Flow Cytometer Integration Structure for Autosampler Compatibility
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometer systems often face limitations in compatibility and interconnection with different autosamplers, leading to poor system integration and inefficient sample processing, especially when autosamplers and flow cytometers are not specifically designed to work together.
Innovation Solution
A flow cytometer system with an integrated autosampler and a system integration structure that includes a container rack and fluid conduits, allowing for flexible use of various autosamplers and flow cytometers, with the autosampler providing automatic sample fluid batches and the system integration structure supporting the flow cytometer and accommodating multiple liquid containers for process and waste liquids.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If autosamplers are specially designed to connect and interface with specific flow cytometer products, then user convenience and system coordination are improved, but the combinations of different autosamplers and flow cytometers that may be used together are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the flow cytometer, the autosampler, and the system integration structure. Each module can be independently selected and combined, allowing different manufacturers' components to work together while maintaining ease of operation through standardized interfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The system integration structure serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple types of flow cytometers and autosamplers. The container rack and support structures are designed to be adaptable to various configurations, enabling one integration structure to support multiple instrument combinations from different manufacturers.
2Adaptability or versatility
If flow cytometers are used without manufacturer-provided coordinated autosamplers, then device versatility is improved, but system interconnection quality and space utilization may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system integration structure acts as an intermediary between the flow cytometer and autosampler components from different manufacturers. It provides standardized mechanical and fluidic interfaces that ensure reliable interconnection and proper spatial arrangement, eliminating the need for manufacturer-specific coordinated designs.
3Device complexity
If manual sample fluid provision is used, then system simplicity is maintained, but sample processing efficiency and productivity are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The autosampler is designed to automatically provide sample fluids to the flow cytometer without requiring manual intervention for each sample. The system self-manages the sample loading, fluid delivery, and batch processing, significantly increasing throughput while maintaining operational simplicity through automated routines.
Solution Approach 2:
Multiple sample containers are pre-loaded into the container rack before analysis begins. The autosampler is pre-configured with the sample arrangement, allowing the flow cytometer to automatically process batches of samples without waiting for manual sample preparation or loading during the analysis run.
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cytometer system includes a flow cytometer, an autosampler and a system integration structure to accommodate interconnection and interface of the flow cytometer and autosampler for operation together and providing for convenient interface with equipment for handling process liquids.