Levitated Particle Imaging via Balanced Electric Field
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current particle imaging technologies face challenges in effectively imaging biological particles like cells and organoids without interference from non-targeted particles, as they often collide or adhere to electrodes and internal surfaces, leading to poor image quality and particle obstruction.
Innovation Solution
The use of an electric field balanced with respect to gravity to levitate and rotate targeted particles within a flow passage, separating them from non-targeted particles, allowing for clear imaging while preventing adherence to electrodes or passage surfaces, and enabling the application of stimulants for further analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If particles are imaged using conventional methods, then imaging can be performed, but particles collide or adhere to electrodes and internal surfaces leading to poor image quality and particle obstruction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an electric field that generates an upward force to counterbalance the gravitational force acting on targeted particles. This electric field is carefully controlled to be balanced with respect to gravity, creating a neutral buoyancy effect that prevents particles from colliding with or adhering to electrodes and internal surfaces, thereby improving image quality while eliminating harmful collision effects.
2Productivity
If non-targeted particles are present in the flow passage, then particle flow can be maintained, but non-targeted particles interfere with imaging of targeted particles
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the electric field selectively to affect only targeted particles with specific properties, while non-targeted particles continue to flow through the passage without being influenced by the field. This localized effect allows the targeted particles to be levitated and imaged clearly, while non-targeted particles pass through without causing imaging interference, maintaining both particle flow and imaging quality.
3Reliability
If electric field is applied to levitate particles, then particle collision is prevented, but energy consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies an electric field that is precisely balanced to counteract only the gravitational force on targeted particles, rather than using excessive field strength. The electric field is tuned to the minimum necessary level to achieve levitation and prevent collisions, optimizing energy consumption while maintaining reliable particle suspension and imaging conditions.
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 enhances image quality by preventing particle collisions and adhesion, reduces interference from non-targeted particles, and allows for detailed three-dimensional volumetric imaging and analysis of biological particles, including the evaluation of stimulant effects.
Implementation Method 1
an electric field balanced with respect to gravity is applied to hold, levitate and rotate a targeted particle
Implementation Method 2
an electric field balanced with respect to gravity is applied to hold, levitate and rotate a targeted particle
Data Source
AI summary
A particle monitoring system may include a flow passage, a particle imager to image a targeted particle within the flow passage, electrodes supported proximate the flow passage, a power source connected to the electrodes and a controller to cause the power source to charge to electrodes so as to (1) apply an electric field balanced with respect to gravity so as to hold, levitate and rotate a targeted particle within the flow passage during imaging and (2) release the targeted particle following the imaging.