Microparticle Sorting Device Fluid Stream Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microparticle sorting devices require manual adjustment of driving voltage and frequency to stabilize the fluid stream, which is cumbersome, unreliable, and affects sorting precision, especially when the flow cell or microchip is replaced or during analysis.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle sorting device equipped with a voltage supply unit, charge unit, deflecting plates, and image sensors that automatically optimize the fluid stream by detecting droplet positions and adjusting the driving voltage to maintain a stable stream, using image recognition to set a standard band and minimize pixel deviations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Stability of the object's composition
If manual adjustment of driving voltage and frequency is performed to stabilize the fluid stream, then the fluid stream stability is improved, but the operation complexity and time consumption increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically optimizes the fluid stream by having the droplets themselves indicate their stability through positioning. The image sensor detects droplet positions, and the controller automatically adjusts driving voltage and frequency based on this feedback, eliminating the need for manual operation while maintaining stream stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements a closed-loop feedback mechanism where the image sensor continuously monitors droplet positions, and the controller uses this information to automatically adjust the driving voltage and frequency of the vibratory element, thereby stabilizing the fluid stream without manual intervention.
2Stability of the object's composition
If manual adjustment of driving voltage and frequency is performed to stabilize the fluid stream, then the fluid stream stability is improved, but the reliability decreases due to user proficiency requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-optimization by automatically detecting droplet positions and adjusting driving parameters based on detected positions, eliminating dependence on user proficiency and ensuring consistent, reliable optimization results regardless of operator skill level.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated optical detection and control system. The image sensor captures droplet positions, and the controller automatically translates this visual information into appropriate driving voltage and frequency adjustments, substituting human judgment with automated sensing and control.
3Manufacturing precision
If fluid stream optimization is performed manually for every analysis or flow cell replacement, then the sorting precision is maintained, but the time consumption and productivity decrease
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically maintains sorting precision by continuously monitoring droplet positions and self-correcting driving parameters as needed, eliminating the need for repeated manual optimization during analysis or after flow cell replacement, thereby maintaining precision while improving throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated optimization system operates continuously throughout the analysis process, constantly monitoring and adjusting driving parameters to maintain optimal fluid stream conditions. This continuous automated adjustment replaces discrete manual optimization steps, ensuring sorting precision is maintained without interrupting the analysis workflow.
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 device ensures a stable fluid stream with reduced instability, eliminating the need for manual optimization each time the flow cell or microchip is replaced, enhancing precision and reliability in cell sorting.
Implementation Method 1
The breaking of the sample liquid and the sheath liquid into droplets is performed by applying vibration at a designated frequency to the orifice with a vibratory element
Implementation Method 2
The cell-containing droplets are imparted with an electric charge and ejected. By electrically controlling the direction of movement of each droplet
Implementation Method 3
deflecting plates, arranged opposing each other with the fluid stream therebetween, that vary a travel direction of the droplets
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a microparticle sorting device that automatically optimizes a fluid stream.There is provided a microparticle sorting device that includes a voltage supply unit that supplies a driving voltage to a vibratory element that applies vibration to an orifice that produces a fluid stream, a charge unit that imparts charge to at least some droplets ejected from the orifice, deflecting plates, arranged opposing each other with the fluid stream S therebetween, that vary a travel direction of the droplets, and a first image sensor that acquires an image of the droplets passing between the deflecting plates. The microparticle sorting device is equipped with a controller that detects the droplets in the image, sets a standard band corresponding to a width of the droplets before imparting the charge, and controls the driving voltage of the voltage supply unit so as to further decrease a quantity of the droplets detected in areas within a designated number of pixels from the standard band from among the droplets after imparting the charge.