Microparticle Sorting Delay Time via Bright Spot Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing microparticle sorting apparatuses face challenges in accurately and reliably determining the delay time for charging droplets containing microparticles, as the break-off point fluctuates with discharge conditions, leading to inconsistent charge application and requiring user expertise for visual verification.
Innovation Solution
A microparticle sorting device equipped with a detection unit, an imaging device, and a control unit that determines the delay time based on the number of bright spots in a standard region of imaged droplets, allowing for automatic and precise charge application by calculating the time from detection to maximum bright spots, and optionally using adjacent comparison regions for adjustment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the break-off point is used to determine delay time, then the delay time can be ascertained, but the delay time fluctuates due to discharge condition variations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by using an imaging device to capture droplet images and automatically analyze the break-off point position. The control unit processes these images to determine delay time, creating a closed-loop system that continuously monitors and adjusts for variations in discharge conditions, thereby maintaining consistent and accurate delay time determination despite fluctuations.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual inspection with an automated imaging and image processing system. The imaging device captures droplet formation, and the control unit automatically analyzes images to identify the break-off point and calculate delay time, substituting human judgment with objective computational analysis to eliminate variability.
2Ease of operation
If only break-off point ascertainment is used, then delay time can be estimated, but accurate charge application timing cannot be sufficiently determined
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary imaging of droplet formation before charge application. By capturing images of the droplet break-off process in advance and analyzing them to determine delay time, the system prepares the timing information needed for accurate subsequent charge application, ensuring precision without complicating the operational flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces image analysis as an intermediary step between break-off point observation and charge application timing determination. The control unit processes images to extract precise timing information, acting as a mediator that translates visual data into accurate charge application timing, thereby bridging the gap between simple observation and precise control.
3Reliability
If visual discrimination by user is used, then charge application can be verified, but user expertise is required and reliability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables the system to perform self-verification through automated image capture and analysis. The imaging device and control unit work together to automatically determine whether droplets are properly sorted and verify charge application timing without requiring user intervention, making the system self-sufficient and eliminating dependency on user expertise while enhancing reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual visual verification with automated image processing. The control unit analyzes droplet images to confirm proper sorting and charge application timing, substituting human visual inspection with objective computational analysis that eliminates variability and dependency on user expertise, thereby improving reliability without significantly increasing operational complexity.
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 automatic, accurate, and reliable charge application to microparticles, improving the stability and reliability of the sorting process without requiring user expertise, by objectively determining the delay time based on image analysis.
Implementation Method 1
an imaging device which images droplets containing the microparticles which are discharged from an orifice provided on an edge portion of the flow path
Implementation Method 2
an oscillating element for making a fluid into droplets in the orifice and discharging them
Implementation Method 3
an electrical charging means for applying a charge to the discharged droplets
Implementation Method 4
an electrode couple installed opposing one another to interpose the moving droplets
Data Source
AI summary
A microparticle sorting apparatus includes a detection unit which detects microparticles flowing through a flow path; an imaging device which images a droplet containing the microparticles which is discharged from an orifice provided on an edge portion of the flow path; a charge unit which applies a charge to the droplets; and a control unit which determines a delay time as from a time that the microparticles are detected by the detection unit to the time at which a number of bright spots in a standard region, which is set beforehand, of image information imaged by the imaging device reaches the maximum, making it possible for the charge unit to apply a charge to the microparticles once the delay time has lapsed after the microparticles are detected by the detection unit.