Microparticle Suction Timing Optimization via Real-Time Detection

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Solution Overview

Problem

In microparticle fractionation technologies, optimizing the timing and magnitude of suction force is crucial for improving fractionation performance, as current methods often result in inefficient recovery of target microparticles due to non-optimized suction conditions, leading to increased worker hours and potential contamination between samples.

Innovation Solution

A method and device that detect the time point when a microparticle passes through a predetermined position on a main flow path and apply a predetermined suction force, with subsequent optimization of suction timing and force based on particle counting and success rate analysis, allowing for automatic adjustment of suction conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If suction force is applied to recover target microparticles from the main flow path, then microparticle recovery efficiency is improved, but non-target particles and sample liquid may be incorrectly sucked in, reducing fractionation purity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemicroparticle recovery efficiencyVSAvoidfractionation purity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary detection of microparticle presence and identity before applying suction force. The detection unit identifies target microparticles in advance, and the control unit determines optimal suction timing based on this preliminary information, ensuring only target particles are recovered while avoiding contamination with non-target particles

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system uses feedback from the detection unit to dynamically control the suction force application. The control unit receives real-time information about microparticle presence and adjusts suction timing and magnitude based on detected particle characteristics, optimizing both recovery efficiency and purity through closed-loop control

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If suction timing is delayed to allow target microparticle identification, then fractionation accuracy is improved, but processing time increases, reducing productivity

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefractionation accuracyVSAvoidprocessing speed
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The detection unit continuously monitors the main flow path in advance to identify target microparticles before they reach the suction point. This preliminary detection allows the control unit to prepare and execute suction at the optimal moment without delaying particle recovery, maintaining both accuracy and speed

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The system replaces manual timing and suction control with an automated detection and control system. The detection unit and control unit work together to automatically determine optimal suction timing based on real-time particle detection, eliminating the need for manual intervention and significantly improving processing speed while maintaining high accuracy

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Productivity

If strong suction force is applied to ensure complete microparticle recovery, then recovery completeness is improved, but liquid flow disturbance increases, causing contamination and reducing operational reliability

Engineering Contradiction:
Improverecovery completenessVSAvoidoperational stability
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adjusts the suction force parameter based on detected microparticle characteristics and flow conditions. The control unit modulates suction magnitude to achieve complete particle recovery while maintaining stable liquid flow, preventing excessive disturbance that would cause contamination or operational instability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The suction force is applied locally and selectively at the position where target microparticles are detected, rather than applying uniform strong suction throughout the flow path. This localized application ensures complete recovery of target particles while minimizing disturbance to the overall liquid flow and maintaining operational stability

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

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 enhances the fractionation performance by optimizing suction timing and force, reducing worker hours, minimizing contamination, and improving the purity and efficiency of microparticle recovery, while eliminating the need for expensive observation systems.

Implementation Method 1

a negative pressure suction unit communicated with the joining flow path to suck to draw in a microparticle to be recovered

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure suction: Suction

Implementation Method 2

detecting a time point when a microparticle passes through a predetermined position

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectLight detection: Light

Data Source

PatentEP3633348B1Method for optimizing suction conditions for microparticles, and microparticle separation device
Publication Date: 2024.11.20 SONY GROUP CORP
  • EP3633348B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3633348B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3633348B1 patent drawingFigure 5

AI summary

To provide a technology of optimizing a suction condition of a microparticle. The present technology provides an optimizing method of a suction condition of a microparticle including: a particle number counting step of detecting a time point when a microparticle passes through a predetermined position on a main flow path through which liquid containing the microparticle flows, sucking the microparticle from the main flow path to a microparticle suction flow path by the microparticle suction flow path with a predetermined suction force, and counting the number of microparticles sucked into the microparticle suction flow path; and a step of determining an elapsed time from passage through the predetermined position with which the suction by the microparticle suction flow path should be performed on the basis of a time from the time point when the microparticle passes through the predetermined position on the main flow path until the suction is performed and the number of counted microparticles.