Two Station Flow Cytometer Sampling and Washing System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometers require an efficient and automated system for sampling and washing to prevent contamination and improve workflow, as existing systems lack a seamless method for switching between sample and wash cycles without manual intervention.
Innovation Solution
A two-station sampling and washing system for flow cytometers, featuring a tray and clamp configuration that allows horizontal and vertical movement, enabling automatic sealing and positioning of sample and wash stations, and a rotary clamp for secure engagement, facilitating simultaneous sample uptake and wash cycles with backflow rinsing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single station is used for both sampling and washing, then the device complexity is reduced, but the productivity and workflow efficiency deteriorate due to manual intervention requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two separate stations: a sample station for sample uptake and a wash station for washing operations. The tray carries both stations and moves them in unison, allowing automated switching between sampling and washing without manual intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining manageable complexity through functional segmentation
Solution Approach 2:
The tray and clamp configuration enables dynamic switching between sample and wash cycles. The clamp can automatically engage with either the sample station or wash station on the tray, and the tray can be moved horizontally and vertically to position the appropriate station beneath the clamp, allowing automated transition between operations without manual intervention
2Loss of time
If manual switching between sample and wash cycles is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the loss of time increases due to manual intervention
Solution Approach 1:
Both the sample station and wash station are pre-positioned on the tray. The clamp is designed to automatically engage with either station based on the cycle type. This preliminary arrangement of components allows the system to switch between sample and wash cycles automatically without manual intervention, reducing cycle switching time while implementing automated control
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses dynamic positioning where the tray can move horizontally and vertically to bring either the sample station or wash station beneath the clamp. The clamp automatically engages with the appropriate station, enabling automated switching between operations and eliminating manual intervention delays
3Productivity
If sample containers are replaced during sampling cycles, then the productivity is improved, but the reliability deteriorates due to contamination risks
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates sample container replacement operations from the sampling cycle by providing a dedicated wash station. Users can replace sample containers in the wash station during wash cycles without interrupting the sampling process, maintaining contamination prevention while improving productivity through continuous operation
Solution Approach 2:
The dual-station design enables continuous operation where sampling can proceed in the sample station while washing and container replacement occur in the wash station. This eliminates interruptions in the sampling process, maintaining reliability through continuous contamination-free sampling while improving overall productivity
4Ease of operation
If a rotary clamp with automatic sealing is used, then the ease of operation is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The rotary clamp combines multiple functions into a single mechanism: it secures the tray, engages with ramps on either the sample station or wash station, and automatically forms seals. This merging of securing and sealing functions into one automated component improves ease of operation while the integrated design keeps the complexity manageable
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Disclosed is a two station system for a flow cytometer that includes a sample station and a wash station. During washing, the user has access to the sample station to insert a new sample. This increases the efficiency of the workflow process. Rotary clamps are used to automatically clamp the sample station and wash station to the system. A low volume pressurized cavity is used to bring the pressure of the sample to a desired pressure, which further increases productivity of the system. A transparent body is provided in the sample station so a user can view the sample during the sampling process. A backwash process is used to clean the sample injection tube and the sample uptake tube. In addition, the wash station is designed to rinse the outer surface of the sample uptake tube.