Droplet Deflection Plate Layout for High-Angle Cell Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed cell sorters are limited in their ability to deflect droplets at high angles and distances from the longitudinal axis of the droplet flow stream, restricting the number of sorting categories and requiring more complex charge applications.
Innovation Solution
The droplet deflectors are configured with optimized deflection plates that allow for high-angular deflection of droplet flow streams, enabling droplets to be deflected into a greater number of collection containers and reducing the required charge for sorting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Length of moving object
If the length of droplet deflector is increased to improve deflection distance, then the deflection capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from longitudinal deflection (along the flow axis) to transverse deflection (across the flow axis). By applying electric fields perpendicular to the flow direction, droplets are deflected laterally into collection containers positioned to the side of the flow path, eliminating the need for extended deflector length along the longitudinal axis.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical/physical extension of deflector plates with an electric field-based sorting mechanism. Instead of using longer physical structures to achieve greater deflection, electric fields are applied to generate forces that deflect droplets laterally, achieving the same sorting function with reduced mechanical complexity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If more collection containers are added to increase sorting categories, then the sorting capability is improved, but the device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent arranges collection containers in a lateral array across the flow path rather than extending them longitudinally. This two-dimensional arrangement allows multiple sorting categories to be accommodated simultaneously in the transverse direction, increasing sorting capacity without proportionally increasing the device footprint or complexity.
3Use of energy by moving object
If charge application is optimized to reduce required charge, then the energy consumption is reduced, but the control complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs pulsed electric field application rather than continuous charging. Brief charge pulses are applied to the deflection electrodes just before droplets enter the sorting region, and the field is turned off afterward. This periodic action reduces the total energy required compared to continuous field application while maintaining effective droplet deflection.
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
This configuration enhances the range of sorting categories by allowing droplets to be deflected into a wider variety of containers, improving sort purity and yield while potentially reducing the charge needed for sorting.
Implementation Method 1
a first electrode and a second electrode in a flow cell of a flow cytometer, the first electrode and the second electrode being oppositely charged
Implementation Method 2
The flow stream is irradiated with light. Variations in the materials in the flow stream, such as morphologies or the presence of fluorescent labels, may cause variations in the observed light and these variations allow for characterization and separation.
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
Droplet deflectors having optimized deflection plates are provided. Droplet deflectors of interest include droplet deflectors with deflection plates configured for high-angular deflection of a droplet flow stream. Droplet deflectors of interest further include droplet deflectors with deflection plates that comprise a shape that corresponds to a path of the deflected droplet flow stream or deflection plates configured to apply a deflection force to a flow stream at a plurality of different angles. Droplet deflectors of interest still further include droplet deflectors configured to apply a constant deflection force to the deflected droplet flow stream from a plurality of different lateral positions, including, for example, where the deflector plates are segmented deflector plates. Flow cytometers having the subject droplet deflectors and methods of use and configuration or design thereof are also provided.