Digital Holographic Microscope Electro-Fluidic Sampling System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current digital holographic microscopy techniques face challenges in accurately and efficiently monitoring and analyzing the state and processes within reactors containing fluid media, such as bio-reactors, due to limitations in data accuracy, speed, and the need for manual handling, which can lead to contamination and increased costs.
Innovation Solution
A fluid microscope system incorporating a digital holographic microscope (DHM) and electro-fluidic systems that guide fluid samples from reactors to the DHM for analysis and back, using diaphragm pumps and electrical conductors for controlled fluid flow, reducing manual handling and contamination risks.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual handling is used to transfer samples from reactors to analysis apparatus, then operational flexibility is maintained, but contamination risk increases and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical handling with an automated electro-fluidic system that uses electrical conductors and pumping mechanisms to transfer fluid samples from reactors to the digital holographic microscope and back, eliminating the need for manual sample collection and transfer operations
Solution Approach 2:
The system enables self-service operation where the electro-fluidic system automatically performs sample collection, transfer, and return to the reactor without requiring operator intervention, allowing the system to serve itself in the sample handling process
2Device complexity
If a single DHM is used to analyze multiple reactors, then cost is reduced and device complexity is lowered, but time consumption increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sample handling process into distinct electro-fluidic pathways that allow rapid sequential transfer of samples from multiple reactors to a single DHM, enabling the system to analyze multiple reactors efficiently without requiring multiple simultaneous DHM devices
Solution Approach 2:
The system maintains continuous operation by automatically transferring samples between reactors and the DHM without idle time, ensuring the DHM is constantly analyzing samples from different reactors in sequence, thereby maximizing productivity with a single device
3Measurement precision
If traditional flow microscopy is used, then operational simplicity is maintained, but measurement precision and information quality are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from traditional flow microscopy to digital holographic microscopy, changing the fundamental optical parameters and measurement approach to capture three-dimensional information and phase data, thereby significantly improving measurement precision and data quality about reactor contents
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
Enables efficient, accurate, and real-time monitoring of reactors with reduced contamination risks and operational complexity, allowing for the use of a single DHM to analyze multiple reactors and improving data acquisition speed and quality.
Implementation Method 1
The electro-fluidic system may comprise at least one pneumatic pump, capable of inducing a pneumatic flow in an electro-fluidic system to which said pneumatic pump is connected
Implementation Method 2
Holography is a three-dimensional (3D) imaging technique that makes use of the interference between a reference wave and a wave emanating from the sample called object wave
Implementation Method 3
one, two or more electrical conductors, running at least partially along said tubes and attached thereto, whereby said electrical conductors are suitable for providing electrical signals and/or electrical power to said pumping system
Data Source
AI summary
The current invention concerns a fluid microscope system for analyzing and/or monitoring the contents of one or more fluid-based reactors or canalizations such as bio-reactors, micro-reactors, brewing reactors, water supply systems or sewer systems. The fluid microscope system includes a digital holographic microscope (DHM) with one or more electro-fluidic systems, capable of guiding fluid from the reactors to the DHM. The current invention also concerns an electro-fluidic system for such a fluid microscope system having any or all of the elements mentioned above. Furthermore, the current invention encompasses a method for installing, replacing and removing such an electro-fluidic system in and from a fluid microscope system, and lastly, a method for monitoring and/or observing suspended objects in a fluid in a fluid-based reactor or canalization.