Droplet Delay Measurement Using Dual Laser Interrogation Points
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sorting devices, such as flow cytometers, struggle to accurately calculate droplet delay time from a laser interrogation point to a separation point due to limitations in existing technologies, particularly for glass-pool-based systems where liquid flow fluctuations are not captured until exiting the nozzle.
Innovation Solution
A system and method using multiple laser sources and detectors to measure the time difference at specific interrogation points within and outside the nozzle system, combined with image processing and particle size considerations, to calculate droplet delay time accurately.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single laser interrogation point is used within the nozzle system, then the device structure is simple, but the droplet delay time cannot be accurately calculated because liquid flow fluctuations are not captured until exiting the nozzle
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the measurement system into multiple laser sources (first and second laser sources) positioned at different locations, with corresponding detectors for each. This segmentation allows independent measurement at multiple interrogation points, enabling accurate calculation of droplet delay time by comparing phase differences between signals from different locations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extends the measurement from a single point to multiple spatial dimensions by placing laser interrogation points at different locations (within and outside the nozzle system). This multi-dimensional approach captures the liquid flow characteristics at various positions, enabling precise delay time calculation that accounts for flow dynamics throughout the system.
2Measurement precision
If multiple laser sources and detectors are used to measure time difference at multiple interrogation points, then droplet delay time can be accurately calculated, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the laser and detector system multi-functional by using each laser source and detector combination not only for particle detection but also for measuring liquid flow phase. This universal approach allows the same hardware to serve dual purposes: characterizing particles and measuring flow dynamics, thereby reducing the need for separate measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses the phase difference information obtained from multiple detectors as feedback to calculate and determine the droplet delay time. This feedback mechanism allows the system to continuously monitor and adjust measurements based on the temporal and spatial relationships between signals from different interrogation points, improving measurement accuracy while utilizing existing hardware capabilities.
3Reliability
If droplet delay time is not accurately determined, then the sorting device cannot appropriately deflect droplets, but adding measurement systems increases device complexity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary measurement and calculation of droplet delay time using multiple laser sources and detectors before the actual sorting operation. By determining the delay time in advance through phase difference analysis of signals from multiple interrogation points, the system prepares the necessary timing information for accurate droplet deflection, ensuring reliable sorting while using a systematic measurement approach.
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 precise determination of droplet delay time, improving the accuracy of droplet deflection in sorting devices by considering particle size and nozzle configurations, enhancing the overall sorting efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
a first laser source is configured to emit a first laser beam to a liquid flow of the sorting device, wherein the first laser beam and the liquid flow intersect at a first laser interrogation point located in a nozzle system of the sorting device
Implementation Method 2
a second laser source is configured to emit a second laser beam to the liquid flow, wherein the second laser beam and the liquid flow intersect at a second laser interrogation point located outside the nozzle system
Implementation Method 3
the droplet delay time calculation unit is configured to calculate, on the basis of a time difference between a time when a particle in the liquid flow passes through the first laser interrogation point and a time when the particle passes through the second laser interrogation point, a first delay time for the liquid flow flowing from the first laser interrogation point to the second laser interrogation point
Data Source
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AI summary
The present application discloses a system and a method for calculating a droplet delay time in a liquid flow of a sorting device, and a sorting device. The system includes: a first laser source configured to emit a first laser beam to a liquid flow of a sorting device, the first laser beam and the liquid flow intersecting at a first laser interrogation point located in a nozzle system of the sorting device; a second laser source configured to emit a second laser beam to the liquid flow, the second laser beam and the liquid flow intersecting at a second laser interrogation point located outside the nozzle system; a first detector and a second detector which are respectively used for detecting emission, in response to the first laser beam and the second laser beam, of a particle in the liquid flow; and a droplet delay time calculation unit configured to calculate, on the basis of the time when the particle in the liquid flow passes through the first laser interrogation point and the time when the particle passes through the second laser interrogation point, a first delay time for the liquid flow flowing from the first laser interrogation point to the second laser interrogation point, and calculate, on the basis of the first delay time, a droplet delay time.