard inner vessels and automated handling systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The round or conical cultivation vessels are nested inside the rectangular SBS-format deep well plate containers. This nesting arrangement allows the inner vessels to maintain their optimal shape for large volume cultivation while the outer container provides the standardized interface for automated robotics, landing platforms, and stacking systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

2Ease of operation

If specialized robotics are designed to handle round and conical vessels, then handling capability is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehandling capabilityVSAvoidrobotics complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The outer SBS-format container serves multiple functions: it provides a standardized interface for existing automated handling systems, protects the inner cultivation vessels, enables secure stacking, and maintains compatibility across different automated equipment. This universal outer container eliminates the need for specialized robotics for each vessel type.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses disposable outer containers that are inexpensive and can be discarded after single use, eliminating the need for expensive, complex, and difficult-to-clean specialized handling equipment. The low cost of the disposable outer container makes the overall system more economical than investing in specialized reusable robotics.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Reliability

If hermetic sealing is implemented to prevent contamination, then sterility is improved, but gas exchange capability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesterilityVSAvoidgas exchange limitation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing system applies different properties to different locations: the outer container provides hermetic sealing at the perimeter to prevent contamination, while the inner cultivation vessel maintains controlled gas exchange through its own sealing interface. This local differentiation allows simultaneous achievement of sterility and gas exchange.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system incorporates porous or gas-permeable materials that allow gas molecules to pass through while maintaining a barrier against larger contaminant particles and microorganisms. This enables the seal to simultaneously provide sterility protection and facilitate necessary gas exchange for cell cultivation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #31Porous materials

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 high-density, automatable experiments with mid-scale, orbitally shaken biological samples, increasing efficiency and reducing the need for specialized robotics, while maintaining sterility and gas exchange.

Implementation Method 1

The container includes a cover that hermetically seals the vessels

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHermetic sealing:

Implementation Method 2

The cover includes a vent that permits gas to exit the at least one cultivation vessel

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas permeability: Permeation

Data Source

PatentUS20240368514A1SBS-format single, or dual, deep well stackable cell culture disposable well plate and closure

Publication Date: 2024.11.07 KUHNER SHAKER INC

AI summary

The invention is a cell culture container having a top, bottom and sidewalls defining an interior region and at least one cultivation vessel disposed within the container, the cultivation vessel has a generally frustoconical shape. A cover member is provided for closing the top of the container and sealing the at least one cultivation vessel. The cover member and the bottom of the container are adapted to interfit so that multiple cell culture containers may be stacked on top of each other.