Detachable Fluid Connector for Fully Swept Analyzer Cleaning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow type particle analyzers face challenges in fully cleaning fluid pathways, complex and costly waste management, and limited flexibility in performing multiple functions such as analysis and sorting.
Innovation Solution
A fluid management system with a subsystem that enables 100% swept cleaning by flowing cleaning fluids through all pathways, a single waste pump for efficient waste management, and a hybrid system allowing switching between analysis and sorting modes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fluid management systems are used, then the system structure is simple, but cleaning fluid cannot flow through all volumes in the fluid pathway resulting in incomplete cleaning
Solution Approach 1:
The fluid management system employs dynamic reconfiguration of fluid pathways through detachable connectors that allow the system to switch between different operational modes. During cleaning operations, the connectors enable cleaning fluid to be directed through all fluid pathway volumes including normally inaccessible regions, transforming a static pathway into a dynamically adaptable configuration that ensures complete cleaning coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The detachable connector design enables the fluid management system to serve multiple functions: during normal operation, it maintains the primary analytical fluid pathway, while during cleaning operations, it reconfigures to allow cleaning fluid to traverse all pathway volumes. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by making the same physical infrastructure capable of both simple operation and thorough cleaning.
2Reliability
If multiple waste pumps and pathways are used, then waste management is thorough, but the system becomes complex and costly to produce and operate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent consolidates multiple waste management functions into a single integrated waste pump and pathway system. Instead of using separate pumps and pathways for different waste streams, the invention merges them into one unified system that handles all waste fluid removal, thereby reducing device complexity and operational costs while maintaining effective waste management through proper fluid resistance balancing.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves effective waste management with a single pump by carefully balancing fluid resistances in different pathway branches. By adjusting parameters such as pathway diameter, length, and resistance elements, the system ensures that waste fluid from multiple sources is properly drawn through the single pump without requiring multiple pumping devices, thus simplifying the overall waste management architecture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the fluid supply subsystem is fixed to a primary fluid source, then the connection is stable, but the system lacks flexibility to perform multiple functions
Solution Approach 1:
The detachable connector provides a dynamic connection solution that can be configured for different operational requirements. When connected, it ensures stable fluid delivery for analysis or sorting functions; when disconnected or reconfigured, it enables alternative functions such as cleaning operations. This dynamic adaptability resolves the contradiction between stability and versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid supply subsystem is segmented into modular components with detachable connectors that can be independently configured. This segmentation allows the system to be assembled in different configurations depending on the required function, enabling both stable connected operation for primary functions and flexible reconfiguration for secondary functions like cleaning, without compromising connection reliability when properly assembled.
Data Source
AI summary
Fluid management systems for flow type particle analyzers are provided. Aspects of the fluid management systems include a flow cell comprising an input and output; a cuvette comprising an input coupled to the output of the flow cell and further comprising an output; a sample input line for fluidically coupling a sample fluid source to the input of the flow cell; and a fluid supply subsystem configured to alternatively fluidically couple: (a) a primary fluid source; or (b) one or more secondary fluid sources, to the input of the flow cell. Also provided are methods of using flow type particle analyzers having the subject fluid management systems.