Integrated Air Pump for Compact Fluid System
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional sample processors are hindered by the large size, weight, and high cost due to the separate placement of pressure and vacuum pumps outside the instrument housing, making them inconvenient for transportation and installation.
Innovation Solution
A compact fluid system integrating an air pump that serves as both a pressure and vacuum source, reducing the overall size and weight by housing it within the instrument, and utilizing a vibration isolation apparatus to minimize operational vibrations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If two separate pumps (pressure pump and vacuum pump) are arranged outside the instrument housing, then the pumps can provide stable pressure and vacuum sources, but the sorter or analyzer has larger overall size, heavier weight, and higher cost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure pump and vacuum pump into a single integrated pump assembly located within the instrument housing. This single pump assembly provides both pressurized gas output and vacuum output, merging two previously separate functions into one unit, thereby reducing overall size and weight while maintaining the required pressure and vacuum sources for fluid conveyance
2Reliability
If two separate pumps are arranged outside the instrument housing, then the pumps can provide stable pressure and vacuum sources, but the sorter or analyzer has larger overall size
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure pump and vacuum pump into a single integrated pump assembly located within the instrument housing. This single pump assembly provides both pressurized gas output and vacuum output, merging two previously separate functions into one unit, thereby reducing overall size and weight while maintaining the required pressure and vacuum sources for fluid conveyance
3Reliability
If two separate pumps are arranged outside the instrument housing, then the pumps can provide stable pressure and vacuum sources, but the cost is higher
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure pump and vacuum pump into a single integrated pump assembly located within the instrument housing. This single pump assembly provides both pressurized gas output and vacuum output, merging two previously separate functions into one unit, thereby reducing overall size and weight while maintaining the required pressure and vacuum sources for fluid conveyance
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump assembly serves multiple functions: it provides pressurized gas for driving sample and sheath fluid through the flow cell, generates vacuum for waste fluid discharge, and is positioned within the instrument housing to reduce overall system size. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, lowering manufacturing cost
4Reliability
If two separate pumps are located outside the instrument housing, then the pumps can provide stable pressure and vacuum sources, but it is inconvenient in transportation and installation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the pressure pump and vacuum pump into a single integrated pump assembly located within the instrument housing. This single pump assembly provides both pressurized gas output and vacuum output, merging two previously separate functions into one unit, thereby reducing overall size and weight while maintaining the required pressure and vacuum sources for fluid conveyance
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated pump assembly serves multiple functions: it provides pressurized gas for driving sample and sheath fluid through the flow cell, generates vacuum for waste fluid discharge, and is positioned within the instrument housing to reduce overall system size. This multi-functionality reduces the number of components needed, lowering manufacturing cost
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 integrated air pump system allows for a more compact, lightweight, and easier-to-handle sample processor with reduced installation complexity and lower costs, while maintaining efficient fluid management and processing capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Pressurized gas is generated at the first output port, and the first output port is in communication with the sample container and the sheath fluid container
Implementation Method 2
A vacuum is generated at the second output port, and the second output port is in communication with a vacuum port of the flow cell unit through the vacuum line
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a fluid system for a sample processor and a sample processor including the fluid system. The fluid system includes a sample line, a processing fluid line, a vacuum line, and an air pump. The sample line communicates a sample container with a sample port of a flow cell unit. The processing fluid line communicates a sheath fluid container with a processing fluid port of the flow cell unit. The vacuum line is in communication with the flow cell unit. The air pump includes a first output port and a second output port. Pressurized gas is generated at the first output port, and the first output port is in communication with the sample container and the sheath fluid container. A vacuum is generated at the second output port, and the second output port is in communication with a vacuum port of the flow cell unit through the vacuum line.