Flow Cytometer Controller Adjusts Detector Settings for Velocity
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Solution Overview
Problem
The intensity of the signal obtained from a detector in a flow cytometer is affected by the flow velocity of particles, leading to variations in image brightness, which complicates analysis, especially due to temperature and viscosity changes affecting the flow velocity.
Innovation Solution
A flow cytometer with a controller that adjusts liquid sending conditions and detector settings based on flow velocity measurements to maintain consistent signal intensity, including changing the amount of liquid sent, detector sensitivity, light intensity, and image magnification.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the flow velocity of particles in the flow cell is increased, then the productivity of particle analysis is improved, but the signal intensity detected by the detector becomes weaker
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures the actual flow velocity of particles using a flow velocity measurement unit, then feeds this information back to the controller which adjusts the detector's sensitivity or integration time accordingly. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures that signal intensity remains consistent regardless of flow velocity variations, resolving the contradiction between high-speed analysis and measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector's sensitivity or integration time is dynamically adjusted based on the measured flow velocity. When flow velocity increases, the system automatically increases detector sensitivity or integration time to compensate for the weaker signal, maintaining consistent measurement quality across varying flow conditions.
2Measurement precision
If the flow velocity of particles in the flow cell is decreased, then the signal intensity detected by the detector becomes stronger, but the productivity of particle analysis becomes lower
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors flow velocity and uses this information to dynamically optimize detector settings. When flow velocity is low, the controller reduces detector sensitivity or integration time to prevent signal saturation, maintaining consistent measurement quality while enabling faster analysis throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector parameters are dynamically adapted to match the actual flow conditions. This dynamic adjustment allows the system to operate efficiently across a wide range of flow velocities, extracting maximum productivity without sacrificing measurement precision.
3Speed
If the liquid temperature is increased, then the liquid viscosity is reduced and flow velocity increases, but the signal intensity becomes weaker
Solution Approach 1:
The system compensates for temperature-induced flow velocity changes by measuring the actual flow velocity and adjusting detector settings accordingly. This feedback mechanism eliminates the need for strict temperature control while maintaining consistent signal intensity across varying temperatures.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of maintaining constant temperature to ensure consistent flow velocity, the system changes the detector parameters (sensitivity or integration time) to compensate for flow velocity variations caused by temperature changes. This approach trades temperature control for detector adaptability.
4Measurement precision
If the liquid viscosity is increased, then the flow velocity decreases and signal intensity becomes stronger, but the productivity of particle analysis becomes lower
Solution Approach 1:
The system measures actual flow velocity and uses this feedback to optimize detector settings in real-time. This allows the system to maintain high productivity even with higher viscosity liquids by compensating for reduced flow velocity through increased detector sensitivity or integration time.
Solution Approach 2:
The detector parameters are dynamically adjusted to match the flow conditions created by liquids of varying viscosity. This dynamic adaptation enables the system to process viscous samples efficiently without sacrificing analysis speed or measurement 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 reduces the impact of flow velocity variations on signal intensity, enabling consistent image brightness and improved analysis precision in flow cytometry.
Implementation Method 1
light generated from particles in the biological sample liquid flowing in a transparent flow cell
Implementation Method 2
light generated from the particle by use of an optical grating
Implementation Method 3
a detector configured to detect light generated from a particle in the liquid irradiated with light
Implementation Method 4
modulating light generated from the particle by use of an optical grating
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A flow cytometer, in which detection of light generated from a particle is less likely to be affected by change in a flow velocity of a liquid flowing in a flow cell, is provided. The flow cytometer includes: a flow cell (10) in which a liquid flows; a liquid sending unit (40) configured to send the liquid into the flow cell (10); a controller (300) configured to obtain information related to a flow velocity of the liquid flowing in the flow cell (10); a light source (121) configured to irradiate the liquid flowing in the flow cell (10) with light; and a detector (162) configured to detect light generated from a particle in the liquid irradiated with light. The controller (300) changes a liquid sending condition for the liquid sending unit (40), based on the obtained information related to the flow velocity.