Automated Tissue Mounting via Self-Aligning Clamps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current tissue engineering techniques face challenges in scaling up tissue production and analysis due to high costs, delicacy, and the need for specialized skills, leading to tissue damage and experimental errors during manual mounting processes.
Innovation Solution
A bioreactor device and biomechanical testing system that includes a hermetically sealed tissue scaffold for cell growth and a programmable microcontroller-controlled instrument for automated tissue analysis, reducing the need for manual handling and expertise.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual mounting and manipulation of tissue specimens is performed, then tissue can be fastened to force transducing system, but tissue damage occurs and requires high level of training and skill
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue specimen automatically engages with the force transducing system through self-aligning features. The tissue mounting apparatus uses spring-loaded clamps that automatically grip the tissue without requiring manual manipulation, allowing the tissue to be mounted through its own structural features rather than requiring operator skill to handle it.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized mounting apparatus acts as an intermediary between the tissue specimen and the force transducing system. This apparatus includes tissue-grasping elements and alignment features that facilitate automatic mounting, eliminating the need for direct manual handling while ensuring proper connection to the testing system.
2Productivity
If manual mounting of tissue specimens is performed, then tissue can be secured to testing system, but time consumption increases and errors occur
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue specimen is pre-prepared with mounting features such as tabs, loops, or attachment points during the tissue engineering process. This preliminary preparation allows the tissue to be quickly and automatically mounted onto the force transducing system without requiring time-consuming manual manipulation or skillful handling during the testing phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic mounting system uses spring-loaded clamps and self-aligning features that rapidly secure the tissue specimen without requiring operator intervention. The system performs the mounting function automatically, significantly reducing the time required compared to manual mounting while increasing throughput.
3Manufacturing precision
If manual handling of tissue specimens is performed, then mounting can be completed, but tissue damage leads to experimental artifacts and error
Solution Approach 1:
The tissue specimen's own structural features are utilized for mounting, eliminating the need for external manual manipulation. The self-aligning mounting apparatus engages with pre-formed tissue features, ensuring precise and damage-free mounting without requiring operator skill or direct contact with delicate tissue structures.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized mounting apparatus with tissue-grasping elements serves as an intermediary that transfers the tissue specimen to the force transducing system without direct manual handling. This intermediary device is designed to grip and position tissue gently and precisely, preventing damage while achieving accurate mounting alignment.
4Ease of operation
If manual mounting is performed by untrained personnel, then operational simplicity is achieved, but tissue damage and experimental error increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mounting system is designed to be operated by simple automated mechanisms that do not require operator skill. The spring-loaded clamps and self-aligning features perform the mounting function automatically, allowing untrained personnel to achieve reliable, damage-free mounting results without requiring practice or expertise in tissue handling techniques.
Solution Approach 2:
A specialized mounting apparatus acts as an intermediary that bridges the gap between simple operation and reliable results. This apparatus incorporates built-in alignment and gripping features that ensure proper tissue mounting even when operated by untrained personnel, eliminating the need for operator skill while maintaining experimental accuracy.
Data Source
AI summary
Systems, devices, and methods for producing a tissue specimen and performing subsequent biomechanical testing thereof to quantify various biological/physiological properties and characteristics. The system may include a bioreactor device for producing the tissue specimen which includes a packaged/sealed seeding cup containing a scaffold in a sterile environment amenable to seeding with cells. After seeding, the cup may be stored in a standard laboratory culture tray for incubation. The produced tissue specimen may next be transferred to a testing instrument under control of a microcontroller which automatically performs a series of tests on the tissue and generates testing data communicated to an external electronic device which can operably interact with and control operation in part of the testing instrument via software. Tissue integrity in the instrument may be maintained by sterile fluid circulation and heating systems. The system advantageously provides efficient and reproducible tissue growth and analysis.