Flow Cytometer Nozzle Alignment via CAM Latch
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometer and cell sorter systems face challenges in maintaining precise alignment of nozzle flow channels with cuvette flow channels, leading to inconsistent drop size and quality due to frequent nozzle removal and replacement, which affects the efficiency and accuracy of sample analysis.
Innovation Solution
A latchable nozzle assembly with a ball assembly and slotted rails system that ensures concentric alignment of the nozzle orifice with the cuvette flow channel, using a ball to guide the nozzle handle and maintain registration within a tolerance, allowing for repeated precise alignment upon reinsertion.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the nozzle is frequently removed and replaced for cleaning, then the orifice can be cleaned to avoid clogging and cross-contamination, but the alignment between nozzle flow channels and cuvette flow channels becomes inconsistent, affecting drop size and quality
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary alignment features during nozzle assembly, including pre-positioned alignment pins and pre-calibrated orifice positions. These features ensure that when the nozzle is reinstalled after cleaning, the flow channels are automatically realigned with the cuvette channels without requiring manual recalibration, thus maintaining manufacturing precision while allowing frequent removal for cleaning
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly includes self-aligning mechanisms such as tapered mounting surfaces and complementary geometric features that automatically guide the nozzle into correct alignment with the cuvette upon insertion. This self-service alignment system eliminates the need for external calibration tools or manual adjustment, enabling consistent realignment after each cleaning cycle
2Adaptability or versatility
If different nozzles with different orifice diameters are selected to accommodate different drop sizes, then the system can handle different biological samples, but the alignment must be reset each time a nozzle is changed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent designs a universal mounting interface for the nozzle assembly that accommodates multiple nozzle types with different orifice diameters. The standardized mounting mechanism with geometric alignment features ensures that all nozzle variants can be installed using the same procedure, maintaining alignment consistency across different sample configurations without requiring separate calibration procedures for each nozzle type
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows for parameter changes in orifice diameter while maintaining constant alignment characteristics through a family of nozzles designed with standardized mounting geometries. Each nozzle variant is manufactured with precise dimensional relationships that ensure consistent alignment with the cuvette, enabling parameter variation without sacrificing alignment precision or requiring additional setup time
3Object-affected harmful factors
If the nozzle is removed multiple times during the same day for cleaning, then cross-contamination between samples is prevented, but the drop size and drop delay consistency deteriorates with each reinsertion
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates preliminary alignment features directly into the nozzle mounting structure, including precision-machined alignment surfaces and定位 features that ensure the nozzle returns to its exact calibrated position after each removal. This preliminary design eliminates the need for recalibration during repeated use, maintaining drop quality consistency while allowing frequent cleaning to prevent cross-contamination
Solution Approach 2:
The nozzle assembly employs self-centering and self-aligning mechanical features such as tapered seats and complementary geometric shapes that automatically restore proper alignment upon reinsertion. This self-service mechanism ensures that drop size and delay remain consistent across multiple cleaning cycles without requiring external intervention or recalibration, preventing cross-contamination while maintaining operational stability
Data Source
AI summary
A flow cell subassembly includes a carriage assembly coupled to a flow cell body to selectively engage a nozzle with a base of a cuvette. The carriage assembly includes a linear bearing slidingly engaged with the flow cell body, a tiltable carriage plate coupled to the linear bearing, and a nozzle mount coupled to the tiltable carriage plate. The nozzle mount receives a nozzle assembly with the nozzle. Set screws can adjust pitch angle of the tiltable carriage plate with the linear bearing to adjust engagement between the nozzle and cuvette in a first dimension. To adjust engagement between the nozzle and cuvette in a second dimension, axial play in bolts/screws through the tiltable carriage plate into threaded holes of the linear bearing allow for yaw angle adjustments.