Off-Axis Bubble Detection for Sample Spacer Triggering
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for particle characterization in sample testing systems often require trade-offs between speed, accuracy, precision, and minimizing sample waste, leading to inefficiencies and increased dead volume, which reduces the amount of usable data obtained from a sample.
Innovation Solution
The introduction of a sample spacer, such as a bubble, into the detection system, which is illuminated to produce scattered light, allowing for more accurate detection of the sample's transit and reducing dead volume by enabling data acquisition only when the sample is stable and usable.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If traditional sample detection methods are used, then sample accuracy can be improved, but throughput speed is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble is introduced into the sample stream before the detection region to serve as an advance indicator. When the bubble reaches the detection region, it triggers the start of data acquisition, ensuring the sample is already in the optimal detection zone. This preliminary positioning action allows for faster and more accurate detection without compromising throughput.
2Productivity
If data acquisition starts immediately upon sample entry, then throughput is maximized, but dead volume increases and data accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble acts as an intermediary marker between the sample stream and the detection system. It provides a reliable trigger signal that precisely indicates when the sample reaches the optimal detection position. This intermediary mechanism enables the system to start data acquisition at the exact moment needed, minimizing dead volume while maintaining high throughput and accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If bubbles are eliminated from the sample, then sample precision is improved, but the ability to detect sample transit is lost
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of eliminating bubbles as traditionally done, the invention converts the harmful presence of bubbles into a beneficial feature. The bubble is deliberately introduced as a marker that facilitates precise detection of sample transit. By accepting and utilizing the bubble's presence, the system achieves both high precision and effective detection capability simultaneously.
4Productivity
If sample preparation time is reduced, then productivity increases, but sample accuracy may decrease due to insufficient incubation
Solution Approach 1:
The bubble marker enables the system to precisely identify when the sample is ready for detection, allowing optimized incubation timing. Samples can be prepared efficiently with appropriate incubation periods, and the bubble trigger ensures that data acquisition begins at the optimal moment, maintaining both high productivity and accuracy without compromising either parameter.
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 approach enhances the precision and accuracy of sample detection by utilizing bubbles as spacers, thereby reducing dead volume and increasing the amount of usable data obtained from a sample, while maintaining or improving throughput.
Implementation Method 1
at least one light source, wherein the light source illuminates the sample spacer and the sample, wherein illumination of the sample spacer produces scattered light
Data Source
AI summary
A detection system that operates with reduced sample waste and dead volume, the system including: a module configured to introduce a sample spacer into a sample; at least one light source, wherein the light source illuminates the sample spacer and the sample, wherein illumination of the sample spacer produces scattered light; and a detection device configured to initiate acquisition of data related to the sample in response to scattered light detected by the detection device.