Flow Cytometer Nozzle Docking Seal for Automatic Unclogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometers face issues with nozzle clogging due to evaporated sheath fluid leaving behind salts, requiring costly and time-consuming manual nozzle replacement or cleaning, which disrupts operation and increases downtime.
Innovation Solution
A method and system for unclogging and sealing a flow cytometer nozzle by aligning it with a docking station, inserting the nozzle tip into a tip sealing cup, and flushing it with rinse fluid to remove obstructions, allowing automated and efficient cleaning during downtime.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual cleaning or nozzle replacement is used to prevent clogs, then nozzle functionality is maintained, but operator time is consumed and downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs automatic nozzle cleaning and maintenance through a docking station that rinses the nozzle with cleaning solution, eliminating the need for manual operator intervention. The nozzle is automatically retracted, cleaned, and returned to operational position without human involvement.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary cleaning actions by retracting the nozzle to the docking station and applying cleaning solution before the nozzle becomes fully clogged or fails, preventing performance degradation and maintaining continuous operational readiness.
2Reliability
If disposable nozzles are used to prevent clogs, then nozzle reliability is maintained, but system cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of discarding the nozzle after single use, the system recovers and regenerates the nozzle by automatically retracting it to the docking station and cleaning it with rinsing fluid, allowing repeated use and eliminating the need for continuous replacement.
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle maintains its own cleanliness and functionality through automatic cleaning by the docking station system, eliminating the need for external manual maintenance or replacement with disposable components.
3Reliability
If manual cleaning procedures are implemented, then clog prevention is achieved, but operational efficiency decreases due to increased downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system maintains continuous operational readiness by performing cleaning actions during brief retraction periods without interrupting the overall workflow. The nozzle is quickly retracted for cleaning and immediately returned to operational position, minimizing interruption to productive activity.
Solution Approach 2:
The automatic cleaning system operates independently without requiring operator time or manual intervention, allowing the system to maintain itself during operational cycles and eliminating downtime associated with manual maintenance procedures.
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
Automated nozzle unclogging and sealing prevent salt crystal formation, reducing downtime and operational costs by maintaining nozzle cleanliness without manual intervention.
Implementation Method 1
pumping rinse fluid from the docking station through the nozzle tip and to a waste port to unclog obstructions present in the nozzle system and flush sheath fluid from the nozzle system
Implementation Method 2
a nozzle tip of the nozzle system is inserted into a tip sealing cup of the docking station to form a seal between the tip sealing cup and the nozzle tip
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is a system for use in a flow cytometer for unclogging obstructions in a nozzle from salt crystal formations and clumps of cells or debris. A nozzle system is moved to a docking station so that a nozzle tip is seated in the docking station. Deionized water is pushed through the nozzle in a reverse direction to a waste port so that the nozzle is flushed. The nozzle system can remain in the docked position during nonuse so that salt crystals do not form in or on the nozzle.