Cell Collection Filter Monitoring via Air Flow Rate
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current slide preparation systems require repetitive iterations of applying and measuring vacuum decay to collect sufficient cells on a filter, leading to inefficiencies in processing time and cost due to the need for expensive 'Quick Turn Open' valves.
Innovation Solution
A method and system using an air flow sensor to measure the air flow rate between a filter and a vacuum source, determining sufficient cell collection based on a measured air flow rate dropping below a baseline threshold, eliminating the need for repetitive valve openings and costly 'Quick Turn Open' valves.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If repetitive valve openings and vacuum applications are used to collect sufficient cells, then cell collection completeness is improved, but processing time increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors vacuum decay rate and uses this feedback to determine when sufficient cells have been collected on the filter. The controller compares the measured vacuum decay rate against predetermined thresholds to automatically stop the vacuum application at the optimal moment, eliminating the need for repetitive manual valve operations while ensuring adequate cell collection.
2Speed
If 'Quick Turn Open' valves are used to enable rapid valve operation, then valve response speed is improved, but system cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the expensive 'Quick Turn Open' valve component from the system entirely. Instead of using specialized rapid-response valves, the invention employs standard valves combined with continuous vacuum application and automated control based on vacuum decay rate monitoring, thereby reducing system cost while maintaining operational effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces complex mechanical rapid-valve-operation mechanisms with an automated control system that uses electronic sensing and control. The air flow sensor and controller monitor vacuum decay rates and automatically manage valve operation, substituting mechanical speed requirements with electronic control precision.
3Measurement precision
If vacuum decay rate monitoring is used to determine filter coverage, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the vacuum decay rate itself as the measurement indicator for filter coverage. By monitoring how quickly the vacuum pressure decreases in the chamber, the system automatically determines cell collection status without requiring separate sensors or complex measurement systems. The vacuum decay rate serves dual purposes: it maintains the vacuum environment and provides the measurement signal.
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 significantly reduces processing time and costs by allowing a constant vacuum application, enabling efficient cell collection without the need for expensive valves, while ensuring accurate filter coverage.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum source (330) that provides negative pressure to a filter (20) at least partially disposed in the specimen (12) so that cells (14) of the biological specimen (12) are collected by the filter (20)
Implementation Method 2
an air flow sensor (310) positioned between the filter (20) and the vacuum source (330) that measures an air flow rate while cells (14) are collected by the filter (20)
Data Source
AI summary
A method for determining when sufficient cells of a biological specimen have been collected by a filter is based on measuring an air flow rate between a filter and a vacuum source. The air flow rate can be measured by a mass air flow sensor. The air flow rate dropping below a threshold, such as a certain percentage of an initial or baseline flow rate, indicates that sufficient cells have been collected to provide sufficient filter coverage.