Transducer Module Light Scatter Detector Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current blood analysis instruments face challenges in accurately and cost-effectively differentiating nucleated red blood cells (NRBCs) due to the high costs of fluorescence-based systems and tight optical alignment requirements.
Innovation Solution
A transducer module with a light scatter detector assembly that includes first and second light scatter detector units for measuring upper and lower median angle light scatter, along with axial light loss and low angle light scatter, allowing for precise and simultaneous measurement of multiple light scatter angles without the need for expensive fluorescence, and a focus-alignment system using flexure hinges for precise laser beam positioning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If fluorescence measurements are used to identify NRBCs, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the fluorescence measurement subsystem from the blood analysis instrument. By removing the fluorescence detector and fluorescent dye requirements, the system achieves NRBC identification using only light scatter and impedance measurements, thereby reducing device complexity and manufacturing cost while maintaining measurement precision
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces expensive fluorescent dyes with a cost-effective approach using standard light scatter measurements. The system uses disposable flow cells with integrated light scatter detectors that do not require costly fluorescent staining reagents, achieving the same NRBC identification function at lower material cost
2Measurement precision
If tight optical tolerances are used for laser focusing and alignment, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of manufacture deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the optical measurement function into multiple independent light scatter detectors positioned at different angles (e.g., 90-degree scatter detector, forward scatter detector). This segmentation allows each detector to operate with relaxed alignment tolerances while collectively providing comprehensive cell characterization, eliminating the need for tight single-point optical focusing
Solution Approach 2:
The patent transitions from single-point optical focusing to multi-dimensional light scatter angle measurements. By detecting light scatter at multiple angles simultaneously, the system achieves precise cell differentiation without requiring tight focal point alignment, effectively moving the precision requirement from spatial positioning to angular measurement geometry
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 accurate and cost-effective differentiation of blood cell subsets by simultaneously measuring multiple light scatter angles and reducing the complexity of optical alignment, improving the efficiency and reliability of blood analysis.
Implementation Method 1
when a cell is irradiated by a light source, such as a laser beam, the cell scatters light in all directions. Measurements of light scatter at various distinct angles are used to obtain information such as cellular granularity, nuclear lobularity, and cell surface structure
Implementation Method 2
measuring axial light loss to within +/â 0.5 degrees
Data Source
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AI summary
Transducer modules for use in a blood analysis instrument and methods for analyzing a blood sample. The transducer modules presented generally include a light source, a focus alignment system, a flow cell, and a light scatter detection system. Electrodes within the flow cell allow for the measurement of the DC impedance and RF conductivity of cells passing through a cell-interrogation zone in the flow cell. Light scatter from the cells passing through the cell-interrogation zone is measured by the light scatter detection system. The presented methods for analyzing a blood sample generally include aspirating a whole blood sample into a blood analysis instrument, preparing the blood sample for analysis, passing the blood sample through a flow cell in a transducer system, and measuring axial light loss, multiple angles of light scatter, DC impedance and/or RF conductivity.