Liquid Flow Charging Device Cylindrical Electrode Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cell designs for flow sorters face complexity and increased manufacturing difficulty due to direct contact between the charging electrode and sheath fluid, requiring insulation and a complicated structure to ensure safety, which affects charging efficiency and stability.
Innovation Solution
A liquid flow charging device with a first electrode connected to the flow channel assembly and a second electrode positioned radially outer to the flow, featuring a cylindrical inner surface for increased electrode area, reducing direct contact and using inert materials and protective layers to simplify the structure and enhance safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the charging electrode directly contacts the sheath fluid flow, then the charging efficiency is improved, but the structural complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase due to insulation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary insulating layer between the charging electrode and the sheath fluid flow. This insulating layer acts as a mediator that allows the electrode to be in close proximity to the fluid for efficient charging while preventing direct contact, thereby eliminating the need for complex insulation structures on other components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the charging function from the complex multi-component insulation system and concentrates it into a single integrated charging electrode structure with an insulating layer. This simplifies the overall device by removing the need for multiple insulated parts and their associated complexity.
2Reliability
If the charging electrode directly contacts the sheath fluid flow, then the charging performance is improved, but the safety risks and insulation requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The insulating layer serves as a safety intermediary that prevents direct contact between the charged electrode and the sheath fluid flow. This mediator maintains the electrical charge for reliable droplet sorting while eliminating safety hazards associated with direct contact, such as electrical shock risks.
3Productivity
If a cylindrical inner peripheral surface is used on the charging electrode, then the electrode area is increased for better charging efficiency, but the manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies a cylindrical inner peripheral surface to the charging electrode, utilizing curvature to maximize the electrode area in contact with the sheath fluid flow. This curved surface geometry provides a larger effective charging area compared to flat surfaces, improving charging efficiency while the cylindrical shape itself is relatively simple to manufacture using standard machining techniques.
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 improves charging efficiency and stability while simplifying the structure by reducing conductivity and safety concerns, allowing for more reliable and efficient droplet sorting with reduced risk of oxidation and corrosion.
Implementation Method 1
The liquid flow charging device includes a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is electrically connected to a liquid flow flowing through a flow channel assembly of the flow cell. The second electrode is located at a predetermined position on a radially outer side of the liquid flow and has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface surrounding the liquid flow.
Implementation Method 2
An ejected liquid flow of the samples and sheath fluid needs to be charged just before it is separated into droplets. In this way, the separated droplets are charged, and the charged droplets are deflected when passing through a high-voltage electric field generated between deflection plates
Implementation Method 3
The first electrode is made of an inert metal material, or an inert metal layer is arranged on a conductive metal layer. For example, the first electrode is made of a gold material, or a gold-plated layer is arranged on the conductive metal layer. The inert metal material or the inert metal layer can protect the first electrode from oxidation or corrosion.
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a liquid flow charging device for a flow cell and a flow cell comprising the liquid flow charging device. The liquid flow charging device comprises a first electrode and a second electrode. The first electrode is electrically connected to a liquid flow flowing through a flow channel assembly of the flow cell. The second electrode is located at a predetermined position on a radially outer side of the liquid flow and has a cylindrical inner peripheral surface surrounding the liquid flow. The liquid flow charging device has improved charging efficiency, stable charging performance, and enhanced safety.