Condensate-Redirecting Cover for TTFields Cell Culture
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing systems for applying Tumor Treating Fields (TTFields) in vitro, such as the INOVITRO system, face issues with heat-generated condensation accumulating on the cover and potentially falling into the cell culture, disrupting the experiment.
Innovation Solution
A cover design with a central axis and circumference, featuring a base with an inner portion that directs condensate radially outward, preventing accumulation over the cell culture and ensuring condensate does not fall into the medium, while allowing visibility and maintaining sterile conditions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a cover is placed over the cell culture dish to maintain sterile conditions and allow visibility, then contamination is prevented and observation is enabled, but heat-generated condensation accumulates on the cover and may fall into the cell culture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful condensate that accumulates on the cover into a beneficial feature by designing an inner portion with an apex that directs condensate radially outward toward the outer portion of the base. This causes condensate to flow away from the center and fall onto the dish wall or outer base rather than into the cell culture medium, transforming the potential contamination problem into a protective drainage system
Solution Approach 2:
The base of the cover is segmented into distinct functional zones: an inner portion with an apex for condensate collection and directional flow, and an outer portion for stable contact with the dish. This segmentation allows different regions to perform different functions - the inner portion manages condensate while the outer portion maintains stability and sterility
2Reliability
If the cover structure is designed to direct condensate away from the cell culture, then contamination is prevented, but the structural complexity of the cover increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of trying to prevent condensate formation through complex heating control or ventilation systems, the patent inverts the approach by accepting condensate formation and redirecting it beneficially. The inner portion's apex geometry naturally channels condensate outward through surface tension and gravity, using the condensate's own weight and the inverted directional flow to achieve protection without complex active control mechanisms
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 cover effectively prevents condensate from contaminating the cell culture, enhancing the reliability and performance of TTFields applications by minimizing disruption from condensation.
Implementation Method 1
due to the heat associated with the electric field generation, condensation within the cell culture structure is possible
Implementation Method 2
heat associated with the electric field generation
Data Source
AI summary
A cover having a central axis and a circumference. The cover overlies an interior space defined by a container. The cover includes a base. The base has a center point that is intersected by the central axis of the cover. The base has an outer portion that extends radially inwardly from the circumference toward the central axis. The outer portion defines a bottom surface of the cover. The base has an inner portion positioned radially inwardly of the outer portion. The inner portion of the base has an apex that is upwardly spaced from the outer portion along the central axis. The inner portion of the base directs condensate radially outwardly from the apex toward the outer portion of the base. Optionally, the cover has a peripheral wall that extends from the outer portion of the base.