Transverse Recording Surface for Microparticle Optical Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for optically recording microparticles in a particle stream are complex, time-consuming, and labor-intensive, particularly in laboratory settings, limiting their application in fields like medicine and the food industry due to the need for manual sample preparation and the inability to perform parallel measurements.
Innovation Solution
A method where the recording surface is aligned transversely to the particle stream flow direction, allowing for precise recording of microparticles without physical interaction, with the option to position an optical detector in the flow direction to save space and enable simultaneous recording of multiple particles, and using a disk-shaped sample carrier with microfluidics for automated and efficient analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If microparticles are pumped individually through a measurement channel in a sheath flow, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity deteriorates because measurements take a relatively long time
Solution Approach 1:
The measurement channel is divided into multiple parallel channels, each capable of independent measurement. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement of multiple microparticles without compromising individual measurement precision, thereby resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from sequential single-channel measurement to parallel multi-channel measurement, adding a spatial dimension to the measurement process. Multiple measurement channels operate simultaneously in parallel, enabling high-throughput measurement while maintaining individual particle resolution
2Measurement precision
If sample preparation is performed manually, then measurement precision is improved through careful handling, but loss of time increases and ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates automated sample preparation and measurement capabilities that perform functions previously requiring manual intervention. The automated workflow maintains measurement precision while eliminating time-consuming manual operations, directly resolving the contradiction between precision and time loss
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical sample preparation is replaced with automated fluid handling systems and optical detection mechanisms. This substitution maintains the precision benefits of careful manual handling while dramatically reducing preparation time and operational complexity
3Device complexity
If a recording surface is oriented parallel to the flow direction, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates due to false double counts when microparticles cross the recording surface twice
Solution Approach 1:
Instead of orienting the recording surface parallel to the flow direction, the invention inverts this arrangement by orienting the recording surface perpendicular to the flow direction. This inversion ensures that microparticles cross the recording surface only once during measurement, eliminating false double counts and improving measurement precision
4Measurement precision
If the particle stream diameter is made small, then measurement precision is improved by focusing on individual particles, but productivity deteriorates because only one microparticle can be recorded at a time
Solution Approach 1:
The particle stream is segmented into multiple parallel channels, each with controlled diameter suitable for individual particle measurement. This segmentation enables simultaneous measurement of multiple particles across different channels, resolving the contradiction between precision and productivity
Solution Approach 2:
The invention transitions from single-stream sequential measurement to multi-stream parallel measurement by adding spatial dimensions. Multiple particle streams flow through separate channels simultaneously, enabling high-throughput measurement while maintaining individual particle resolution through proper channel dimensioning
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 enhances the precision and speed of microparticle recording, reduces false counting, and allows for diverse applications, including environmental samples, by achieving high resolution and sensitivity, and can be performed outside labor-intensive laboratories using centrifugal microfluidics.
Implementation Method 1
method for the optical recording of microparticles in a particle stream
Data Source
Figure 1~2
AI summary
The invention thus generally proposes a method in a measuring channel (1) for the optical recording of microparticles (2) in a particle stream (4), wherein a recording surface (5) is oriented transversely to the flow direction (6) of the particle stream (4). Such a method or measuring channel (1) according to the invention is of particular interest for the recording and analysis of microparticles (2) in the pharmaceutical and food industries, but is not limited to these industries (Figure 1).