Lensless Particle Characterization via Flow Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current lens-based microfluidic detection systems face limitations in characterizing small particles and maintaining reliability and cost-effectiveness, particularly in industrial processes like pharmaceutical manufacturing, where precise particle sizing and counting are crucial for quality control.
Innovation Solution
A lensless particle characterization system featuring a hydraulic detection channel with a two-dimensional array detector, a sample fluid channel, a sheath fluid channel, and adjustable flow rates, which employs flow focusing to position particles close to the detector, enabling the detection and counting of particles smaller than 10 µm without the need for lenses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If lens-based microfluidic detection systems are used, then particle detection capability is improved, but system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the lens component from the detection system entirely. The optical detection system directly images particles without requiring focal length adjustment mechanisms, lens alignment systems, or complex optical pathways. This extraction of the lens element simplifies the overall system architecture while maintaining particle detection capability through direct optical coupling to the sensor.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical lens-based focusing system with a direct optical imaging approach. Instead of using lenses to focus light onto the sensor plane, the system uses a lensless optical configuration where particles are imaged directly through the detection channel onto the sensor, eliminating mechanical adjustment components and reducing system complexity.
2Measurement precision
If lens-based systems are used for particle characterization, then detection accuracy is improved, but reliability decreases due to more components
Solution Approach 1:
By removing the lens and associated mechanical adjustment components, the patent eliminates potential failure points such as lens misalignment, focal length drift, and mechanical wear. The lensless configuration reduces the number of moving parts and optical components that could fail, thereby improving system reliability while maintaining detection accuracy through direct optical coupling.
3Ease of manufacture
If conventional detection channels are used, then manufacturing is simpler, but the ability to detect small particles deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a localized region within the detection channel where particles are focused or concentrated near the sensor plane. This local quality enhancement allows small particles to be imaged with sufficient resolution without requiring complex manufacturing throughout the entire channel structure. The detection channel maintains simple overall geometry while incorporating localized features that enhance particle detection capability.
4Productivity
If high throughput particle counting is required, then productivity increases, but measurement precision may deteriorate due to speed
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary particle focusing or positioning within the detection channel before particles reach the sensor plane. This preliminary action ensures that particles are properly positioned for accurate imaging before the high-speed detection process begins, allowing rapid throughput while maintaining sizing precision. The system prepares particles in advance for optimal detection without sacrificing measurement accuracy during high-speed operation.
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 system achieves high throughput and reliability by accurately sizing and counting particles as small as 0.5 µm, reducing the risk of breakdown and maintaining low costs, while providing ongoing quality control in industrial settings.
Implementation Method 1
employs flow focusing to position particles close to the detector
Implementation Method 2
an illumination source positioned to illuminate the sample flow within the field of view of the array detector
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to methods and apparatus for detecting properties of heterogeneous samples, including detecting properties of particles or fluid droplets in industrial processes. Embodiments disclosed include a particle characterization method, comprising: providing a fluid containing suspended particles; causing at least a first subset of the suspended particles to flow past a first two-dimensional array detector (24); illuminating the first subset of suspended particles as they flow past the first two-dimensional array detector (24) in the fluid; acquiring a plurality of images of the first subset of particles as they flow past the first two-dimensional array detector (24) in the fluid; and automatically counting the particles in the images.