Fluorescent Quality Control Slide for Uniform Cell Counting Focus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional quality control slides for cell counting devices face issues such as bead aggregation, uneven distribution, Z-axis bead distribution, air bubbles, and varying volume values due to manual injection methods, leading to inconsistent counting results and reduced reliability.
Innovation Solution
A quality control slide with a base layer, thin film layer, and fluorescent layer, featuring cell-patterned regions formed by photolithography, which allows consistent fluorescence emission for accurate cell counting, and a method involving depositing, coating, developing, etching, and bonding steps to create uniform cell patterns.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If fluorescent bead solution is injected into chamber using manual method, then quality control slide can be manufactured, but bead aggregation and uneven distribution occur leading to counting variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-distributing fluorescent beads uniformly on a substrate before mounting the chamber. The beads are arranged in a controlled manner on a glass slide or substrate using automated dispensing or printing techniques, ensuring uniform distribution before the chamber is assembled and sealed. This eliminates the need for manual injection and subsequent dispersion steps that cause aggregation and uneven distribution.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical injection method with an automated system. Instead of manually injecting bead solution into the chamber, the system uses automated dispensing, printing, or deposition techniques to place beads directly on the substrate in a controlled and uniform manner, eliminating human variability and tool-related discrepancies.
2Quantity of substance
If beads are distributed throughout Z axis including air bubbles, then chamber can be filled, but focus value cannot be specified and counting accuracy decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by separating the bead distribution into a single focal plane (X-Y axis) rather than allowing three-dimensional distribution throughout the Z axis. The beads are arranged in a monolayer or single-plane configuration on the substrate, ensuring they all lie within the focal range of the imaging system. This eliminates the problem of beads at different Z-heights causing focus issues and makes focus value specification straightforward.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent converts the potential harm of air bubbles and Z-axis distribution into a benefit by deliberately designing a single-plane bead arrangement. By restricting beads to a single focal plane, the system actually improves measurement precision while maintaining adequate bead quantity for statistical accuracy. The simplified geometry eliminates focus variability and air bubble interference.
3Reliability
If conventional fluorescent bead solution method is used, then quality control monitoring can be performed, but user variability and tool deviations cause errors in counting results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies copying by creating a standardized, reproducible bead pattern that serves as a reference copy for quality control. The same bead arrangement pattern can be replicated across multiple slides, and the known geometry serves as a reference standard. This eliminates variability between users and tools because the physical reference is identical each time, allowing accurate calibration and quality control monitoring.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameters from variable manual injection conditions to fixed, controlled parameters. The bead number, size, spacing, and distribution pattern are precisely controlled during manufacturing, creating a reference standard with known, invariant parameters. This allows the cell counting device to be calibrated against these fixed parameters, eliminating user variability and tool deviations.
4Adaptability or versatility
If chamber height varies, then manufacturing flexibility is maintained, but volume value varies causing errors in counting results
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by moving the precision requirement from the Z-dimension (chamber height) to the X-Y plane (bead pattern geometry). Instead of relying on precise chamber height control, the system uses a precisely controlled two-dimensional bead pattern on the substrate. The volume calculation is derived from the known XY area and the controlled single-plane bead distribution, making the system insensitive to Z-height variations and maintaining manufacturing flexibility.
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
The solution provides consistent and accurate cell counting by minimizing size deviations and ensuring uniform focus, reducing errors caused by user variability and tool discrepancies, and maintaining reliable counting results.
Implementation Method 1
a fluorescent layer which is formed on top of the thin film layer and emits fluorescence due to the light passing through the base layer
Data Source
AI summary
A quality control slide of a cell counting device, includes: a base layer which is capable of transmitting light therethrough; a thin film layer which is formed on top of the base layer; a fluorescent layer which is formed on the thin film layer and expresses fluorescence by means of light transmitted through the base layer; and at least one cell marking part which is formed by piercing the thin film layer and through which the expressed fluorescence passes so as to be recognized as a cell.