Mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva

Abstract

The utility model relates to the field of accessories of analysis and test instruments, in particular to a mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva. Comprising a frame body which is provided with at least one sample bottle mounting hole; the bottom elastic heat conduction assembly is arranged in the bottom area of the sample bottle mounting hole; wherein the bottom elastic heat conduction assembly is of a multi-circle spiral structure formed by winding at least one wire-shaped heat conduction element with heat conduction performance and elasticity, at least one part of the spiral structure is fixed to the frame body, and the inner circle part of the spiral structure can rotate around the spiral structure when a sample bottle is placed in the sample bottle mounting hole; under the action of gravity of the sample bottle, the elastic deformation is downward and is in contact with the bottom of the sample bottle; the utility model provides a mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva, which can maximally protect the physical stability and the chemical / biological activity integrity of sensitive biological samples such as saliva and the like in an automatic analysis process.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This utility model relates to the field of analytical testing instrument accessories, and in particular to a mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva. Background Technology

[0002] In modern biomedical research, clinical diagnosis, and drug development, accurate and reliable automated analysis of biological samples is crucial for improving efficiency and ensuring data quality. Saliva, as a non-invasive and easily collected biofluid, is increasingly showing its potential in disease biomarker discovery, pharmacokinetic studies, and individual health monitoring. However, saliva samples have high viscosity and often contain trace amounts of cell debris, metabolic product crystals, or food residues. These characteristics place far more stringent demands on the stability of the environment and precise temperature control during automated processing than on conventional samples.

[0003] Currently, most widely used autosampler sample holders are plate-shaped or frame-shaped structures made of rigid engineering plastics or metals through injection molding or machining, with standard-sized through-holes evenly distributed on them to accommodate sample vials. These traditional sample holders face the following insurmountable technical bottlenecks when handling sensitive samples such as saliva:

[0004] Vibration instability has a significant effect: When an autosampler performs actions such as grasping, conveying, and rotating sample vials, the operation of its internal mechanical components (such as the robotic arm, motor, and guide rails) inevitably generates continuous, multi-directional mechanical vibrations. These vibrations are directly transmitted to the sample vials through the rigid or semi-rigid sample holder. For viscous saliva samples containing suspended matter, even seemingly weak vibrations can cause violent shaking of the liquid surface inside the vial, leading to air being drawn in and forming microbubbles (affecting the accuracy of sample volume and subsequent detection signals). More seriously, it can resuspend already settled particles (such as cells, protein precipitates, and crystals), compromising the homogeneity and representativeness of the sample, ultimately significantly reducing the precision, accuracy, and reproducibility of the analytical results. Existing sample holders generally lack targeted and efficient vibration isolation and absorption mechanisms.

[0005] Poor and uneven temperature control performance: Many endogenous bioactive substances in saliva (such as enzymes, cytokines, hormones, and specific metabolic molecules) are extremely sensitive to temperature changes, and their structural stability and bioactivity may rapidly decrease or be lost at room temperature. Therefore, sample pretreatment, incubation, and analysis usually require precise low-temperature (e.g., 4°C) or specific isothermal conditions to preserve their original state to the greatest extent. However, traditional sample holders (especially those made primarily of low thermal conductivity plastic) are poor at effectively and uniformly transferring the temperature of the temperature control platform to the samples in the vials. The main reasons are: (a) the sample holder material itself has high thermal resistance; (b) the contact between the sample vials and the through-holes in the sample holder is mostly irregular point or line contact, resulting in a small effective heat conduction area and high contact thermal resistance. This leads to problems such as a significant difference between the actual temperature of the saliva in the sample vials and the set temperature of the temperature control platform, uneven temperature distribution of sample vials at different positions on the same sample holder, and a severe lag in the response of the sample temperature to the set temperature. These temperature control deficiencies severely threaten the integrity of temperature-sensitive analytes and are a major cause of inaccurate analytical results. The inherent contradiction and disconnect between vibration damping and thermal conductivity design: In previous attempts to improve sample holders, vibration damping and thermal conductivity were often treated as two independent technical goals, implemented using separate structures or materials, lacking systematic integration. For example, elastomeric materials introduced to enhance vibration damping (such as rubber pads and elastic clamping arms) are often poor conductors of heat, and their application may further worsen already poor temperature control performance. Conversely, metal inserts or integral metal structures used to improve thermal conductivity are difficult to provide effective vibration buffering due to their high rigidity. This "disconnect" or even "conflict" in the demand and purpose makes it difficult to substantially improve the overall performance of the sample holder, often resulting in a trade-off and failing to simultaneously meet the dual requirements of sensitive samples for physical stability and precise temperature control. The inherent limitations of static, small-area contact modes: In traditional sample holders, the contact between the sample vial and the holder is mostly passive and static, with a very limited effective contact area. This mode not only limits the effective dissipation of vibrational energy but also becomes a bottleneck for heat transfer. For commercially available sample vials that may have slight manufacturing differences in shape, size, weight, and even bottom flatness, a fixed static contact method cannot guarantee that each sample vial receives consistent and sufficient heat exchange conditions and stable support. Utility Model Content

