Segmented Droplet Deflection Plates for High-Angle Cell Sorting
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-speed cell sorters are limited in their ability to deflect droplets at high angles relative to the longitudinal axis of the droplet flow stream, restricting the range of sorting categories and requiring excessive charge application.
Innovation Solution
Droplet deflectors with optimized deflection plates configured for high-angular deflection, featuring twisted or segmented designs that apply a constant or varying deflection force to droplets, allowing for wider deflection angles and reduced charge requirements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If existing deflection plates are used in high-speed cell sorters, then the device can maintain structural simplicity, but the deflection angle is limited and requires excessive charge application
Solution Approach 1:
The deflection plate is divided into multiple segments along the flow direction, with each segment capable of being independently controlled. This segmentation allows the deflection force to be applied at different positions and angles, enabling high-angular deflection while maintaining manageable structural complexity through modular design
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces angular deflection in addition to the traditional linear deflection approach. By applying deflection forces at multiple angles relative to the longitudinal axis, the system achieves three-dimensional droplet positioning capability, expanding the sorting capacity without proportionally increasing structural complexity
2Force
If higher charge is applied to droplets, then deflection distance can be increased, but sort purity and yield are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
Different segments of the deflection plate can apply different deflection forces at different locations. This allows optimization of the deflection force distribution to achieve maximum deflection distance while minimizing excessive charge application, thereby maintaining high sort purity and yield
Solution Approach 2:
The deflection plate segments can be dynamically controlled with variable voltage applications, allowing the deflection force to be adjusted in real-time based on droplet position and characteristics. This dynamic control enables precise deflection with reduced charge requirements, improving both deflection distance and sort quality
3Adaptability or versatility
If the length of deflection plates is increased, then deflection capability is improved, but device footprint and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the deflection plate, the patent achieves enhanced deflection capability through multiple shorter segments arranged along the flow path, rather than requiring one long continuous plate. This segmentation reduces the overall device footprint while maintaining improved deflection capability through cumulative effect of multiple segments
Solution Approach 2:
The patent leverages angular deflection in addition to linear deflection, achieving enhanced deflection capability through multi-dimensional force application. This allows the deflection plates to be shorter in length while still achieving the desired deflection distance through optimal angular positioning and force vectors
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
Enhances droplet sorting capabilities by enabling deflection into a greater number of collection containers while reducing the necessary charge, improving sort purity and yield.
Implementation Method 1
Droplet deflectors with optimized deflection plates configured for high-angular deflection, featuring twisted or segmented designs that apply a constant or varying deflection force to droplets
Implementation Method 2
The drops containing particles of interest are electrically charged and deflected into a collection tube by passage through an electric field
Data Source
AI summary
Droplet deflectors having optimized deflection plates are provided. Droplet deflectors of interest include droplet deflectors with deflection plates configured for high-angular deflection of a droplet flow stream. Droplet deflectors of interest further include droplet deflectors with deflection plates that comprise a shape that corresponds to a path of the deflected droplet flow stream or deflection plates configured to apply a deflection force to a flow stream at a plurality of different angles. Droplet deflectors of interest still further include droplet deflectors configured to apply a constant deflection force to the deflected droplet flow stream from a plurality of different lateral positions, including, for example, where the deflector plates are segmented deflector plates. Flow cytometers having the subject droplet deflectors and methods of use and configuration or design thereof are also provided.