Microparticle Sorting Device Droplet Formation Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microparticle sorting devices face challenges in stably forming droplets due to unstable break-off points and satellite droplet formation, which affects deflection accuracy and reproducibility, especially under varying environmental conditions and during nozzle attachment/detachment.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle sorting device that includes an imaging element to capture images of fluid and droplets, a processing unit to determine harmonic superposition amplitude ratio, phase difference, and superimposed wave voltage based on satellite and break-off point states, and a vibration element with an asymmetric displacement waveform, using a sinusoidal wave and its harmonic frequencies to control droplet formation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional droplet formation methods are used, then droplets can be generated, but the break-off point becomes unstable under varying environmental conditions, resulting in unstable droplet charging and sorting
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies mechanical vibration to the liquid stream at a frequency matching the natural oscillation frequency of the liquid column. This resonance condition creates stable, periodic oscillations that ensure consistent break-off timing and position, thereby stabilizing the break-off point and improving droplet formation reliability under varying environmental conditions
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the vibration frequency parameter to match the natural oscillation frequency of the liquid column. By tuning this parameter, the system achieves resonance conditions that stabilize the break-off point, transforming an unstable process into a controlled, repeatable one
2Manufacturing precision
If vibration is applied to stabilize droplet formation, then break-off timing improves, but satellite droplets may form and affect deflection accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The invention employs periodic vibration at a specific frequency that matches the natural oscillation frequency of the liquid column. This periodic action creates regular, predictable break-off events while the controlled oscillation pattern prevents the formation of satellite droplets by ensuring clean separation at the break-off point
Solution Approach 2:
The vibration mechanism serves multiple functions simultaneously: it stabilizes the break-off timing, controls the break-off position, and prevents satellite droplet formation. By achieving multiple objectives through a single controlled vibration input, the system improves precision without introducing harmful side effects
3Reliability
If environmental conditions vary, then droplet formation becomes unstable, but controlling multiple factors simultaneously is difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The invention utilizes the natural oscillation frequency of the liquid column itself as the control parameter. The system self-regulates by matching the vibration frequency to the inherent physical properties of the liquid stream, eliminating the need for complex external control mechanisms to compensate for environmental variations
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 enables stable and reproducible formation of FAST satellites, reducing droplet jitter and maintaining stability over time, allowing for precise control of satellite states and improved deflection accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
by applying vibration to a flow cell or a microchip by a vibration element or the like, fluid discharged from a flow path is converted into droplets
Implementation Method 2
an imaging element configured to acquire an image of fluid and a droplet at a position where liquid discharged from an orifice
Implementation Method 3
a processing unit configured to determine a harmonic superposition amplitude ratio, a harmonic phase difference, and a superimposed wave voltage on the basis of states of a satellite droplet and a break-off point in the image
Implementation Method 4
a displacement waveform of the vibration element to be asymmetric in a time axis direction between a pushing operation and a pulling operation
Implementation Method 5
a sinusoidal wave of a basic frequency; and a harmonic of an integral multiple frequency of the basic frequency
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a technique capable of stably forming droplets.There is provided a microparticle sorting device and the like including: an imaging element configured to acquire an image of fluid and a droplet at a position where liquid discharged from an orifice that generates a stream of the fluid is converted into a droplet; and a processing unit configured to determine a harmonic superposition amplitude ratio, a harmonic phase difference, and a superimposed wave voltage on the basis of states of a satellite droplet and a break-off point in the image.