Biological Tissue Recording Apparatus Grounding and Electrode Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing tissue recording systems face issues with electrical noise interference, fragile net assemblies, and electrode damage, which affect the stability and reliability of recording electrical activity from biological tissues.
Innovation Solution
The apparatus features an electrically conductive conduit for improved grounding, an adjustable fluid level regulation system with a disposable needle, and a net assembly with frusto-conical inner surfaces and radially extending tab formations for enhanced stability and ease of use, along with a releasable electrode mounting mechanism for protection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If spring loaded pins are used for grounding the recording chamber, then grounding noise through the input tube is reduced, but the grounding reliability deteriorates over time due to physical weakness and pin failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the reusable spring-loaded pins with a disposable grounding wire system. The grounding wire is inserted through the input tube and secured with a clamp, providing a reliable grounding path that can be easily replaced if damaged. This disposable approach eliminates the cumulative wear and failure issues of spring-loaded pins while maintaining effective noise grounding.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a grounding wire as an intermediary element between the input tube and the grounding system. This wire serves as a dedicated grounding path that is separate from the fluid delivery system, effectively isolating grounding noise from the recording circuitry while avoiding the mechanical reliability issues of spring-loaded contacts.
2Ease of operation
If modular micromanipulators with fixed electrode guides are used, then electrode positioning is achieved, but the electrodes are vulnerable to damage and the guides cannot be removed for storage without removing electrodes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the electrode support system into separate components: a movable stage for positioning and a storage area for electrodes. The stage can be independently adjusted to bring electrodes into position, while unused electrodes remain stored separately. This segmentation allows the electrode guides to be removed with electrodes intact, eliminating the vulnerability of fixed guides while maintaining positioning capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces fixed electrode guides with a dynamic positioning system using a movable stage. The stage can be adjusted during operation to position electrodes as needed, and can be moved away to allow safe removal of electrodes. This dynamic system provides both positioning functionality and electrode protection, resolving the contradiction between fixed positioning and electrode safety.
3Stability of the object's composition
If net rings fit snugly in the bath to stabilize tissue slices, then recording stability is improved, but the nets become difficult to remove and replace requiring special tools
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the net assembly into modular components that can be independently manipulated. The nets are designed with features that allow them to be released from the bath using simple tools or even fingers, rather than requiring specialized tools. This modular segmentation maintains the snug fit for stability during recording while enabling easy replacement when needed.
4Reliability
If the electrically conductive conduit extends through the outlet passage, then electrical grounding is improved, but the fluid flow path is obstructed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent nests the electrically conductive grounding wire within the fluid outlet structure. The grounding wire is positioned concentrically within or alongside the fluid outlet passage, allowing both the fluid flow path and the grounding path to coexist in the same spatial envelope. This nesting arrangement provides effective electrical grounding without significantly obstructing fluid flow, as the grounding wire occupies minimal space relative to the fluid passage.
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 design enhances the reliability of electrical activity recordings by reducing noise interference, improving net assembly stability, and protecting delicate electrodes, resulting in more stable and durable tissue recording systems.
Implementation Method 1
the fluid inlet means comprising an electrically conductive conduit
Implementation Method 2
adjustable fluid level regulation means adapted to draw fluid, in use, from the upwardly open outlet port at a required level
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 2A
AI summary
An apparatus (100) for testing electrical activity from a biological tissue sample comprises a body (1) provided with a well (4), stimulating means (8) for stimulating a sample located in the well (4), and detecting means (9) for detecting electrical activity in the sample. In one embodiment the apparatus has a fluid inlet means (10) and a fluid outlet means (16) in fluid communication with the well (4). The inlet means (10) comprises an electrically conductive conduit (11A) which is in fluid contact with a fluid flowing, in use, though the outlet means (16). In some embodiments the apparatus is provided with an electrically conductive member (19) which is in electrical contact with a fluid contained, in use, in at least one of the well (4), inlet means (10) and outlet means (16). The stimulating means (8) and detecting means (9) are engaged with the body (1) by a gripping means (32) which comprises an electrically conductive gripping member (36). Related methods and apparatus are also disclosed.