One-Piece Measuring Cuvette for Simultaneous Impedance and Optical Cell Analysis
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing flow cytometry measuring tanks require multiple joints for impedance and optical measurements, which can lead to leaks and complicate the measurement process, and current solutions do not allow for simultaneous and precise volume and optical measurements without compromising accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A one-piece measuring tank with a base and transparent side enclosure that integrates both impedance and optical measurement capabilities, eliminating the need for three of the four joints and enabling simultaneous volume and optical measurements on the same cell, with a passage orifice diameter of 30 to 100 µm, and a design that includes a fluid inlet and spherical exterior surface for precise centering and reduced aberration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple joints are used to connect impedance and optical measurement components, then both measurement types can be performed, but leaks occur and the system becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the impedance measurement electrode assembly and optical measurement cuvette into a single unified measuring tank structure. The electrode assembly is positioned within the cuvette body, eliminating the need for separate connections and joints between components. This merging of functions into one piece structure prevents leaks while maintaining both measurement capabilities.
Solution Approach 2:
The measuring tank is designed as a multi-functional device that simultaneously performs both impedance measurement (for cell volume) and optical measurement (for cell characterization). The single tank structure houses both the electrode assembly for electrical measurements and the transparent cuvette chamber for optical measurements, making one component serve multiple measurement purposes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple joints are used for connecting measurement components, then both impedance and optical measurements can be performed, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrode assembly and optical cuvette into one integrated measuring tank, reducing multiple separate components and their connecting joints into a single unified structure. This merging simplifies the overall system architecture while preserving both impedance and optical measurement functions.
3Adaptability or versatility
If separate measurement components are used, then impedance and optical measurements can be performed, but measurement accuracy and precision are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The integration of electrode and optical components within a single measuring tank ensures that both measurements are performed on the same cell population under identical flow conditions. This eliminates variability introduced by separate measurement systems and improves measurement precision and accuracy.
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 one-piece tank ensures leak-free operation and allows for precise, simultaneous impedance and optical measurements of cells, reducing the complexity and cost of the measurement system while enhancing measurement accuracy and ease of cleaning.
Implementation Method 1
Cell volume is measured by measuring the impedance across the nozzle orifice. Indeed, the volume of a cell is correlated with a variation in impedance caused by its passage through a conductive medium (Coulter system), the cell being considered electrically insulating.
Implementation Method 2
When a cell crosses the light beam, it diffuses a certain number of optical signals that can be used by the cytometer to determine the properties of the cell. These optical signals include: the reflection of light on the cell, due to the difference in indices between the liquid and the cell, but also between the different components of the cell
Implementation Method 3
the refraction of light on the cell resulting in a deviation of the light ray entering the cell
Implementation Method 4
the diffraction of light on the cell, mainly under a solid angle ranging from a few degrees up to a solid angle of 360°
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~4
Figure 5~6
AI summary
The present invention relates to a measuring cuvette (1) for counting and/or characterizing cells, the measuring cuvette (1) comprising a base (11) and a transparent lateral enclosure (12) extending from the base (11) so as to form with the latter an optical measurement chamber (13); the base (11) having a through-orifice (111) with a diameter of 30 to 100 μm for cells to pass through, characterized in that the base (11) and the transparent lateral enclosure (12) form a one-piece cuvette (1) suitable both for impedance measurement and for optical measurement. The invention also relates to a system for characterizing cells, comprising the measuring cuvette (1).