Flow Cytometer Fluidic System Automatic Unclogging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometer systems often experience delays due to clogged small flow channels, which require manual unclogging, backflushing, cleaning, or replacing, causing inconvenience and significant time loss in experiments.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic system with an unclogging feature that uses a combination of sheath and waste pumps and a controller to induce pulsations in the flow channel, allowing for automatic detection and removal of clogs through pressure differentials and variable flow rates, minimizing manual intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual unclogging procedures are implemented, then flow channel blockages are removed, but significant time delay and operational interruption occur
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary unclogging actions by periodically applying reverse flow or pressure pulses through the flow channel before complete blockage occurs. The controller monitors flow parameters and initiates preventive unclogging procedures, thereby maintaining channel patency and avoiding operational delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The flow cytometer system performs self-diagnosis and self-unclogging operations through automated detection of flow channel blockages and execution of clearing protocols without requiring manual intervention. The controller coordinates pumps and valves to autonomously restore normal flow conditions.
2Measurement precision
If small flow channels are used, then particle analysis precision is improved, but clogging frequency increases
Solution Approach 1:
The controller continuously monitors flow parameters including pressure differential and flow rate through the narrow channel. When deviations indicating potential blockage are detected, the system automatically adjusts pump speeds or initiates reverse flow to prevent complete clogging, thereby maintaining both precision and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operating parameters such as flow rate and pressure to optimize performance while preventing clogging. The controller modulates pump speeds and valve positions in real-time to maintain stable flow conditions through the narrow channel without causing particle loss or channel blockage.
3Productivity
If continuous operation is maintained, then productivity is improved, but clog formation risk increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system implements periodic reverse flow or pressure pulse sequences during continuous operation to prevent debris accumulation and cell clustering in the flow channel. The controller schedules these preventive maintenance actions at intervals that maintain productivity while eliminating clog formation risk.
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 system effectively reduces downtime by automatically detecting and clearing clogs, enabling continuous operation with minimal user intervention and maintaining uniformity and repeatability in fluid flow for accurate analysis.
Implementation Method 1
At least one of the sheath pump (12) and waste pump (20) and the controller (30) cooperate to propagate a pulsation through the flow channel from the sheath pump (12) and/or waste pump (20) if the flow channel is clogged
Implementation Method 2
cooperate to propagate a pulsation through the flow channel from the sheath pump (12) and/or waste pump (20)
Data Source
AI summary
The fluidic system with an unclogging feature of the preferred embodiment includes a flow channel, 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 pump and controller cooperate to propagate a pulsation through the flow channel from the pump if the flow channel is clogged. The fluidic system is preferably incorporated into a flow cytometer with a flow cell that includes the interrogation zone.