Flow Cytometer Fluidic System Core Stream Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Adjusting the core stream in flow cytometry systems is challenging and time-consuming, often leading to inaccurate data collection and suboptimal stream formation, especially for inexperienced users, and results in significant sample consumption.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic system with a sheath pump, waste pump, controller, and user interface that allows for intuitive adjustment of sample and sheath fluid flow rates, utilizing a proportional-integral-derivative controller and lookup table for optimized core stream formation, and incorporating a core stream detector for dynamic adjustments.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple controls are used to adjust core stream parameters (sample line pressure, sheath line pressure, sample-to-sheath pressure differential), then the core stream can be formed for multiple particle sizes, but the adjustment process becomes challenging and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple independent pressure controls (sample line pressure, sheath line pressure, sample-to-sheath pressure differential) into a single integrated control mechanism. This single control simultaneously adjusts all three parameters, transforming a complex multi-parameter adjustment process into a simple single-parameter control, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and ease of operation.
2Manufacturing precision
If multiple iterations of adjustments are performed to set core stream controls, then accurate particle arrangement can be achieved, but significant sample is consumed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-configuring the single control to automatically set optimal pressure parameters before sample analysis begins. The system pre-establishes the correct core stream formation settings, eliminating the need for multiple iterative adjustments during actual sample analysis, thereby minimizing sample consumption while maintaining particle arrangement accuracy.
3Measurement precision
If experienced users manually adjust multiple core stream controls, then accurate data collection can be achieved, but the process is time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by designing a system where the single control automatically manages all pressure parameters without requiring manual intervention from experienced users. The control system self-adjusts the sample line pressure, sheath line pressure, and sample-to-sheath pressure differential simultaneously, eliminating time-consuming manual adjustments while maintaining data collection accuracy through automated optimization.
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
Facilitates easier, faster, and more accurate core stream setup with reduced sample consumption, enabling uniform and repeatable analysis of sample particles.
Implementation Method 1
The sheath pump (12) and waste pump (20) cooperate to draw sample fluid (26) from the sample container (28)
Implementation Method 2
The process of hydrodynamic focusing (also known as coaxial flow) results in laminar flow under preferred conditions and enables the optical system of the flow cytometer to illuminate, and thus analyze, the sample particles with uniformity and repeatability
Data Source
AI summary
The fluidic system of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container. The sheath pump and/or the waste pump draw sample fluid from a sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system also includes a controller to adjust the flow rate of the sample fluid from the sample container into the interrogation zone. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.