[0006] The technical problem to be solved:

[0007] This invention addresses the aforementioned core pain points of existing technologies by providing a mass spectrometer sample holder for saliva detection with a unique structural design and significantly superior performance. Its main technical problem is how to achieve, through an innovative integrated design, efficient vibration isolation and buffering for the sample vials placed within it, as well as rapid, uniform, and sufficient heat transfer (when used with an external temperature control module). Furthermore, it strives to organically unify and synergistically enhance these two core functions through a single structural unit and its dynamic response behavior under the gravity of the sample vials, thereby maximizing the protection of the physical stability and chemical / biological activity integrity of sensitive biological samples such as saliva during automated analysis.

[0008] Technical solution:

[0009] To achieve the above objectives, this utility model provides a mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva, the core technical solution of which is:

[0010] The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva includes:

[0011] The frame has at least one sample bottle mounting hole; and

[0012] At least one bottom elastic thermal conductive component is disposed in the bottom area of ​​the sample vial mounting hole;

[0013] The bottom elastic thermal conductive component consists of at least one filamentous thermal conductive element with thermal conductivity and elasticity wound into a spiral structure with multiple turns. At least a portion of the spiral structure is fixed to the frame. When a sample bottle is placed in the sample bottle mounting hole, the inner ring of the spiral structure can undergo downward elastic deformation due to the gravity of the sample bottle and form contact with the bottom of the sample bottle.

[0014] This core technology solution achieves the following key functions and advantages through a "bottom elastic heat-conducting component":

[0015] Elastic Suspension and Vibration Damping: When the sample vial is placed on a spiral structure composed of filamentous heat-conducting elements, the inner ring of the spiral structure undergoes downward elastic deformation due to the weight of the sample vial. This deformation makes the sample vial appear to be flexibly supported by a specially designed "spring system," effectively absorbing, buffering, and dissipating the external mechanical vibration energy generated by the autosampler's operation. This significantly reduces the direct transmission of vibration to the sample vial and its internal saliva sample, thereby maintaining the physical stability of the sample.

[0016] Dynamic Contact and Heat Conduction: The filamentary thermal conductive element itself possesses excellent thermal conductivity. Its elastic deformation due to the gravity of the sample vial allows the spiral structure to form a dynamic and adaptive contact with the bottom of the vial. By carefully designing the geometry of the spiral structure and the characteristics of the filamentary thermal conductive element, the area and tightness of this contact can be optimized, thus providing an effective heat conduction path for heat transfer from the bottom of the sample holder (when connected to an external temperature control module) to the sample vial.

