Sample Processor Pipeline Background Detection Using Sheath Liquid

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample processors face high costs and impurity introduction during background noise detection in sample pipelines, with insufficient detection agent leading to suboptimal results.

Innovation Solution

A method utilizing sheath liquid for background detection, which omits the need for a dedicated detection agent, employing filtration and a wash station to ensure low background noise, and using a control device to manage the flow and cleaning processes within the sample processor.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a detection agent is prepared and used for background detection, then the background noise of the sample pipeline can be detected, but the cost increases and impurities may be introduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackground noise detection accuracyVSAvoidimpurity introduction

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath liquid serves dual purposes: it both cleans the sample probe and acts as the detection medium for background noise detection. This self-service approach eliminates the need for a separate detection agent, thereby avoiding impurity introduction while maintaining detection capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath liquid is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: cleaning the sample probe, providing a low-background detection medium, and enabling background noise measurement. This multi-functionality resolves the contradiction by using one substance for multiple purposes rather than requiring separate agents.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Measurement precision

If a detection agent is prepared and used for background detection, then the background noise can be detected, but the cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackground noise detection accuracyVSAvoiddetection agent cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The sheath liquid already present in the system is utilized for background detection without requiring additional prepared detection agents. This eliminates the recurring cost of purchasing and preparing detection agents while maintaining the ability to detect background noise.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of using expensive prepared detection agents, the patent employs the sheath liquid which is already part of the system's operational fluid. This substitutes a costly consumable with a functional fluid that serves multiple purposes, significantly reducing operational costs.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

3Measurement precision

If the sample pipeline is cleaned thoroughly, then the background noise decreases, but the time and complexity of the process increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebackground noise levelVSAvoidcleaning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The cleaning process and background detection process are merged into a single operation. The sheath liquid flows through the sample pipeline to clean it, and the same flow is simultaneously used to detect background noise, eliminating the need for separate cleaning and detection steps.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The sheath liquid flow continues to serve useful functions throughout the process: it cleans the pipeline continuously while simultaneously providing the medium for background detection. This continuous dual-action approach avoids idle time between cleaning and detection operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #20Continuity of useful action

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 significantly reduces costs, minimizes impurity introduction, and enhances detection precision by using sheath liquid for background detection, simplifying operations and improving efficiency.

Implementation Method 1

filtering the sheath liquid by allowing the sheath liquid to flow through a filter

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFiltration: Filter (physical)

Data Source

PatentUS20250003858A1Method for background detection of sample pipeline of sample processor and sample processor

Publication Date: 2025.01.02 BECKMAN COULTER BIOTECHNOLOGY (SUZHOU) CO LTD

AI summary

A method for background detection of a sample pipeline of a sample processor, a sample processor and a computer-readable medium are provided. The sample pipeline is configured to connect a sample probe for aspirating a sample out of a sample container to a flow cell. The method includes the following steps executed by a control device: supplying sheath liquid to the flow cell via the sample pipeline; and detecting the sheath liquid flowing through the flow cell to obtain background detection data. The method according to the present disclosure performs background detection on sample pipeline of the sample processor by using sheath liquid, omitting preparation of a specialized fluid for background detection, significantly reducing costs and avoiding introduction of impurities to increase the background when the specialized fluid is loaded into the sample processor. Therefore, the detection precision and accuracy of the sample processor can be improved.