Continuous Fluid Sample Processing With Gas-Bubble Mixing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional fluid sample processing devices are limited in sample frequency and inefficient in mixing individual samples with processing fluids for continuous processing.
Innovation Solution
A continuous fluid sample processing device using a syringe plunger pump positioned vertically, coupled with a multiport pump head, mixes fluids with a gas bubble that rises through the syringe, forming a mixing chamber, and separates mixed samples with gas plugs for sequential processing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If conventional mixing devices (e.g., plunger syringe) are used, then fluids can be mixed, but the mixing process is time-consuming and requires additional void space complicating continuous processing
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses gas bubbles (pneumatics) as the mixing mechanism instead of mechanical plunger movement. The gas bubbles rise through the fluid, creating turbulence and mixing without requiring additional void space or time-consuming mechanical reciprocating motion, thus resolving the contradiction between mixing effectiveness and processing time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical plunger syringe system with a gas bubble-based mixing system. This substitution eliminates the need for mechanical reciprocating motion and additional void spaces, enabling continuous processing while maintaining effective mixing, thereby improving productivity and reducing time loss
2Productivity
If conventional pump devices are used for mixing, then fluids can be processed, but sample frequency is limited and continuous processing is highly restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The gas bubble-based system enables continuous processing by allowing multiple samples to be processed in sequence without interruption. The gas bubbles can be continuously introduced and rise through the fluids, maintaining sample frequency and continuous processing capability simultaneously
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables continuous processing by using gas bubbles that can be continuously introduced into the fluid stream. The bubbles rise continuously through the fluids, allowing uninterrupted mixing and processing of multiple samples in sequence, thus improving both sample frequency and continuous processing capability
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
Achieves efficient and continuous mixing and processing of fluid samples, enabling subsequent analytical assessment, particularly in flow cytometry, with improved sample frequency and mixing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
the gas forms at least one bubble that floats through the fluids to the top of the syringe plunger pump (13), thus mixing the fluids in the syringe plunger pump (13)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention is directed to a continuous fluid sample processing device for producing individually processed fluid samples and a method for producing individually processed fluid samples. Moreover, the invention also relates to the use of the device in corresponding methods, in particular in a method for continuously mixing, incubating and analyzing a fluid sample by flow cytometry.