Microparticle Sorting Device Stabilization via Liquid Column Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microparticle sorting devices face instability in sorting performance due to changes in temperature, fluid pressure, and sheath pressure, leading to complications and errors in the sorting process.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle sorting device that includes a microchip, an oscillation element, an imaging element, and a controller to control the driving voltage and position of the camera based on images of fluid and fluid droplets, stabilizing the sorting performance by adjusting parameters such as the liquid column length and sheath pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If images of fluid or fluid droplets are taken and various conditions are adjusted based on the images, then sorting performance stability is improved to some extent, but device complexity increases and errors easily occur in each process
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and focuses on a single critical parameter (liquid column length) from among multiple possible parameters. By isolating this one key parameter for control, the system achieves stability without requiring complex monitoring and adjustment of multiple parameters simultaneously, thus reducing overall system complexity while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements automatic adjustment of the liquid column length parameter based on detected changes in fluid droplet formation. The controller modifies the oscillation element driving voltage to maintain optimal liquid column length, thereby stabilizing sorting performance without requiring complex manual intervention or multiple adjustment processes.
2Reliability
If images of fluid or fluid droplets are taken and various conditions are adjusted based on the images, then sorting performance stability is improved to some extent, but errors easily occur in each process
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-adjustment by automatically detecting changes in liquid column length through imaging and autonomously modifying the oscillation element driving voltage accordingly. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for external intervention and reduces errors associated with manual pressure setting and sensing operations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback loop where the imaging element continuously monitors liquid column length, the controller analyzes the images to detect changes, and automatically adjusts the oscillation element driving voltage to maintain optimal conditions. This closed-loop feedback system continuously corrects deviations and prevents errors from propagating through the sorting process.
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 achieves stable sorting performance over a prolonged period by controlling the oscillation element and imaging element, maintaining consistent fluid droplet formation and break-off point position, thereby reducing errors and maintaining accuracy.
Implementation Method 1
fluid discharged from the flow path is converted into fluid droplets by giving oscillation to the flow cell or the microchip with an oscillation element
Implementation Method 2
The fluid droplets isolated from the fluid are charged with positive (+) or negative (-) charges
Implementation Method 3
traveling directions of the fluid droplets are changed by a deflection plate
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided are a microparticle sorting device, and a method and a program for sorting microparticles capable of stabilizing sorting performance over a prolonged period of time. The microparticle sorting device includes an imaging element and a controller. The imaging element obtains an image of fluid and fluid droplets at a position where the fluid discharged from an orifice which generates a fluid stream is converted into the fluid droplets. The controller controls driving voltage of an oscillation element which gives oscillation to the orifice and/or controls a position of the imaging element based on a state of the fluid in the image and/or a state of a satellite fluid droplet. The satellite fluid droplet does not include microparticles and exists between the position, where the fluid is converted into the fluid droplets, and a fluid droplet, among fluid droplets including the microparticles, which is closest to the position where the fluid is converted into the fluid droplets.