Flow Cytometer Fluidic System Using Negative Pressure for Continuous Cell Counting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometers face inefficiencies in obtaining absolute cell counts, particularly when using the measurement method based on absolute volume, as they require repeated pumping and pushing of samples, disrupting the measurement process and increasing operational complexity and costs, whereas the method involving standard particles is inconvenient for users due to high precision requirements.
Innovation Solution
A flow cytometer system utilizing a fluidic system with a negative pressure source to maintain a constant flow of sample fluid, allowing for continuous and stable sample fluid flow without the need for standard particles or volume measurement devices, enabling precise calculation of sample volume and cell concentration through real-time feedback control.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If repeated pumping and pushing of samples is used to obtain absolute cell counts, then measurement can be performed, but operational complexity and costs increase while measurement efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the metering pump and repeated pumping operations from the system. By using a negative pressure source to create continuous flow, the complex repeated pumping mechanism is removed while maintaining the ability to obtain accurate absolute cell counts through continuous sample consumption measurement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical metering pump system with a negative pressure-driven flow system. Instead of using mechanical pumping and volume measurement devices, the system uses pressure differential to drive continuous sample flow, simplifying the mechanical complexity while maintaining measurement capability.
2Measurement precision
If repeated pumping and pushing of samples is used, then absolute cell counts can be obtained, but measurement time increases and productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements continuous sample flow through the flow cell using negative pressure, eliminating interruptions between pumping cycles. This continuous useful action allows for uninterrupted measurement and faster data acquisition, significantly improving productivity while maintaining measurement accuracy through continuous consumption-based volume calculation.
3Measurement precision
If standard particles are added to obtain absolute cell counts, then measurement can be performed, but user convenience decreases due to high precision requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-quantification by automatically measuring sample consumption volume through the negative pressure flow system. The flow cell design and negative pressure source enable the system to self-determine sample volume based on actual consumption, eliminating the need for users to manually add standard particles or provide precise volume inputs, thereby greatly improving ease of operation.
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 allows for continuous and uninterrupted sample testing, eliminating the need for repeated sample pumping and reducing operational complexity, while providing accurate absolute cell counts without the necessity of adding standard particles or using volume measurement devices.
Implementation Method 1
a negative pressure source, which provides a negative pressure relative to the sample providing unit for the flow cell so that the sample providing unit causes the sample to flow into the flow cell under the negative pressure
Implementation Method 2
an optical detection system for illuminating a sample fluid and acquiring information when the sample fluid passes through a light beam of illumination
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cytometer and a fluid system are provided. The fluid system comprises a flow cell, a sample providing unit, a waste container, a sheath container, a negative pressure source, a quantitative unit and a sample flow monitoring unit, the negative pressure source, the waste container and the flow cell are connected, a negative pressure source, which provides a negative pressure relative to the sample providing unit for the flow cell so that the sample providing unit causes the sample to flow into the flow cell under the negative pressure, a sample flow monitoring unit monitors a flow of the sample fluid transported from the sample providing unit to the flow cell and outputs a feedback signal reflecting flow changes of the sample fluid in real-time; wherein the controller receives the feedback signal and controls the quantitative unit to adjust a flow of the sheath fluid according to the feedback signal.