Spinner Flask Impeller Stabilization via Positioning Nubs

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing spinner flasks are incompatible with microcarrier cultures, causing physical damage to both microcarriers and attached cells due to impeller contact and insufficient clearance, leading to cell growth inhibition and contamination challenges.

Innovation Solution

A disposable spinner flask vessel with an impeller assembly stabilized by positioning nubs, which minimizes impeller wobble and contact with the vessel bottom, preventing cell and microcarrier damage, and features a pre-sterilized, fully integrated design for easy use and reduced contamination risks.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a suspended impeller is used to stir cell culture suspension, then cells are kept in suspension, but impeller contact with vessel bottom causes physical damage to microcarriers and attached cells

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecell suspension maintenanceVSAvoidphysical damage to microcarriers and cells

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The impeller assembly is extracted from direct contact with the vessel bottom by introducing positioning nubs that elevate and stabilize the impeller, removing the harmful contact interface while maintaining the stirring function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning nubs serve as intermediary elements between the impeller assembly and the vessel bottom, providing a stabilized interface that prevents direct harmful contact while allowing the impeller to perform its mixing function

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If reusable glass and metal spinner flasks are used, then sterilization by autoclave is possible, but considerable time is spent tracking parts and maintaining proper conditions

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesterilization capabilityVSAvoidtime for part tracking and maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent employs disposable plastic spinner flasks that are pre-sterilized and single-use, eliminating the time-consuming tasks of tracking, cleaning, and maintaining reusable parts while ensuring sterile conditions through manufacturer pre-sterilization

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

Solution Approach 2:

The flasks are pre-sterilized by the manufacturer before delivery, performing the sterilization action in advance so that the user does not need to spend time on sterilization or part maintenance

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If impeller assembly is freely suspended, then easy installation is achieved, but impeller wobble occurs causing contamination risks

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveimpeller assembly installationVSAvoidcontamination risk

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The harmful wobble motion is extracted and eliminated by positioning nubs that constrain the impeller assembly, removing the source of contamination risk while preserving easy installation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

Positioning nubs are strategically placed at specific locations to provide localized constraint on the impeller assembly, preventing wobble in critical directions while maintaining ease of installation and operation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

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 gentle stirring, prevents cell and microcarrier damage, and maintains sterile conditions, enhancing cell culture compatibility and efficiency by reducing hydrodynamic stress and contamination risks.

Implementation Method 1

a magnet within the magnet receptacle

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic interaction: Electromagnetic Induction

Implementation Method 2

a plurality of positioning nubs coupled to the bottom interior surface of the vessel body

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical constraint: Friction

Implementation Method 3

a flexible shaft extending down from the top portion of the impeller assembly

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFlexible mechanical coupling: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10920185B2Vessels and spinner flasks with reduced impeller wobble for culturing cells

Publication Date: 2021.02.16 CORNING INC

AI summary

A vessel for culturing cells is provided that includes a vessel body having a top portion, a bottom portion comprising a bottom interior surface, and a cylindrical sidewall. The vessel additionally has an impeller assembly inside the vessel body having a top portion rotatably coupled to the top portion of the vessel body, the impeller assembly having a plurality of planar blades, a central axis, a flexible shaft extending down from the top portion of the impeller assembly, a magnet receptacle molded within the plurality of planar blades, a magnet within the magnet receptacle, and an impeller o-ring coupled to a bottom surface of the planar blades. The vessel also includes a plurality of positioning nubs coupled to the bottom interior surface of the vessel body, spaced from an inside edge of the impeller o-ring.