Fluidic Die Waste-Site Allocation for Target Particle Dispensing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing manual methods for dispensing sample fluid into well plates are tedious, prone to errors, and inefficient, especially when dealing with low volumes such as in the picoliter range, and are further compromised by the presence of non-target particles which reduce occupancy and increase processing time.
Innovation Solution
The use of digital fluid ejection devices, such as thermal inkjet or piezoelectric inkjet fluidic dies, which include sensors to detect target particles and eject them with high precision, while dynamically allocating waste sites during the dispense run to manage non-target particles effectively.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual dispensing is used, then operation simplicity is maintained, but productivity and accuracy deteriorate due to tedious operations and errors
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically identifies waste sites and allocates them without human intervention. The controller monitors particle detection signals and autonomously determines when to switch to waste site allocation, eliminating the need for manual intervention while maintaining operational simplicity
Solution Approach 2:
The system pre-allocates waste sites before they are actually needed. When a non-target particle is detected, the controller proactively identifies and designates waste sites in advance, allowing subsequent non-target particles to be quickly routed to pre-identified locations, thereby increasing throughput
2Productivity
If static waste site allocation is used, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity deteriorates due to inability to adapt to varying particle contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The waste site allocation is dynamic rather than static. The controller continuously monitors particle detection signals and adjusts waste site allocation in real-time based on the actual particle contamination level. This allows the system to adapt to varying contamination conditions while maximizing usable well occupancy
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback from particle detection signals to adjust waste site allocation. When non-target particles are detected, the controller receives feedback and modifies the allocation strategy accordingly, switching between single waste site and multiple waste sites based on the detected particle characteristics
3Productivity
If multiple waste sites are allocated, then productivity improves by handling non-target particles, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The waste site management is segmented into different levels: single waste site mode and multiple waste sites mode. The controller segments the complexity by only activating multiple waste sites when necessary (when non-target particles are detected), keeping the system simple during normal operation while providing enhanced capability when needed
4Measurement precision
If non-target particles are present, then measurement precision deteriorates, but loss of time increases due to rework and reduced occupancy
Solution Approach 1:
The system extracts non-target particles from the dispensing process by identifying them through particle detection signals and routing them to waste sites. This separation allows target particles to be dispensed with high precision while non-target particles are removed from the workflow, preventing time loss from rework
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 approach enhances throughput and maintains high occupancy by accurately dispensing target particles and efficiently managing non-target particles, thereby reducing waste and processing time, and ensuring a higher confidence in the outcome of subsequent operations.
Implementation Method 1
A sensor is to detect passage of a particle within the sample fluid into the channel
Implementation Method 2
An ejection device is to eject the target particle onto a substrate
Data Source
AI summary
In one example in accordance with the present disclosure, a system is described. The system includes a fluidic die to advance across an ejection path relative to a substrate. The fluidic die includes a channel to contain a portion of a sample fluid, a sensor to detect passage of a particle within the sample fluid into the channel, and an ejection device. The ejection device is to eject the particle. The system also includes a controller. The controller identifies discrete locations along the ejection path as waste sites as the fluidic die advances along the ejection path. This is done by 1) classifying the particle as a target particle or a non-target particle, 2) upon identification of a target particle, ejecting the target particle to a target site of the substrate, and 3) upon identification of a non-target particle, ejecting the non-target particle to a waste site.