Electro-optical Flow Measurement Device with Removable Tank
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electro-optical devices for cell counting and characterization are complex to adjust and offer limited access to the measurement tank, making them difficult to maintain and optimize for precise measurements, especially for revealing specific populations like reticulocytes and immature cells in blood samples.
Innovation Solution
An electro-optical device with a measurement tank that uses two light sources with separate spectra, a triggering gun for small-angle diffraction, and a receiving gun with a detection channel for measuring attenuation and fluorescence, allowing for easy adjustment and increased robustness, with a single mechanical unit that can move independently for improved access and maintenance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If existing electro-optical devices use a fixed complex structure for measurement, then measurement precision can be maintained, but ease of operation and ease of repair deteriorate due to limited access to the measurement tank
Solution Approach 1:
The device is divided into distinct functional modules: a measurement module containing the measurement tank with light sources and detectors, and a control module housing the processing electronics. This segmentation allows the measurement module to be easily accessed and removed for maintenance while preserving measurement precision through modular replacement rather than complex internal adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement tank is designed with movable components including adjustable light sources and detectors that can be repositioned along guide rails. This dynamic design enables easy adjustment and maintenance access while maintaining precise optical alignment through mechanical positioning systems with micrometer adjustments.
2Device complexity
If existing devices use a fixed integrated structure, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of repair deteriorates due to limited access for maintenance
Solution Approach 1:
The optical measurement system is segmented into independent modules (light source module, measurement tank, detector module) that can be independently accessed and replaced. This modular architecture simplifies the overall device structure while enabling easy repair of individual components without disassembling the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The measurement tank is designed as a removable unit that can be extracted from the main device housing. This extraction design provides wide access to internal components for maintenance and repair while keeping the external device structure simple and compact during normal operation.
3Device complexity
If measurement access is limited in existing devices, then device complexity is reduced, but ease of repair and adjustment deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement tank is designed as a removable unit that can be extracted from the main device housing. This extraction design provides wide access to internal components for maintenance and repair while keeping the external device structure simple and compact during normal operation.
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
The device provides easier access and adjustment to the measurement tank, enhances robustness, and facilitates precise counting and characterization of cells, including immature and atypical populations, improving diagnostic capabilities and maintaining measurement quality over time.
Implementation Method 1
The optical parameters (refraction, diffusion, absorption and flexion) make it possible to extract morphological information on the cells
Implementation Method 2
The optical parameters (refraction, diffusion, absorption and flexion) make it possible to extract morphological information on the cells
Implementation Method 3
The optical parameters (refraction, diffusion, absorption and flexion) make it possible to extract morphological information on the cells
Implementation Method 4
the signals diffused by the cells are detected on a sensor of the photodiode type to generate the FSC (forward scatter) measurement
Implementation Method 5
The measurement of the fluorescence is used for revealing fluorescent dyes used as cell markers or as molecular probes specific to a structure or to a function of the biological element
Implementation Method 6
The electrical impedance measurements make it possible to count particles and to obtain information on the sizes thereof
Data Source
AI summary
An electro-optical device for taking flow measurements includes a measurement tank through which a flow of fluid to be characterized flows, at least first and second guns for emitting light having separate spectra, a triggering gun allowing diffraction to be measured at small angles and a receiving gun allowing a measurement of attenuation and at least one fluorescence to be taken. The first emitting gun includes a light source defining a main optical axis perpendicular to the fluid flow, and the second emitting gun includes a second light source defining a secondary optical axis substantially orthogonal to the main optical axis and fluid flow. The first and second emitting guns are placed on one side of the measurement tank, the receiving gun is placed on the other side of the measurement tank along the main optical axis and the triggering gun is placed on the other side of the tank.