Peristaltic Pump Fluidic System for Flow Cytometer
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional flow cytometer fluidic systems are difficult to assemble, heavy to transport, and challenging to calibrate, leading to errors in data collection.
Innovation Solution
A fluidic system utilizing peristaltic pumps with flexible tubes and cams for sheath and waste fluid management, along with a processor to calculate and control flow rates and timing for precise sample analysis, and a multi-sampling device for successive sample analysis without physical separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Power
If conventional air and/or vacuum pumps are used to pressurize and pump sheath fluid, then the flow cytometer achieves fluid pressurization and pumping capability, but the system becomes heavy and difficult to transport
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional air/vacuum pumps with a peristaltic pump system that uses flexible tubing and rollers to mechanically pressurize and pump fluids. This substitution eliminates heavy pump mechanisms while maintaining the required fluid pressurization capability through a lighter, more portable design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a peristaltic pumping mechanism that uses rhythmic compression and relaxation of flexible tubing to move fluids through the system. This hydraulic approach using flexible tubes and rollers provides the necessary fluid pressure without requiring heavy mechanical pump components.
2Reliability
If conventional fluidic systems are assembled with traditional components, then the system achieves functional fluid management, but assembly becomes arduous and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the fluidic system into modular components including separate sheath fluid reservoir, sample fluid reservoir, peristaltic pump modules with flexible tubing, and waste collection containers. This segmentation allows each component to be independently assembled, tested, and replaced, significantly reducing assembly complexity and manufacturing costs while maintaining reliable fluid management.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses flexible tubing as the primary fluid conduit instead of rigid piping. This flexible shell approach simplifies connections between components, allows for easier assembly and disassembly, and reduces the need for complex fittings and joints, thereby reducing manufacturing difficulty and costs.
3Manufacturing precision
If conventional calibration procedures are used, then the system achieves initial setup, but calibration becomes challenging and data errors are induced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates automated calibration procedures where the peristaltic pump system and flow cytometer automatically perform calibration routines using standard reference materials. The system self-adjusts flow rates, pressure settings, and detection parameters, eliminating the need for manual calibration operations and reducing human error while maintaining high calibration precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback mechanisms where the system continuously monitors fluid flow rates, pressure levels, and detection signals during calibration. Based on this feedback, the control system automatically adjusts pump speeds, valve positions, and detection thresholds to achieve optimal calibration, making the process more accurate and easier to perform.
4Ease of operation
If peristaltic pumps with flexible tubes are used, then the system becomes easier to assemble and lighter, but flow rate control precision must be maintained
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs dynamically adjustable peristaltic pump systems where the pump speed, roller position, and tubing compression force can be precisely controlled and adjusted during operation. This dynamic control allows the system to maintain accurate flow rate precision while using the simpler, easier-to-assemble flexible tubing and peristaltic pump architecture.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes parameter changes in the peristaltic pump operation, including variable pump speeds, adjustable roller pressures, and modifiable tubing dimensions, to achieve precise flow rate control. By dynamically adjusting these parameters, the system maintains manufacturing precision despite using the simplified flexible tubing design.
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 system is easier to assemble, lighter, and more precise, reducing errors and improving data accuracy by ensuring uniform and repeatable sample analysis with controlled flow rates and timing.
Implementation Method 1
a sheath pump to pump sheath fluid from a sheath container through a sample port into an interrogation zone and a waste pump to pump the sheath fluid and a sample fluid as waste fluid from the interrogation zone into a waste container
Data Source
AI summary
The fluidic system 10 of the preferred embodiment includes a sheath pump 12 to pump sheath fluid 14 from a sheath container 16 through a sample port 34 into an interrogation zone 18 and a waste pump 20 to pump the sheath fluid 14 and a sample fluid 26 as waste fluid 22 from the interrogation zone 18 into a waste container 24, and a processor 30 to calculate a time window based on the flow rate of the sample fluid 26. Preferably the processor 30 also calculates a time window for the sample fluid to reach the interrogation zone 18 from the sample port 34 based on the flow rate of the sample fluid 26. The interrogation zone 18 functions to provide a location for the fluidic system 10 and an optical analysis system 32 of the flow cytometer to cooperatively facilitate the analysis of the sample fluid 26.