[0017] Potential synergy between shock absorption and heat conduction: The essence of this invention lies in the fact that the elastic deformation process for shock absorption and the physical contact process for heat conduction are both accomplished by the same "bottom elastic heat conduction component." By optimizing the structural parameters of this component (such as wire properties, spiral geometry, and fixing method), the elastic deformation can provide excellent shock absorption while also promoting a more ideal heat conduction contact state (e.g., a larger contact area and a more uniform contact pressure distribution), thereby achieving a synergistic enhancement of the two functions and overcoming the drawbacks of the separation or even conflict between the two in traditional designs.

[0018] In order to further optimize and enhance the effect of the above-mentioned core technical solutions, this utility model also includes a series of preferred technical features and solutions: further, the filamentous heat-conducting element is made of multiple heat-conducting filament bundles twisted or woven together.

[0019] Furthermore, the initial form of the spiral structure is an upward-opening conical spiral structure.

[0020] Furthermore, the pitch between the rings of the conical spiral structure gradually increases from its central region to its outer region.

[0021] Furthermore, when the conical spiral structure undergoes elastic deformation under the gravity of the sample vial, it can partially conform to the bottom edge and lower end of the side wall of the sample vial.

[0022] Furthermore, it also includes a heat conduction path structure, where the outermost end of the spiral structure is directly fixed to the frame and thermally connected to the heat conduction path structure.

[0023] Furthermore, a limiting structure is provided below the spiral structure, which can limit the maximum elastic deformation of the spiral structure downward.

[0024] Furthermore, the heat conduction path structure is an integral metal heat conduction plate, integrated into the bottom of the frame.

[0025] Furthermore, it also includes at least three lateral independent shock-absorbing units, which are disposed on the inner wall of the sample vial mounting hole. The independent shock-absorbing units are made of flexible conductive material and connected to the heat conduction path structure.

[0026] Furthermore, there are multiple filamentary heat-conducting elements, arranged in a circular array with the centerline of the sample bottle mounting hole as the axis.

[0027] Beneficial effects:

[0028] Compared with existing technologies, the mass spectrometer sample holder for saliva detection of this invention exhibits the following beneficial effects due to its innovative bottom elastic heat-conducting component and optimized overall design:

[0029] Synergistic Enhancement of Vibration Damping and Thermal Conductivity: By cleverly integrating elastic support / damping and thermal conductivity into a single core component (bottom elastic thermal conductive component), and utilizing its dynamic deformation characteristics under the weight of the sample vial to simultaneously optimize both aspects, comprehensive performance far surpasses that of traditional separate designs is achieved. In particular, the use of a specific geometric shape (such as a variable pitch conical) spiral structure composed of multi-strand twisted / braided thermal conductive filaments and multiple thermal conductive elements provides excellent vibration damping while creating a large-area dynamic "wrap-around" contact with the bottom and even the lower sidewall of the sample vial, thus revolutionarily improving heat exchange efficiency. Sample Physical Stability Protection: The unique bottom elastic support system, combined with a laterally thermally conductive shock-absorbing unit, effectively isolates and attenuates mechanical vibrations of various frequencies and amplitudes generated during autosampler operation, ensuring a stable saliva sample surface within the vial and preventing issues such as air bubble contamination and resuspension of settled particles. This provides a solid physical foundation for precise and repeatable sample injection operations and further allows heat to be conducted to the bottom thermal conductive pathway structure through the sidewalls. Enhanced structural durability and operational reliability: The use of multi-strand stranded / braided thermal conductive wire bundles helps improve the fatigue life of the core elastic components; the direct embedded fixing method ensures a strong connection and long-lasting, efficient thermal conductivity; and the key limiting structure design effectively prevents irreversible plastic deformation of the bottom elastic thermal conductive components due to accidental overload (such as operational errors, sample vial drops, etc.), thereby ensuring the functional stability and service life of the sample holder under long-term high-intensity use conditions. Improved overall quality of the analytical process: By providing a stable physical bearing environment and a precisely controllable temperature environment for biological samples such as saliva that are highly sensitive to environmental factors, this invention can minimize the variation in the physicochemical properties of samples during automated pretreatment and injection processes, making the final analytical results more realistic and accurate in reflecting the original biological information of the samples. This makes a decisive contribution to improving the precision, accuracy, repeatability, and data quality of the entire analytical process. Attached Figure Description

