Focus-Activated Acoustic Ejection for Droplet Precision
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current acoustic ejection systems require complex active control of both the transducer and reservoir positions for precise droplet ejection, which can be cumbersome and inefficient, especially for small volume biological sample handling where simpler and smaller systems are desired.
Innovation Solution
A focus-activated acoustic ejection method where the reservoir is moved relative to an acoustic ejector, with interrogation pulses determining the optimal position for droplet ejection, allowing for controlled droplet transfer without the need for precise transducer and reservoir positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If active control of both transducer and reservoir positions is implemented, then droplet ejection precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses the reservoir's own movement through the coupling fluid to automatically achieve the correct positioning for droplet ejection. The reservoir's descent through the coupling fluid naturally brings it to the focal point of the acoustic transducer, eliminating the need for active positioning control of either the transducer or reservoir.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning control systems with a simpler system based on acoustic interrogation pulses. Instead of using motors and controllers to precisely position the reservoir and transducer, the system uses acoustic pulses to detect when the reservoir has naturally arrived at the correct position through its movement through the coupling fluid.
2Manufacturing precision
If active control of transducer and reservoir positions is implemented, then droplet ejection precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The reservoir automatically positions itself through its movement through the coupling fluid, without requiring operator intervention for positioning. The system simply needs to initiate the reservoir's movement, and the reservoir will naturally arrive at the correct position for droplet ejection.
Solution Approach 2:
The complex mechanical positioning control system is replaced with a simpler system that uses acoustic interrogation pulses to detect reservoir position. This eliminates the need for operators to manually control or monitor complex positioning mechanisms, significantly improving ease of operation.
3Device complexity
If simpler and smaller systems are used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical positioning measurement systems with acoustic interrogation pulses. The acoustic pulses travel through the coupling fluid to detect the reservoir's position, providing precise measurement capability without requiring complex mechanical sensors or measurement systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The coupling fluid serves as an intermediary medium that enables both the movement of the reservoir and the transmission of acoustic interrogation pulses. This single medium fulfills multiple functions, allowing the system to maintain measurement precision while reducing overall system complexity.
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 method enables efficient and precise droplet ejection with reduced complexity, improving sample handling by eliminating the need for active control of both transducer and reservoir positions, thus enhancing lab safety and reducing training requirements for technicians.
Implementation Method 1
the acoustic ejector sends one or more interrogation pulses towards the reservoir
Implementation Method 2
Based on the interrogation pulses, the system determines when the movement of the reservoir has placed a free surface of the fluid in a position where a droplet can be ejected
Implementation Method 3
an acoustic ejector below the coupling fluid, sending interrogation pulses and ejection pulses towards the reservoir
Implementation Method 4
If the focused energy has a focal point inside a fluid in the reservoir and close to a free surface of that fluid, a droplet may be ejected
Implementation Method 5
The energy is focused by means of an acoustic lens and coupled to a reservoir containing fluid through an acoustic coupling medium
Implementation Method 6
a piezoelectric transducer driven by a waveform chosen by a controller generates acoustic energy
Data Source
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AI summary
To ejecting droplets from a plurality of reservoirs. As the reservoirs and at least one acoustic ejector move closer together, the acoustic ejector sends one or more interrogation pulses towards the reservoirs. Based on received echoes corresponding to the one or more interrogation pulses, the system determines an order of ejection.