Particle Sorting Device Droplet Trajectory Stabilization

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current technologies for maintaining a constant side-stream trajectory in particle sorting devices are insufficient, leading to instability in droplet trajectories.

Innovation Solution

A particle sorting device with an irradiation unit, detection unit, conductive orifice, and charging unit that applies a charge to the conductive portion based on light data detected by the detection unit, stabilizing the droplet trajectory.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If a vibrating element is used to form droplets in a flow path, then particles can be sorted into side streams, but the droplet trajectory becomes unstable and difficult to maintain constantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveparticle sorting capabilityVSAvoiddroplet trajectory stability

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements feedback control by detecting droplet trajectory position and adjusting the charging voltage dynamically to maintain constant side-stream trajectory. The system monitors the actual trajectory and modifies the charging amount in response to detected variations, creating a closed-loop control system that stabilizes droplet paths despite vibrations and timing variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the electrical charging parameter of droplets to control their trajectory. By adjusting the charging voltage and charging timing based on detected trajectory deviations, the system modifies the electrostatic properties of droplets to compensate for instability caused by vibration and maintain constant side-stream positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the charging voltage is increased to stabilize droplet trajectory, then trajectory stability improves, but the system becomes more sensitive to variations in droplet splitting timing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveside-stream trajectory stabilityVSAvoidtrajectory consistency under timing variation

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The feedback mechanism detects trajectory deviations caused by timing variations and adjusts charging parameters in real-time to compensate. This allows the system to maintain stable trajectories even when droplet splitting timing varies, as the charging is dynamically adapted to counteract the effects of timing jitter.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system transitions from static charging to dynamic charging control, where charging voltage and timing are continuously adjusted based on detected trajectory conditions. This dynamic adaptation allows the system to maintain reliability under varying droplet splitting conditions by modifying charging parameters in response to actual trajectory deviations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Device complexity

If conventional charging methods are used, then the system structure remains simple, but the side-stream trajectory cannot be maintained constantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecharging system structureVSAvoiddroplet trajectory stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a feedback control system that detects droplet trajectory and adjusts charging accordingly. This adds complexity to the charging system by incorporating sensors and control logic, but it is necessary to achieve constant side-stream trajectory maintenance that simple charging methods cannot provide.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces simple mechanical charging approaches with an electronically controlled charging system that uses detection signals to modulate charging voltage. This substitution of mechanical simplicity with electronic control enables precise trajectory stabilization through dynamic parameter adjustment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

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 solution effectively stabilizes the side-stream trajectory by ensuring a uniform charge amount is given to each droplet, maintaining the trajectory's stability even with variations in droplet splitting timing.

Implementation Method 1

a conductive portion disposed in a vicinity of a position where the fluid is formed into a droplet; and a charging unit that applies a charge to the conductive portion

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic force: Electrostatics

Data Source

PatentUS20250137910A1Particle sorting device, orifice unit for particle sorting device, and particle sorting method

Publication Date: 2025.05.01 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

To provide a technology capable of stabilizing droplet trajectory.Provided is a particle sorting device or the like including: an irradiation unit that irradiates a part of a flow path through which a fluid containing particles flows with laser light; a detection unit that detects light generated by irradiation of the laser light; an orifice that is disposed at an end of the flow path and discharges the fluid; a conductive portion disposed in a vicinity of a position where the fluid is formed into a droplet; and a charging unit that applies a charge to the conductive portion on the basis of light data detected by the detection unit.