[0030] Figure 1 This is a top view schematic diagram of a mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 2This is a partial cross-sectional schematic diagram (within a single sample vial mounting hole) of a mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Figure 3 This is a partial cross-sectional view (within the mounting hole of a single sample bottle) of a mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva provided in an embodiment of the present invention. Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the spiral structure of a mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva provided in an embodiment of this utility model; Figure 5 This is a top view schematic diagram of a filamentous thermally conductive element for a mass spectrometer sample holder used for detecting saliva, provided in an embodiment of this utility model. Reference numerals: 1-Frame, 11-Sample vial mounting hole, 70-Elastic thermally conductive component, 71-Filamentous thermally conductive element, 72-Spiral structure, P-Sample vial, 30-Temperature conductive path structure, 60-Limiting structure, 20-Independent shockproof unit. Detailed Implementation

[0031] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of this utility model clearer, the present utility model will be further described in detail below with reference to the accompanying drawings and preferred embodiments. It should be understood that the specific embodiments described herein are merely illustrative of the present utility model and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of the present utility model.

[0032] Example 1:

[0033] Reference Figures 1 to 5 This embodiment discloses the core structure of a mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva. The sample holder includes a frame 1, which has at least one (usually multiple in an array) sample bottle mounting holes 11. The frame 1 is preferably manufactured by injection molding using an engineering plastic (e.g., polycarbonate PC, polyetheretherketone PEEK, or filled modified polypropylene PP) with good mechanical strength, chemical stability, and precision moldability.

[0034] The core innovation of this embodiment lies in the unique bottom elastic heat-conducting component 70 located at the bottom of the mounting hole 11 of each sample bottle.

[0035] The bottom elastic thermally conductive component 70 is formed by winding at least one thermally conductive and elastic filamentary thermally conductive element 71 into a multi-turn spiral structure 72. At least a portion of this spiral structure 72 (e.g., its outer peripheral edge or a specially designed fixed end) is fixed to the frame 1. Its inner ring portion (i.e., the portion near the center of the spiral) is designed to undergo downward elastic deformation due to the gravity of the sample vial P when it is placed in the sample vial mounting hole 11, forming direct physical contact with the bottom of the sample vial P. This contact serves both to transfer heat and provide elastic support.

[0036] To achieve superior flexibility, fatigue resistance, and finer contact adaptability, the filamentous heat-conducting element 71 is preferably a bundle of heat-conducting wires formed by precision twisting or braiding of multiple strands of fine metal wires. The diameter of a single filament can be very small (e.g., 0.03 mm to 0.15 mm), so that while maintaining a sufficient heat-conducting cross-sectional area, the overall bending stiffness of the bundle is much lower than that of a single thick filament with the same total cross-sectional area, making it easier to undergo complex deformations conforming to the contour of the bottle bottom. The material selection for the bundle needs to consider both high thermal conductivity (such as alloys of silver, copper, beryllium copper, zirconium copper, etc.) and high elastic limit and fatigue life (such as certain special stainless steel wires coated with a high thermal conductivity layer, or the entire bundle being made of a high-strength, high-elasticity heat-conducting alloy). In this embodiment, the heat-conducting wire bundle 71 is formed by tightly twisting seven strands of beryllium copper wire.

[0037] Furthermore, to facilitate subsequent "wrapping" contact with the bottom and lower sidewall of sample vial P, the initial shape of the spiral structure 72 is preferably designed as an upward-opening conical spiral structure, such as... Figure 3 As shown, its "conical base" is at the bottom and its "conical opening" is at the top. This initial three-dimensional configuration provides a structural basis for subsequent adaptive deformation, and also better supports the sample vial from the bottom, ensuring full contact and effective heat conduction.

