Pneumatic Sample Feeding Apparatus for Flow Cytometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing sample feeding apparatuses require strong forces for pressurization, posing safety risks for users and potentially damaging sample tubes, necessitating technical skill for safe operation.

Innovation Solution

A sample feeding apparatus comprising multiple cylinders and a sealing section, with a control unit managing gas flow to move cylinders between positions for safe and controlled sample feeding, including a support cylinder to apply pressure and a waste-containing cylinder to manage residual samples, ensuring safety and ease of use.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Power

If strong forces are applied for pressurization using a cylinder, then sample feeding function is achieved, but user safety and sample tube integrity deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressurization forceVSAvoiduser injury risk and sample tube damage

Core Design Contradiction:

PowerVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the traditional mechanical cylinder-based pressurization system with a pneumatic system. A pneumatic cylinder uses compressed gas to generate pressure, eliminating the need for direct mechanical contact and strong mechanical forces. This substitution maintains the pressurization function while significantly reducing the risk of user injury and sample tube damage, as the pneumatic system operates through gas pressure rather than direct mechanical contact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a sealing section as an intermediary component between the pressurization mechanism and the sample tube. This sealing section isolates the high-pressure zone from the sample tube, allowing strong pressurization forces to be applied internally while preventing direct transmission of these forces to the sample tube. The sealing section acts as a mediator that enables effective pressurization while protecting external components from harmful force transmission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Object-affected harmful factors

If complex safety measures are implemented, then user safety is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveuser safetyVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements automatic safety mechanisms that operate without requiring user intervention or specialized knowledge. The pneumatic system automatically controls pressure application and release, and the sealing section automatically isolates high-pressure zones. These self-service safety features protect users without requiring them to perform complex safety procedures or possess specialized technical skills, thereby maintaining ease of operation while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

By replacing the mechanical cylinder system with a pneumatic system, the patent inherently reduces operational complexity. Pneumatic systems are easier to control and safer to operate compared to mechanical systems requiring direct manual manipulation of high-force components. The gas-driven mechanism allows for smoother, more controllable pressure application without the risks associated with mechanical levers or direct manual pressurization.

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

Enables safe and easy sample feeding by controlling pressure application and managing residual samples, reducing the risk of user injury and sample tube damage, while allowing operation without specialized technical skills.

Implementation Method 1

the first cylinder applying pressure to an inner space of the sealing section at the second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure: Pressure Increase

Implementation Method 2

The second cylinder is configured to move the first cylinder between a first position and a second position

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMechanical force: Mechanical Force

Data Source

PatentUS10184877B2Sample feeding apparatus, flow cytometer, and sample feeding method

Publication Date: 2019.01.22 SONY GROUP CORP

AI summary

A sample feeding apparatus includes a first cylinder, a second cylinder, and a sealing section. The first cylinder is configured to be mounted with a sample tube. The second cylinder is configured to move the first cylinder between a first position and a second position, the first position being for mounting of the sample tube, the second position being for feeding of a sample in the sample tube. The sealing section is configured to cover the sample tube, the sample tube being mounted to the first cylinder being at the second position, the first cylinder applying pressure to an inner space of the sealing section at the second position.