Counting Assembly Frustum Sample Tank Low Concentration Accuracy
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current cell counting plates are limited by uneven distribution of cells, leading to reduced accuracy, especially at low concentrations, as they only image a portion of the sample volume, resulting in inherent distribution errors and decreased counting accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A counting assembly with a concave sample tank having a gradually increasing cross-sectional area from the bottom to the top, allowing for full sample volume imaging and enrichment of cells at the bottom surface, enabling accurate counting of cells, bacteria, or other particles in low concentration samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If only a portion of the counting pool is imaged (random sampling), then the imaging and counting process is simplified, but the counting accuracy deteriorates due to uneven distribution of cells
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from two-dimensional random sampling to three-dimensional full volume imaging by designing a sample tank with specific geometric features (frustum of cone shape with gradual cross-sectional area increase) that enables complete optical sectioning and reconstruction of all particles throughout the entire sample volume, thereby eliminating distribution errors while maintaining manageable imaging complexity
2Quantity of substance
If the cell concentration is low, then the sample volume to be counted increases, but the distribution error increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The invention enables counting of low concentration samples by implementing full three-dimensional volume imaging and particle reconstruction, allowing accurate counting of all particles distributed throughout the entire sample volume (up to 500 μL) rather than relying on limited two-dimensional plane sampling, thus eliminating distribution errors even when particle density is low
3Ease of manufacture
If the cross-sectional area of the sample tank is uniform, then the manufacturing is simpler, but the cell enrichment at the bottom surface is insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The sample tank employs non-uniform cross-sectional area distribution along its height, with the area gradually increasing from bottom to top, creating specific local geometric characteristics that enhance cell enrichment at the bottom surface through gravitational settling and flow dynamics, while maintaining manufacturing feasibility
Solution Approach 2:
The sample tank utilizes a frustum of cone shape with curved surfaces and gradual area transition, optimizing fluid flow patterns and particle settling behavior to improve cell enrichment efficiency at the bottom imaging plane while remaining manufacturable
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 solution allows for efficient imaging and counting of cells or particles in full sample volumes, improving accuracy and expanding the countable range, particularly suitable for low concentration samples, with the ability to handle volumes up to 500 μL and concentrations as low as 0 particles/ml.
Implementation Method 1
A counting assembly includes a main body. The main body may be provided with a concave sample tank. A bottom end of the sample tank may be plane. A cross-sectional area of the sample tank may gradually increase from the bottom end to a top end of the sample tank.
Data Source
AI summary
Embodiments of the present disclosure may teach a counting assembly, a counting device, and applications thereof. The counting assembly may include a main body. The main body may be provided with a concave sample tank, a bottom end of a sample tank being plane. A cross-sectional area of the sample tank may gradually increase from the bottom end to a top end of the sample tank. By using the counting assembly, obtaining a count of particles or cells, etc. of the sample in the sample tank may be realized by imaging the sample for one or more times, which makes the process fast and efficient, as well as minimizing the counting error generated by an uneven distribution of the particles or cells and/or a limited sampling of the particles or cells, etc.