Microparticle Stream Alignment for Automated Cell Sorting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microparticle sorting devices require manual and unreliable position adjustments of the flow cell and microchip, leading to improper alignment of the fluid stream and collection container, which results in reduced sorting efficiency and cell damage.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle sorting device that automatically adjusts the positions of the fluid stream and collection container using a stream detection unit and a Z-axis stage, enabling precise alignment through image recognition and motor-controlled movement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual position adjustment is used, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and sorting reliability deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated control system comprising a camera for detecting fluid stream position, a control unit for processing position information, and a positioning mechanism with motor-driven movement. This substitution of mechanical manual operation with automated sensing and control systems resolves the contradiction by achieving high positioning precision through automated detection while managing device complexity through systematic integration of components.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements self-service positioning by automatically detecting the fluid stream position using a camera, calculating the required adjustment, and executing the positioning movement without manual intervention. The control unit processes the detected position information and autonomously controls the positioning mechanism to align the collection container with the fluid stream, enabling the system to self-adjust and maintain optimal positioning.
2Reliability
If automated position adjustment is implemented, then sorting reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control system where a camera continuously detects the position of the fluid stream, the control unit processes this position information to determine alignment status, and the positioning mechanism adjusts the collection container position based on the calculated deviation. This closed-loop feedback mechanism ensures high sorting reliability by continuously monitoring and correcting position deviations, while the systematic integration of feedback components manages the overall device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions: it processes position information from the camera, calculates required adjustments, controls the positioning mechanism, and coordinates with the droplet generation system. This multi-functionality consolidates several control tasks into a single integrated unit, improving sorting reliability through comprehensive control while avoiding the complexity increase that would result from multiple separate control systems.
3Reliability
If precise alignment is achieved, then cell survival rate improves, but adjustment time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary detection of the fluid stream position using a camera before sorting begins, and the control unit pre-calculates the required positioning adjustments. The positioning mechanism is pre-positioned based on detected parameters, and the system maintains optimal alignment throughout operation. This preliminary action ensures precise alignment for cell survival while minimizing adjustment time by avoiding mid-operation recalibrations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual mechanical adjustment with automated motor-driven positioning controlled by a microprocessor. The automated system rapidly detects fluid stream position, calculates optimal alignment, and executes precise positioning movements much faster than manual adjustment, thereby achieving the necessary precise alignment for cell survival while significantly reducing the time required for positioning.
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 accurate and automated positioning, eliminating the need for manual adjustments and enhancing sorting efficiency and cell survival rates.
Implementation Method 1
adjusting a position of the fluid stream and a position of the collection container based on stream position information obtained by a stream detection unit
Implementation Method 2
a Z-axis stage that moves the collection container along a Z-axis in parallel with the moving direction of the fluid stream
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2A~2B
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
A microparticle sorting device that automatically and accurately adjusts the positions of a fluid stream and a collection container is provided. The microparticle sorting device including a pair of deflecting plates that face each other with a passage area of a fluid stream therebetween, a camera that captures the image of the fluid stream, and a fluid stream detection light source that emits light parallel to a direction in which the deflecting plates face each other and that is movable in a direction perpendicular to the fluid stream and the light is provided. In the microparticle sorting device, the collection container that receives the fluid stream is mounted so as to be movable in the direction perpendicular to the fluid stream and the light.