[0038] Furthermore, to optimize initial contact and deformation response, the pitch (measured along the generatrix of the cone or the vertical height difference) between the coils of this conical helical structure is designed to gradually increase from its central region to its outer regions. That is, the coils near the center of the helix are more densely packed, providing stable initial support and central heat conduction; while the outer coils are more sparsely packed, allowing for a greater range of elastic deformation to absorb vibrations and adaptively wrap around the edge of the sample vial. A clear gap must be maintained between the coils to ensure they can move and deform relatively independently under stress.

[0039] Thanks to the aforementioned conical spiral structure (especially the variable pitch design) and the flexible thermally conductive wire bundle 71, when the sample vial P is placed and pressed against the bottom elastic thermally conductive component 70, the outer ring of the conical spiral structure 72 not only deforms downwards with the overall structure, but also partially "expands" or "rolls" upwards and outwards due to its initial conical shape and outward tendency, as well as the flexibility of the wire bundle. This allows it to closely conform to the entire bottom of the sample vial P (including the edge transition area of ​​a flat bottom, concave bottom, or convex bottom) and even the lower end of the sidewall of the sample vial P within a height range of approximately 0.5 mm to 2.5 mm. This dynamically formed, multi-dimensional, large-area "wrap-around" contact is key to achieving efficient heat conduction and stable support in this embodiment.

[0040] Preferably, to ensure the bottom elastic heat-conducting component 70 is securely installed and to establish an efficient, low-thermal-resistance heat conduction path, the outermost end of the spiral structure 72 is directly embedded and fixed to the bottom of the frame 1, and more preferably, connected to the heat conduction path structure 30 at the bottom of the frame 1. As shown in 2-3, the bottom heat conduction path structure 30 in this embodiment is preferably an integral metal heat-conducting plate, which is tightly bonded to the PC material frame 1 through in-mold injection molding. The ends of the heat-conducting wire bundles 71 can be firmly welded or embedded into the pre-set microholes, grooves, or specific pads on the integral metal heat-conducting plate 30 by means of micro-laser spot welding, high-frequency induction brazing, or conductive silver paste curing. This direct metal-to-metal connection minimizes the thermal resistance from the heat source to the starting point of the spiral structure 72.

[0041] In one embodiment, to protect the delicate bottom elastic thermally conductive component 70 from permanent plastic deformation caused by accidental overload (such as the impact of the sample bottle when the sample holder is accidentally dropped), thereby ensuring its long-term elasticity and functional stability, a limiting structure 60 is provided below the spiral structure 72 or in its central region. Figure 2-3 As shown, the limiting structure 60 can be one or more limiting bosses integrally injection molded at the bottom of the frame 1. Its height is precisely calculated so that after the sample bottle P is normally supported and undergoes maximum expected elastic deformation, the lowest point of the spiral structure 72 still maintains a small gap (e.g., 0.1-0.3 mm) with the top surface of the limiting boss. Only when the external force exceeds the normal range, causing excessive deformation, will the sample bottle P or a part of the spiral structure 72 contact the limiting boss, thereby transferring the excess load to the rigid frame 1 and preventing the yielding of the heat-conducting wire bundle 71. Another form of the limiting structure 60 can be a rigid small support column set below the central region of the spiral structure 72, with its top surface slightly lower than the lowest point of the spiral structure 72 under no-load or normal load conditions.

[0042] Example 2:

[0043] Based on Example 1, this embodiment further integrates lateral shock protection for sample vial P and enhanced thermal conductivity of the sidewall.

[0044] To provide more comprehensive three-dimensional vibration isolation and lateral heat transfer for sample vial P, the mass spectrometer sample holder for saliva detection also includes at least three independent lateral anti-vibration units 20. These units are located on the inner wall of the sample vial mounting hole 11, typically corresponding to the upper-middle part of the sample vial P, above the contact area between the bottom elastic thermal conductive component 70 and the side wall of the sample vial P. The independent lateral anti-vibration units 20 can extend axially along the sample vial mounting hole and are made of flexible, thermally conductive materials (such as graphene, metal-polymer composites, etc.). These structures can apply a gentle yet continuous radial clamping force to the side wall of the sample vial P, effectively suppressing its horizontal sway. At least three units ensure that the sample vial P is stably supported and buffered regardless of its position within the through-hole, and can quickly conduct heat from the sides of the sample vial to the heat conduction pathway structure.

