Fluid Barrier for Controlled Sample Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Biological sample processing in controlled environments faces challenges due to disruptions caused by detector movement, which can compromise the controlled environment and lead to inaccurate detection results, especially when mechanical seals introduce unwanted forces or allow humidity and contaminants to affect sensitive equipment.
Innovation Solution
Implementing barriers that allow for low friction or zero friction relative motion between detectors and samples while maintaining a controlled environment, using fluid barriers that can be in coherent or bulk motion, and comprising fluids from both the sample and external environments, or a partial vacuum, to prevent humidity escape and contaminant entry.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical seals (bellows or sliding gaskets) are implemented to maintain the controlled environment, then the controlled environment is maintained, but unwanted forces are introduced during detection and the relative motion between detector and sample is impeded or disrupted
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the mechanical seal component entirely from the system. Instead of using bellows or sliding gaskets to seal the interface between the controlled environment chamber and the moving detector, the invention creates an open interface where the detector can move freely without any mechanical sealing elements that would introduce friction or unwanted forces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a fluid medium (such as oil or gas) as an intermediary between the controlled environment chamber and the external environment. This fluid acts as a sealant that allows relative motion while maintaining the controlled atmosphere, eliminating the need for mechanical seals that disrupt detection precision.
2Productivity
If the detector moves continuously relative to the sample for continuous scanning, then detection coverage is improved, but the controlled environment is disrupted and detection results become inaccurate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the system into two distinct zones: a controlled environment chamber containing the sample, and an external environment containing the detector. The interface between these zones is designed to allow detector motion while maintaining environmental separation, enabling continuous scanning without compromising the controlled atmosphere.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical sealing systems with a fluid-based sealing approach. The fluid medium fills the interface region and provides sealing through its physical properties rather than mechanical contact, allowing the detector to move continuously without disrupting the controlled environment.
3Measurement precision
If the objective lens contacts the sample directly or indirectly for detection, then detection precision is improved, but the controlled environment cannot be sealed or maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a fluid medium as an intermediary between the objective lens and the sample environment. This fluid allows the lens to approach and detect the sample with high precision while simultaneously maintaining the seal of the controlled environment, as the fluid itself acts as the sealing barrier.
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
Enables continuous scanning in controlled environments with maintained humidity and prevents contamination, ensuring accurate and precise detection results by isolating the sample environment from external influences.
Implementation Method 1
The barrier may comprise fluids from the sample environment, the external environment, or both. The portion of the barrier comprises fluid in bulk motion.
Implementation Method 2
The barrier may be a low pressure region. The low pressure region may have lower pressure than the sample environment, the external environment, or both. The barrier may comprise a partial vacuum.
Implementation Method 3
The barriers may prevent humidity from escaping the sample environment, which when escaped can condense and affect (e.g., corrode, foul, etc.) sensitive equipment
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein are methods for processing and/or detecting a sample. A method can comprise providing a barrier between a first region and a second region, wherein the first region comprises the sample, wherein the barrier maintains the first region at a first atmosphere that is different than a second atmosphere of the second region, wherein a portion of the barrier comprises a fluid in coherent motion; and using a detector at least partially contained in the first region to detect one or more signals from the sample while the first region is maintained at the first atmosphere that is different than the second atmosphere of the second region. The portion of the barrier comprising fluid may have a pressure lower than the first atmosphere, the second atmosphere, or both.