Particle Extraction Apparatus Segmentation for Speed and Purity

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional particle extraction technologies face challenges in achieving high-speed extraction of target particles while maintaining high purity, due to the likelihood of non-target particles being extracted alongside the target particles, especially when the distance between target and adjacent particles is small.

Innovation Solution

The proposed solution involves a particle extraction apparatus with a first extraction unit that extracts a sample containing the target particle without abort processing, followed by a second extraction unit that performs abort processing to isolate the target particle. This approach includes optional features like a stirring unit to randomize particle intervals and a measurement unit for adjusting extraction operations based on particle ratios.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If extraction is performed at high speed by taking in a liquid and particles present in a certain finite volume, then extraction speed is improved, but the purity of extracted target particles deteriorates due to the likelihood of non-target particles being taken in together

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction speedVSAvoidpurity of extracted target particles

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction process is divided into two sequential stages: a first extraction unit that performs rapid extraction without abort processing to maintain high speed, and a second extraction unit that performs abort processing to ensure high purity. This segmentation allows each unit to specialize in one aspect of the contradiction, resolving the trade-off between speed and purity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first extraction unit acts as an intermediary that performs preliminary extraction without abort processing, creating an intermediate extraction sample that is then processed by the second extraction unit. This intermediary step allows the system to maintain high speed in the first unit while achieving high purity in the second unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If abort processing is performed to extract only target particles and maintain high purity, then purity is improved, but extraction speed deteriorates due to the need to determine not to perform extraction when particles are close together

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepurity of extracted target particlesVSAvoidextraction speed

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The extraction system is segmented into two units with different functions: the first extraction unit performs rapid extraction without abort processing to maintain high speed, while the second extraction unit performs abort processing to ensure high purity. This segmentation allows the system to achieve both high speed and high purity by distributing different functions across separate units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The first extraction unit performs partial extraction without abort processing, intentionally allowing some non-target particles to be extracted along with target particles. This partial action maintains high extraction speed, while the second extraction unit then performs the necessary abort processing to achieve the required purity level.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #16Partial or excessive action

3Productivity

If multiple extraction mechanisms are driven in parallel to perform extraction at high speed, then extraction speed is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to the need for multiple sheath forming units, optical systems, and detection systems

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveextraction speedVSAvoidnumber of extraction mechanisms and supporting systems

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The first extraction unit and second extraction unit share common infrastructure including the sheath liquid supply system, optical detection system, and control system. By merging these supporting systems, the patent achieves high-speed extraction through sequential processing without requiring complete duplication of all system components, thereby reducing device complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The optical detection system and control system serve multiple functions: they detect particles for both the first extraction unit (for rapid extraction decisions) and the second extraction unit (for abort processing decisions). This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems, lowering device complexity while maintaining high extraction speed and purity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Data Source

PatentUS12240747B2Particle extraction apparatus and particle extraction method

Publication Date: 2025.03.04 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

Provided is microparticle extraction technology capable of stably extracting only a target microparticle at high speed from a sheath flow flowing through a flow path.A particle extraction apparatus includes: a first extraction unit for extracting, from a whole sample containing a target particle, an extraction sample containing the target particle without performing abort processing; and a second extraction unit for subjecting the extraction sample to abort processing and extracting only the target particle.