Flow Cytometer Light Beam Alignment Module
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Solution Overview
Problem
The performance of flow cytometers is limited by the efficiency of light collection, susceptibility to misalignment of optical components, and the difficulty in replacing or substituting optical components without disrupting the instrument's operation.
Innovation Solution
A sorting flow cytometer with an alignment module that includes first and second alignment actuators, a mirror, a beam splitter, and a position sensor, along with a controller that adjusts the alignment of the light beam by calculating voltage values based on the difference between the current and target alignments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If optical components are manually aligned in traditional flow cytometers, then alignment can be adjusted, but the alignment precision and stability are insufficient leading to misalignment issues
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a position sensor continuously monitors the light beam position and feeds this information back to alignment actuators. The controller compares the actual beam position with the target position and automatically adjusts the actuators to maintain precise alignment, resolving the contradiction between alignment precision and stability by creating a self-correcting closed-loop system that actively compensates for drift and misalignment over time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical alignment adjustment with an automated electro-mechanical system. Instead of relying on manual positioning which lacks precision and stability, the system uses voltage-controlled alignment actuators that can make fine, repeatable adjustments based on electronic feedback signals, thereby achieving both high alignment precision and long-term stability without human intervention
2Reliability
If optical components are fixed in traditional flow cytometers, then alignment stability is maintained, but the difficulty in replacing or substituting optical components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transforms the optical component mounting system from a static fixed configuration to a dynamic adjustable configuration. Optical components are mounted on actuators that can be positioned and locked at various locations, allowing components to be easily removed and replaced while maintaining alignment stability through the feedback control system that automatically compensates for positional variations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent creates a universal mounting interface for optical components that serves multiple functions: it allows easy component replacement, maintains alignment stability through active control, and enables different component types to be interchangeably mounted on the same actuator positions, thereby resolving the contradiction between fixed stability and replacement ease
3Ease of repair
If manual alignment adjustment is used in traditional flow cytometers, then component replacement is easier, but the alignment precision and time required for re-alignment decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The feedback control system automatically monitors beam position and guides re-alignment after component replacement, eliminating the need for time-consuming manual adjustment. The system provides real-time feedback to actuators to quickly restore optimal alignment, significantly reducing re-alignment time while maintaining ease of component replacement
Solution Approach 2:
The alignment system performs self-service by automatically detecting and correcting misalignment after component replacement without requiring operator intervention for the actual alignment process. The feedback control loop continuously monitors and adjusts the beam position, making the system self-correcting and eliminating the time loss associated with manual re-alignment
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 solution enhances the alignment precision and stability of the light beam in flow cytometers, improving the instrument's performance by reducing misalignment issues and facilitating easier maintenance without disrupting the instrument's operation.
Implementation Method 1
a mirror attached to at least one of the first and second alignment actuators, the mirror configured to reflect the light beam generated from the light source
Implementation Method 2
a beam splitter configured to reflect a portion of the light beam received from the mirror, and the beam splitter being configured to allow a remaining portion of the light beam received from the mirror to pass through
Data Source
AI summary
A sorting flow cytometer receives a current alignment of a light beam, determines a difference between the current alignment of the light beam and a target alignment of the light beam, and calculates one or more voltage values based on the difference between the current alignment and the target alignment. The sorting flow cytometer uses the voltage values to adjust a position of at least one of a first alignment actuator extending in a first axial direction and a second alignment actuator extending in a axial second direction to reduce the difference between the current alignment of the light beam and the target alignment of the light beam.