Parallel Tank Liquid Delivery for Microparticle Measurement
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Solution Overview
Problem
Microparticle measurement devices face instability in liquid droplet formation and delivery due to changes in sheath liquid levels and pressure within the tank, leading to inconsistent delivery to the flow channel.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle measurement device with multiple first tank units connected in parallel and a bulb unit that switches to deliver liquid to the flow channel, allowing external liquid supply to replenish and stabilize the system, using a supply pump to manage liquid distribution and prevent pressure fluctuations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single tank is used to deliver sheath liquid to the flow channel, then the device structure is simple, but the liquid delivery becomes unstable due to pressure changes and liquid level variations
Solution Approach 1:
The single tank is divided into multiple sub-tanks (first tank unit and second tank unit) that are connected in parallel. This segmentation allows the system to switch between different liquid sources, maintaining stable delivery by selecting the tank with adequate liquid level, thereby resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and delivery reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system monitors the liquid level parameter in each tank and switches between tanks based on the liquid level state. By changing the operational parameter (active tank selection) based on liquid level conditions, the system maintains stable liquid delivery pressure and flow rate, preventing delivery instability.
2Productivity
If the pump delivers liquid at high flow rate, then productivity is improved, but pressure changes inside the tank become large causing unstable droplet formation
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary monitoring of liquid levels in multiple tanks before high-rate delivery begins. By pre-positioning adequate liquid levels in standby tanks, the system ensures that when high flow rate delivery is needed, a suitable tank can be immediately activated without causing pressure fluctuations or unstable droplet formation, thus maintaining both productivity and reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The multiple tanks connected in parallel act as intermediaries between the pump and the flow channel. When one tank is being depleted during high-rate delivery, the system can switch to another tank with fresh liquid, using the tank system as a buffer intermediary that smooths out pressure changes and maintains stable droplet formation even during high productivity operation.
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 configuration ensures stable liquid delivery to the flow channel, reducing the impact of pressure changes and liquid level variations, maintaining consistent droplet formation and analysis performance.
Implementation Method 1
a vibration element for converting liquid in the orifice into liquid droplets and discharging the liquid droplets
Implementation Method 2
a supply pump unit that supplies the liquid from the second tank unit to the plurality of first tank units
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a microparticle measurement device that can deliver a liquid used in the analysis of microparticles in a stable manner. The microparticle measurement device includes a plurality of first tank units to which a liquid is supplied from the outside, and which are respectively connected in parallel, and a bulb unit that is connected to the plurality of first tank units, and which switches to a state in which it is possible to deliver the liquid to a flow channel through which microparticles flow. According to this microparticle measurement device, in addition to performing liquid delivery from a portion of the plurality of first tank units, in which the replenishment of liquid has been completed, to a flow channel, it is possible to supply liquid from the outside to the plurality of first tank units other than the plurality of first tank units that are delivering liquid.