Droplet Breakoff Imaging Control for Cell Sorter Precision

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Existing cell sorting systems face challenges in accurately controlling droplet formation and breakoff, leading to inconsistent droplet sorting due to manual settings that are not dynamically adjusted, affecting the precision of droplet charging and deflection.

Innovation Solution

A system utilizing a hardware-triggered camera synchronized with diffused strobe lighting to capture brightfield images of the droplet stream, followed by image processing to identify jet breakoff points, and adjusting the AC waveform signal to correct for errors in droplet formation using a piezo-electric device.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual settings are used for droplet formation control, then device complexity is reduced, but droplet formation consistency and sorting precision deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoiddroplet formation consistency

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses automated image capture and analysis to monitor droplet formation in real-time, with the system self-adjusting parameters based on detected breakoff points rather than requiring manual intervention for each adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system captures images of the droplet stream, analyzes breakoff points through image processing, and uses this feedback to dynamically adjust droplet formation parameters, creating a closed-loop control system that maintains consistency

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If dynamic automated control is implemented for jet breakoff, then droplet sorting precision is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedroplet sorting precisionVSAvoidcontrol system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces complex mechanical adjustment mechanisms with automated optical sensing and electronic control, using image capture and digital analysis to monitor and control breakoff points without manual mechanical intervention

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The system introduces an intermediate image capture and analysis stage between the droplet formation process and the control mechanism, using visual detection as a mediator to bridge sensing and actuation

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Measurement precision

If synchronized strobe lighting is used with hardware-triggered camera, then measurement precision of breakoff point is improved, but use of energy increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebreakoff point detection accuracyVSAvoidenergy consumption of lighting and imaging

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses periodic strobe lighting synchronized with the droplet formation frequency, illuminating only at critical moments when breakoff occurs rather than continuous illumination, reducing overall energy consumption while maintaining measurement precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

Solution Approach 2:

The system triggers the strobe light and camera in advance of the expected breakoff event based on known droplet formation timing, ensuring capture of the critical moment without requiring continuous monitoring

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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

Enhances the accuracy and consistency of droplet sorting by dynamically controlling the jet breakoff point, improving the precision of droplet charging and deflection in cell sorters and flow cytometers.

Implementation Method 1

a diffused light emitting diode (LED) strobe light on an opposite side of the flow cell body coupled to the center bracket, the diffused LED strobe light pointed at the flat mirror on a second angle with the plane surface of the flat mirror; wherein an activation of the diffused LED strobe light generates a diffused strobe light into the flat mirror backlighting the droplet stream

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectLight Emitting Diode: Light Emitting Diode

Implementation Method 2

adjusting the AC waveform signal to correct for errors in droplet formation using a piezo-electric device

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPiezoelectric effect: Piezoelectric Effect

Data Source

PatentUS12607551B2Image capture and automated regulation of liquid jet breakoff for cell sorters and flow cytometers

Publication Date: 2026.04.21 CYTEK BIOSCI

AI summary

In one embodiment, a system includes a flow cell assembly having a flow cell body with a base having an opening allowing sheathed sample fluid to flow out, a bracket coupled to the flow cell body, a flat mirror mounted to the bracket, a hardware triggered camera coupled to the bracket on one side, and a diffused light emitting diode strobe light coupled to the bracket on an opposite side. The camera and strobe light are pointed at the mirror on opposite sides. Activation of the diffused LED strobe light generates a diffused strobe light into the mirror backlighting a droplet stream. Triggering of the camera is synchronized with the generation of the strobe light to periodically capture a brightfield still image of the droplet stream. The image can be analyzed for measured jet breakoff point and measured droplet interval point for visual feedback control of the droplet stream.