Flow Cytometer Fault Detection System for Automated Clog Clearance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometers often experience clogs that disrupt data collection and require manual intervention for identification and clearance, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential sample loss.
Innovation Solution
A fault detection system that automatically detects clogs by monitoring event counts and activates waste and sample pumps to clear blockages using decontamination or cleaning solutions without the need to locate the clog, allowing for uninterrupted data collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual intervention is used to identify and clear clogs, then the clog can be removed, but operational efficiency decreases and sample loss increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically detects clogs through monitoring event counts and triggers a clearing sequence without operator intervention. The waste pump and sample pump work together to flush the clog automatically, making the system self-servicing and eliminating manual intervention time
Solution Approach 2:
The system continuously monitors event counts from the flow cell and compares them against expected values. When a deviation indicating a clog is detected, the system provides feedback to trigger the automated clearing sequence, enabling real-time detection and response
2Difficulty of detecting and measuring
If the flow cytometer is taken apart to locate the clog, then the clog can be found, but device complexity increases and operation time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts the detection function from physical inspection by using electronic monitoring of event counts to identify clogs. This allows clog detection without disassembling or physically examining the fluidic pathways
Solution Approach 2:
The system replaces mechanical inspection methods with electronic detection through event count monitoring. Instead of physically locating the clog by taking apart the device, the system uses electronic signals and data analysis to detect and respond to clogs
3Reliability
If data collection is paused to clear clogs, then clog removal can occur, but productivity decreases and data collection time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of clogs through continuous event count monitoring and triggers clearing sequences proactively before they severely impact data collection. This allows for quicker response and minimizes interruption to productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The automated clearing sequence is designed to restore flow quickly, minimizing the duration of data collection pauses. The system maintains continuous monitoring and rapid response capability to ensure data collection resumes as quickly as possible
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 automated clog detection and remediation within the flow cytometer, reducing operator intervention and minimizing sample loss by maintaining continuous data collection and system operation.
Implementation Method 1
activating the waste pump to apply negative pressure to one or more of the waste line, the flow cell, the sheath fluidic pathway and the sample fluidic pathway
Implementation Method 2
driving a decontamination fluid, via the sample pump, through one or more of the flow cell, the sample fluidic pathway and the waste line
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cytometer apparatus and methods for detecting and clearing a clog therein are disclosed. An example method for detecting a clog may include (i) detecting, via a fault detection system of a flow cytometer, a first plurality of events associated with a first aliquot from a first sample well, (ii) determining a count of the first plurality of events associated with the first aliquot, (iii) determining whether the count of the first plurality of events is below a minimum count tolerance and (iv) (a) if the count of the first plurality of events is below the minimum count tolerance, then determining that the flow cytometer has a clog, (b) if the count of the first plurality of events is equal to or above the minimum count tolerance, then detecting a second plurality of events associated with a second aliquot from a second sample well.