[0045] Finally, to ensure optimal heat exchange efficiency between the bottom heat conduction path structure 30 (in this case, an integral metal heat conduction plate) and the external temperature control module (not shown, but its working environment), a layer of high-quality thermal grease with a thickness of about 50-100 micrometers is uniformly coated on the bottom surface of the integral metal heat conduction plate (i.e. the side in contact with the temperature control module), or a flexible graphite thermal pad with a thickness of about 0.1-0.2 mm is attached as a thermal interface layer.

[0046] Through the organic combination of the above-mentioned preferred technical features, the mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva of this utility model can provide unprecedented physical stability and precise and efficient temperature control environment for sensitive biological samples such as saliva placed therein, thereby laying a solid foundation for achieving high-quality and highly reliable automated analysis results.

[0047] Those skilled in the art should understand that any modifications, equivalent substitutions, and improvements made within the spirit and principles of this utility model should be included within the protection scope of this utility model. Finally, it should be emphasized that the above embodiments are merely illustrative of the technical concept and preferred implementation of this utility model, and are not intended to exhaustively describe or limit the protection scope of this utility model. Any modifications, equivalent substitutions, or improvements made by those skilled in the art, after understanding the spirit and core technical solutions of this utility model, based on the content disclosed in this utility model and without departing from its basic principles, should be considered to be included within the protection scope claimed by this utility model.

Claims

1. A mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva, characterized by, include: A frame (1) is provided with at least one sample bottle mounting hole (11); and At least one bottom elastic thermal conductive component (70) is disposed in the bottom region of the sample vial mounting hole (11); The bottom elastic heat-conducting component (70) includes a filamentous heat-conducting element (71) with thermal conductivity and elasticity wound into a spiral structure (72) with multiple turns. At least a portion of the spiral structure (72) is fixed to the frame (1). When a sample bottle (P) is placed in the sample bottle mounting hole (11), the inner ring of the spiral structure (72) undergoes downward elastic deformation due to the gravity of the sample bottle (P) and forms contact with the bottom of the sample bottle (P).

2. The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva of claim 1, wherein, The filamentous heat-conducting element (71) is made of multiple bundles of heat-conducting filaments twisted or woven together.

3. The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva of claim 1, wherein, The initial form of the spiral structure (72) is an upward-opening conical spiral structure.

4. The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva according to claim 3, characterized in that, The pitch between the coils of the conical spiral structure gradually increases from the central region to the outer region.

5. The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva according to claim 4, characterized in that, When the conical spiral structure undergoes elastic deformation under the gravity of the sample vial (P), it can partially conform to the bottom edge and lower end of the side wall of the sample vial (P).

6. The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva according to claim 1, characterized in that, It also includes a heat conduction path structure (30), wherein the end of the outermost ring of the spiral structure (72) is directly fixed inside the frame (1) and is heat-conductingly connected to the heat conduction path structure.

7. The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva according to claim 1, characterized in that, A limiting structure (60) is provided below the spiral structure (72), which can limit the maximum elastic deformation of the spiral structure (72) downward.

8. The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva according to claim 6, characterized in that, The heat conduction path structure (30) is an integral metal heat conduction plate, which is integrated into the bottom of the frame (1).

9. The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva according to claim 6, characterized in that, It also includes at least three lateral independent shock-absorbing units (20), which are disposed on the inner wall of the sample bottle mounting hole (11). The independent shock-absorbing units are made of flexible conductive material and are connected to the heat conduction path structure.

10. The mass spectrometer sample holder for detecting saliva according to claim 1, characterized in that, The filamentary heat-conducting elements are multiple and arranged in a circular array with the centerline of the sample bottle mounting hole as the axis.

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