Compound Optical Flow Cell with Concave Envelope
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current flow cytometers face challenges in accurately differentiating and characterizing formed bodies in liquid samples due to limitations in optical sensing methods and the use of composite flow cells with imperfections in joins, leading to variability in optical signals and potential carry-over of cells between samples.
Innovation Solution
The development of compound optical flow cells with independent components of insulative transparent material, where a cylindrical monolithic element with a non-circular cross-section is combined with an annular element having a concave surface and a non-cylindrical optical envelope, minimizing non-axisymmetric refractive effects and improving the alignment of envelope surfaces to reduce variability in optical characterization parameters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If composite flow cells with joins are used, then manufacturing cost is reduced, but optical signal consistency deteriorates due to imperfections in joins
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cell is divided into two independent components: a cylindrical monolithic element containing the flow channel and an annular element with the optical envelope. These segments are joined together, allowing each to be manufactured separately with high precision while maintaining overall cost-effectiveness.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cell combines two different structural elements (cylindrical monolithic element and annular element with concave surface) made from insulative transparent materials, creating a composite structure that leverages the advantages of both components while minimizing their individual disadvantages.
2Measurement precision
If monolithic flow cells with integral envelopes are used, then optical signal consistency is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of creating a single complex monolithic structure, the design segments the flow cell into two simpler components that can be manufactured using different, more straightforward processes and then assembled together.
Solution Approach 2:
Two independently manufactured components (cylindrical monolithic element and annular element) are joined together through optical joining to form the complete flow cell, combining the manufacturing simplicity of separate components with the optical performance of an integrated structure.
3Ease of manufacture
If cylindrical envelope is used, then manufacturing is simplified, but non-axisymmetric refractive effects increase
Solution Approach 1:
The annular element introduces a non-cylindrical, asymmetric optical envelope with a concave surface that conforms to the cylindrical element. This asymmetric design corrects the non-axisymmetric refractive effects that would otherwise be present in a simple cylindrical structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The concave surface of the annular element is specifically designed to conform to the cylindrical monolithic element at the interface, creating a localized optical correction zone that addresses refractive effects precisely where they occur without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
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 consistency of optical characterization parameters, reduces costs, and improves yields by minimizing refractive effects and the risk of cell carry-over, leading to more reliable diagnostic information in flow cytometry.
Implementation Method 1
minimizing non-axisymmetric refractive effects on optical characterizing parameters acquired from formed bodies passing through the reduced cross-sectional area of the axially-extending channel
Data Source
AI summary
An improved optical flow cell adapted for use in a flow cytometer for differentiating formed bodies (e.g., blood cells) in liquid suspensions. Preferably manufactured by assembling, aligning, and optically joining at least two elements made from transparent material, the improved flow cell has a seamless internal flow channel of preferably non-circular cross-section in a cylindrical first element through which prepared samples can be metered and an independent second element having an external envelope suited to acquisition of optical parameters from formed bodies in such suspensions, the second element being conforming and alignable to the first element so that non-axisymmetric refractive effects on optical characterizing parameters of formed bodies passing through the flow channel in the first element may be minimized before the two elements are optically joined and fixed in working spatial relationship.