Microparticle Detection Timing Control for Flow Rate Variations
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Solution Overview
Problem
In multi-color analysis methods using multiple spots, detection timing variations due to non-uniform flow rates of microparticles through a flow channel lead to reduced accuracy in optical feature detection, causing groups of microparticles to be misclassified as a single group.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle measuring apparatus with multiple light detection sections and a detection timing control system that adjusts detection timing based on trigger signals from a reference channel, ensuring synchronized detection across all sections, regardless of flow rate variations, and includes a flow-rate control mechanism to maintain consistent microparticle passage through the detection zones.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple light detection sections are used to detect optical information at different positions, then the ability to perform multi-color analysis is improved, but detection timing accuracy deteriorates due to non-uniform flow rates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the detection timing adaptive rather than fixed. The detection timing control section dynamically adjusts the detection timing for each light detection section based on the actual flow rate of microparticles. This allows the system to maintain measurement precision across multiple detection positions while preserving the versatility of multi-color analysis capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the detection timing control section receives information about microparticle flow rate and uses this feedback to adjust the detection timing for each light detection section. This feedback mechanism ensures that despite variations in flow rate, each detection section captures optical information at the appropriate moment, thereby maintaining detection timing accuracy while enabling multi-color analysis.
2Measurement precision
If detection timing is adjusted for each light detection section, then detection accuracy is improved, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The detection timing control section serves multiple functions: it manages timing for multiple light detection sections, adjusts for flow rate variations, and coordinates the overall detection process. By making this single component multi-functional, the patent improves detection accuracy across all sections without proportionally increasing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The system achieves improved detection accuracy through self-regulation. The detection timing control section automatically adjusts timing based on observed flow conditions without requiring external intervention or complex manual calibration. This self-service approach maintains high detection accuracy while keeping the control system relatively simple and autonomous.
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 approach maintains high light detection accuracy by synchronizing detection timings and flow rates, preventing misclassification of microparticles and ensuring accurate analysis even with varying flow rates, thereby improving the reliability of multi-color analysis.
Implementation Method 1
radiating laser light or the like to the microparticles to detect fluorescent or scattered light emitted from each microparticle
Implementation Method 2
radiating laser light or the like to the microparticles to detect fluorescent or scattered light emitted from each microparticle
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a technology of maintaining light detection accuracy at a high level irrespective of individual variations in flow rate of microparticles flowing through a flow channel. The present technology provides a microparticle measuring apparatus including: a plurality of light detection sections configured to detect, at different positions, optical information emitted from microparticles flowing through a flow channel; and a detection timing control section configured to control a detection timing of each light detection section, on the basis of a trigger signal detected at a first reference channel provided in a first light detection section, and an optical signal detected at a second reference channel provided in a second light detection section that detects optical information emitted from the microparticles, at a position different from a position of the first light detection section.