Flow Cytometer Optical System with Pre-Aligned Light Sources
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional optical systems for flow cytometers require precise alignment of light sources, which is time-consuming and costly, and result in reduced performance if not perfectly aligned.
Innovation Solution
A multichromatic optical system that combines collimated beams from multiple light sources, including a blue and red laser, using a beam combining element and focusing element to ensure adequate light delivery to the interrogation zone even with minor misalignment, reducing alignment tolerances and manufacturing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If precise alignment of light sources with lenses is implemented, then detection performance is improved, but manufacturing cost and alignment time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the light sources relative to each other before mounting them in the device. The light sources are positioned and aligned in a common mounting structure prior to installation, which eliminates the need for time-consuming post-installation alignment of multiple light sources with lenses and flow cell. This preliminary alignment step significantly reduces the overall alignment time while maintaining detection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements universality by designing a common mounting structure that serves multiple functions: it holds multiple light sources, provides pre-alignment references, and facilitates simultaneous alignment of all light sources. This multi-functional mounting structure eliminates the need for separate alignment procedures for each light source, reducing both time and complexity.
2Measurement precision
If precise alignment of light sources with lenses is implemented, then detection performance is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning the light sources relative to each other before mounting them in the device. The light sources are positioned and aligned in a common mounting structure prior to installation, which eliminates the need for time-consuming post-installation alignment of multiple light sources with lenses and flow cell. This preliminary alignment step significantly reduces the overall alignment time while maintaining detection performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through self-aligning features built into the mounting structure. The mounting structure includes reference features and mechanical constraints that automatically guide the light sources into correct relative positions during assembly, eliminating the need for expensive precision alignment equipment and skilled technicians. The system aligns itself through designed mechanical interfaces rather than requiring external alignment tools.
3Device complexity
If multiple light sources are aligned simultaneously, then system complexity is reduced, but alignment precision becomes more difficult to achieve
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the alignment process into distinct stages: first aligning light sources relative to each other using reference features in the mounting structure, then mounting the entire pre-aligned assembly to the device. This breaks down the complex task of simultaneous multi-light-source alignment into manageable segments, reducing precision requirements at each step while maintaining overall alignment quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses reference features and mounting structures as intermediaries to facilitate alignment. These intermediary elements provide mechanical references and constraints that guide the light sources into correct positions without requiring direct alignment between each light source and the final optical components. The mounting structure acts as an intermediary that absorbs and compensates for manufacturing tolerances.
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 maintains performance with minor misalignment, ensuring sufficient light energy is focused on the interrogation zone, reducing the need for precise alignment and manufacturing complexity.
Implementation Method 1
a first collimating element 103 that collimates the first beam, a second collimating element 104 that collimates the second beam
Implementation Method 2
a beam combining element 107 that combines the collimated beams of the first and second collimating elements to form a combined collimated beam
Implementation Method 3
a focusing element 110 that focuses the combined collimated beam to a single point
Data Source
AI summary
The optical system of the preferred embodiments includes a first light source that creates a first beam of a first wavelength, a first collimating element that collimates the first beam, a second light source 102 that creates a second beam of a second wavelength, a second collimating element that collimates the second beam, a beam combining element that combines the collimated beams, and a focusing element that focuses the combined collimated beam to a single point.