Smart Flow Cytometer Fluidics With Self-Monitoring Diagnostics
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Solution Overview
Problem
Flow cytometers often experience unexpected failures due to misaligned optical elements, failing lasers or detectors, and require extensive downtime for repairs, which can be costly and time-consuming, especially when analyzing time-sensitive biological samples.
Innovation Solution
A smart flow cytometer equipped with a microcontroller and monitoring system that continuously tracks operational parameters, generates alarms for impending failures, and allows remote diagnostics and maintenance, reducing downtime by enabling proactive repairs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a flow cytometer is equipped with continuous monitoring and remote diagnostics capabilities, then instrument downtime is reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The flow cytometer incorporates self-monitoring capabilities where the system automatically detects its own operational status, monitors fluidic parameters, and identifies potential failures without external intervention. The microcontroller continuously tracks operational parameters and generates alarms for impending failures, enabling the instrument to serve its own maintenance needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements continuous feedback loops where operational parameters are monitored, compared against predetermined limits, and used to trigger alarms or warnings. The microcontroller receives feedback from various sensors and subsystems, processes this information, and generates appropriate responses such as alarm signals or diagnostic data transmission to remote locations.
2Ease of manufacture
If basic maintenance is performed by users, then maintenance cost is reduced, but repair capability is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The maintenance and repair processes are segmented into distinct levels: basic maintenance tasks that users can perform (such as fluid handling), diagnostic functions that provide detailed system status information, and complex repair functions that require manufacturer support. This segmentation allows users to handle routine tasks while preserving the ability to perform advanced repairs through remote diagnostics and manufacturer intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The system introduces an intermediary layer of remote diagnostics and monitoring that bridges between user-level basic maintenance and manufacturer-level complex repairs. The microcontroller and communication systems act as intermediaries, providing users with diagnostic information and enabling remote assistance without requiring physical presence of technicians.
3Reliability
If extensive repairs are required for component failures, then system reliability is maintained, but downtime increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by continuously monitoring operational parameters and detecting potential failures before they occur. The microcontroller compares real-time data against predetermined limits and generates warnings or alarms in advance, allowing maintenance to be scheduled proactively rather than reactively, thus preventing complete system failures and reducing unplanned downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical failure modes with electronic monitoring and diagnostic capabilities. Instead of relying on physical inspection and manual testing, the system uses electronic sensors, microcontrollers, and digital communication to detect and report issues, enabling faster diagnosis and repair processes that reduce overall downtime.
Data Source
AI summary
A smart flow cytometer is disclosed including a plurality of tanks holding fluids for operation of a flow cytometer; a plurality of level sensors respectively coupled to the plurality of tanks; a plurality of valves coupled to one or more tubes for operation of the flow cytometer; one or more flow sensors coupled to the one or more tubes for monitoring flow rates; and a microcontroller coupled to the plurality of level sensors and the one or more flow sensors. The microcontroller constantly monitors fluid levels of the plurality of tanks to detect when to refill a fluid in a first tank before the first tank is completely empty and to detect when to empty a second tank before the second tank becomes completely filled with a waste fluid.