Flow Cytometer Waste Stream Catcher Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometer systems face contamination issues due to the deflection of waste droplet streams, which can splash and contaminate sample collectors when the waste stream catcher is located above the sample collectors, and increasing the size of the waste stream collector is not practical as it affects accuracy and collection efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A collection sled with a waste stream catcher positioned below the sample collectors, allowing movement in a single direction to align with the waste droplet stream and prevent splashing, combined with a guide that ensures accurate alignment and collection of both sample and waste droplet streams using a stepper motor for precise positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the waste stream catcher is located above the sample collectors, then the waste droplet stream can be collected, but contamination occurs due to splashing of waste droplets onto sample collectors
Solution Approach 1:
The waste stream catcher is inverted from its conventional position above the sample collectors to a position below them. This inversion fundamentally changes the spatial relationship, allowing waste droplets to fall away from the sample collection area rather than potentially splashing onto samples, thus eliminating the contamination problem while maintaining waste collection functionality
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from a two-dimensional planar arrangement to a three-dimensional configuration by positioning the waste stream catcher below the sample collectors along the vertical axis. This dimensional change creates spatial separation that prevents harmful interactions between waste and sample streams while maintaining efficient collection of both
2Quantity of substance
If the size of the waste stream collector is increased to improve collection capacity, then more waste can be collected, but accuracy and collection efficiency are affected
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of enlarging the waste stream collector horizontally which would compromise accuracy, the system inverts the collector vertically below the sample collectors. This allows adequate collection capacity to be achieved without increasing the horizontal footprint, thereby maintaining collection accuracy and efficiency while accommodating waste volume requirements
3Adaptability or versatility
If the collection sled is made movable to enable alignment with droplet streams, then collection flexibility is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The collection system is segmented into a movable collection sled carrying sample collectors and a stationary waste stream catcher. This segmentation allows only the necessary sample collection components to be movable for alignment, while the waste collection remains fixed, thereby reducing overall system complexity compared to making all components movable
Solution Approach 2:
The collection sled serves multiple functions: it holds sample collectors, enables alignment with deflected droplet streams, and facilitates positioning for accurate sample collection. This multi-functionality consolidates several operations into a single movable unit, reducing the need for multiple separate mechanical systems
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 configuration effectively prevents contamination by ensuring the waste droplet stream is collected below the sample collectors, maintaining accuracy and reducing the risk of splashing, while allowing for the use of various collection formats like 5 mL tubes, 8-well strips, and microscope slides.
Implementation Method 1
a first sample collector located in a first position and having a first slanted surface and apertures that accept standard size sample collection tubes to collect samples from a first deflected droplet stream
Implementation Method 2
the cavity expands in a downward direction from the elongate opening towards the waste stream catcher to prevent backsplash of waste fluid from waste droplets in the waste droplet stream
Data Source
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AI summary
Disclosed is a collection sled (138) for collecting a waste droplet stream in a waste stream catcher that is located below sample collectors. Contamination of collected samples is reduced by collecting the waste droplet stream at a position that is below the sample collectors (132, 134). A waste trough (152) is provided that gets progressively larger in a downward direction, which prevents backsplash of waste fluid from the collection cavity. Standard sample collector tubes, as well as 8-well strips and microscope slides can be used with the collection sled to collect sample particles.