Tapered Through-Hole Plate for Accurate Cell Selection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing object selecting devices fail to accurately select objects of a predetermined shape from a collection of objects with different shapes, particularly bio-based cells, due to issues with suction nozzles and vibration generators that often pick up smaller particles or cells along with the intended selection objects, leading to contamination and inefficiency.
Innovation Solution
An object selecting device with a container and a plate immersed in liquid, featuring through holes with tapered portions that support selection objects by gravity, and a vibration mechanism applied to the plate to separate and extract only objects of a predetermined shape, while preventing smaller objects from being picked up.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a suction nozzle is used to extract selection objects from a collection, then extraction can be performed, but smaller particles and cells are simultaneously sucked along with the intended selection objects causing contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The through-hole is segmented into two functional zones: an upper extraction region with a larger opening area for selective object extraction, and a lower filtering region with a smaller opening area that prevents smaller particles from being sucked up. This segmentation allows the same structure to perform both extraction and filtration functions simultaneously.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-hole structure acts as an intermediary between the suction nozzle and the collection of objects. It mediates the extraction process by allowing only objects of predetermined shape and size to pass through while blocking smaller particles, thus preventing contamination without requiring direct contact between the nozzle and the collection.
2Adaptability or versatility
If a vibration generator is provided to lift precipitated particles for suction, then particle selection is enabled, but small cells and particles are blown up and sucked without being distinguished from selection objects
Solution Approach 1:
Vibration is applied locally to the plate holding the collection objects rather than to the entire container. This localized vibration selectively lifts objects on the plate surface for extraction while leaving precipitated particles at the bottom of the container undisturbed, enabling precise selection without contaminating the selected objects with unwanted particles.
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration generator is temporarily activated only during the extraction phase to lift selection objects from the plate. This selective timing ensures that vibration is applied only when needed for extraction, preventing small cells and particles from being unnecessarily disturbed or contaminated during other phases of the process.
3Ease of manufacture
If through holes with uniform opening areas are used, then manufacturing is simple, but objects of different shapes cannot be selectively supported
Solution Approach 1:
The through-holes are designed with asymmetric opening areas: a larger upper opening for extraction and a smaller lower opening for filtering. This asymmetric design enables shape-based selection capability while maintaining relatively simple manufacturing processes, as the asymmetry can be achieved through standard drilling or etching techniques with controlled depth and angle.
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
This solution allows for efficient and accurate selection of objects with a predetermined shape, improving operation efficiency in bio-related fields by preventing contamination and ensuring uniform test conditions, enabling high-throughput screening and reliable results.
Implementation Method 1
a tapered portion allowing the selection object to precipitate along a direction of gravity and supporting the selection object in contact with the inner wall surface
Implementation Method 2
a vibration generation mechanism configured to apply vibration to the plate
Data Source
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Figure 3A~3D
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 and configured to support a selection object by being immersed into the liquid stored in the container, and a holding means configured to hold the plate in a state where the bottom surface of the plate and the inner bottom part of the container are separated. The plate includes a through hole at a support position. The through hole includes a tapered portion configured to allow the selection object to precipitate along a direction of gravity and support the selection object in contact with the inner wall surface of the through hole. An opening area at the upper end of the tapered portion is larger than that at the lower end of the tapered portion. Only the selection object can be supported out of the collection of objects having different shapes, and non-objects can be allowed to precipitate to the inner bottom part of the container. Further, in the case of extracting the supported selection object, the non-objects precipitated on the inner bottom part are not erroneously extracted since the plate is separated from the inner bottom part of the container by the holder.