Single Pressure Source for Hydrodynamic Focusing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for maintaining a differential volumetric flow rate between two fluids in devices like flow cytometers are complex, error-prone, and costly due to the need for a feedback system with two separate pressure sources, which is prone to errors from temperature changes, wear, and mechanical/electronic drift, and increases the system's complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A single pressure source system is used to pressurize both fluids at the same pre-defined pressure, with different flow circuits and flow restrictors to control the flow rates, eliminating the need for a feedback system and minimizing errors by ensuring that both fluids are pressurized equally, thus maintaining a consistent differential flow rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a feedback system with two separate pressure sources is used to maintain differential volumetric flow rate, then the flow rate can be controlled, but the system becomes complex, error-prone, and expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines two separate pressure sources into a single common pressure source that supplies both the sample fluid and sheath fluid. This merging eliminates the complexity of synchronizing two independent pressure sources while maintaining reliable differential flow rate control through a single pressure regulation point.
Solution Approach 2:
The common pressure source serves multiple functions by simultaneously pressurizing both the sample fluid and sheath fluid streams. This multi-functional approach replaces the need for two specialized pressure sources and their associated feedback control systems, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining control reliability.
2Reliability
If two separate pressure sources are used to control sample fluid and sheath fluid, then differential flow rate can be maintained, but pressure synchronization becomes difficult and error-prone
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the two separate pressure sources into a single common pressure source, the patent eliminates the operational difficulty of synchronizing two independent pressure systems. The single pressure source naturally provides synchronized pressure to both fluid streams without requiring complex coordination mechanisms.
3Reliability
If a feedback system with mechanical and electronic parts is used, then flow rate regulation is possible, but the system becomes expensive and prone to wear and drift
Solution Approach 1:
The patent reduces system cost by merging pressure source functions and eliminating redundant feedback control components. The single common pressure source approach requires fewer mechanical and electronic parts, reducing both manufacturing cost and maintenance requirements while maintaining adequate flow rate regulation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows the common pressure source to self-regulate the differential flow rate through its inherent pressure distribution characteristics, reducing reliance on expensive external feedback control systems with mechanical and electronic components that are prone to wear and drift.
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 simplifies the system, reduces costs, and maintains a stable differential flow rate, minimizing errors and variations in the stream diameter of the sample fluid, leading to more accurate hydrodynamic focusing without the need for complex feedback systems.
Implementation Method 1
pressurizing the first fluid and the second fluid at a pre-defined pressure using a pressure source
Implementation Method 2
The first flow circuit has a first set of flow restrictors and the second flow circuit has a second set of flow restrictors. The first flow circuit imparts a first flow rate to the first fluid and the second flow circuit imparts a second flow rate to the second fluid.
Implementation Method 3
The first fluid and the second fluid are made to flow through a converging section. The first fluid is hydrodynamically focused in the converging section.
Implementation Method 4
a differential volumetric flow rate between the first fluid and the second fluid is obtained. The intensity of hydrodynamic focusing depends on various factors such as the type of sheath fluid and sample fluid used, the required stream diameter of the sample fluid, the geometry of the converging section, the differential volumetric flow rate
Data Source
AI summary
A system and method for obtaining hydrodynamic focusing of a first fluid. The method includes pressurizing the first fluid and a second fluid at a pre-defined pressure from a pressure source. Further, the method includes controlling the first flow rate of the first fluid by passing it through a first flow circuit. Furthermore, the method includes controlling the second flow rate of the second fluid by passing it through a second flow circuit. Moreover, the method includes passing the first and the second fluid though a converging section and hydrodynamically focusing the first fluid.