Flow Cell Alignment via Dual-Speed Coarse and Fine Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing particle sorting apparatuses require a longer time to align flow cells, which hampers efficiency in sorting and analysis processes.
Innovation Solution
A particle sorting apparatus comprising a flow cell with an imaging element, light intensity detector, and a moving mechanism, where a controller performs a coarse adjustment at a first speed and a final adjustment at a lower second speed to maximize light intensity, allowing for quicker alignment of the flow cell.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single slow adjustment method is used to maximize light intensity, then positioning precision is improved, but alignment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment process is divided into two distinct stages: coarse adjustment and fine adjustment. The coarse adjustment stage uses high-speed movement to quickly bring the flow cell near the optimal position, while the fine adjustment stage uses low-speed movement to precisely maximize light intensity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by applying different speed regimes to different phases of the same task.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving mechanism dynamically changes its speed during the alignment process. It operates at a first (higher) speed during coarse adjustment and automatically transitions to a second (lower) speed during fine adjustment when approaching the optimal position. This dynamic speed adaptation allows the system to achieve both speed and precision.
2Productivity
If high speed movement is used for alignment, then alignment time is reduced, but positioning precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The alignment process is divided into two distinct stages: coarse adjustment and fine adjustment. The coarse adjustment stage uses high-speed movement to quickly bring the flow cell near the optimal position, while the fine adjustment stage uses low-speed movement to precisely maximize light intensity. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by applying different speed regimes to different phases of the same task.
Solution Approach 2:
The moving mechanism dynamically changes its speed during the alignment process. It operates at a first (higher) speed during coarse adjustment and automatically transitions to a second (lower) speed during fine adjustment when approaching the optimal position. This dynamic speed adaptation allows the system to achieve both speed and precision.
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 approach significantly reduces the time required to align the flow cell, enhancing the efficiency of the particle sorting process.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging element that obtains an image regarding a flow axis of the flow channel
Implementation Method 2
a light intensity detector that detects an intensity of light emitted from a light emitting object included in a liquid flowing in the flow channel
Data Source
AI summary
A particle sorting apparatus includes: a flow cell including a flow channel; an imaging element; and a controller. The controller performs a coarse adjustment onto a position of the flow cell based on an image regarding a flow axis of the flow channel and obtained by the imaging element, while continuously moving the flow cell at a first speed. The controller performs a final adjustment onto the position of the flow cell to allow the first intensity of the first light emitted from the light emitting object flowing in the flow channel to be maximum while moving the flow cell at a second speed that is lower than the first speed.