A liquid chromatograph-mass spectrometer sample holder for TDM detection

Abstract

This application relates to the field of analytical chemistry detection technology, and in particular to a sample rack for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument used for TDM detection. The rack includes a support mechanism with a sample placement box at the top and a heat-insulating mechanism at the top. The invention utilizes components such as a pull-out plate, a spare support plate, and a table. The sliding engagement between the pull-out plate and the table allows for convenient horizontal sliding of the pull-out plate to retrieve and place samples placed in a first positioning slot. Simultaneously, the spare support plate is fixedly connected to a support side plate, enabling the categorized storage of samples after testing. These components work together to form an orderly sample management system, achieving the modular, partitioned design that efficiently distinguishes and quickly retrieves samples in different testing states, significantly improving the convenience and standardization of experimental operations.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This application relates to the field of analytical chemistry detection technology, and in particular to a sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument for TDM detection. Background Technology

[0002] In the field of TDM (Therapeutic Drug Monitoring), liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) has become a key testing device due to its high sensitivity and accuracy. However, existing sample racks have shortcomings in sample management, temperature control, and ease of operation. Traditional sample racks lack a reasonable sample zoning structure, which can easily lead to confusion between samples to be tested and those that have already been tested, affecting testing efficiency and accuracy. Furthermore, the temperature control methods for samples are limited and cannot meet the diverse temperature requirements of different samples, which may cause changes in sample properties and thus affect the reliability of test results. In addition, the sample handling is not convenient enough, increasing the workload of operators.

[0003] Regarding the aforementioned technologies, the inventors have discovered the following drawbacks: Most existing sample racks only provide a single placement plane and do not distinguish between areas for tested and untested samples, easily leading to sample confusion or incorrect retrieval, especially in high-throughput testing scenarios where efficiency is low. Furthermore, the lack of a pull-out design necessitates frequent bending or moving of the entire rack to retrieve samples, resulting in poor operational convenience. Utility Model Content

[0004] To address the problems mentioned in the background section, this application provides a sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument used for TDM detection.

[0005] This application provides a sample rack for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument used for TDM detection, employing the following technical solution: A sample rack for a LC-MS instrument used for TDM detection includes a support mechanism. A sample placement box is located at the top of the support mechanism, and a heat preservation mechanism is also located at the top of the support mechanism. The support mechanism includes a support side plate for supporting the tabletop, a spare support plate for placing completed samples, and a pull-out plate for placing samples to be tested. The pull-out plate is movably installed at the bottom of the tabletop and can be pulled out horizontally. A first positioning groove at its top is used to place the heat preservation box, facilitating the placement and removal of samples to be tested and improving operational convenience. The heat preservation mechanism includes a slide rail fixedly installed at the top of the tabletop, a heating chamber shell movably installed at the top of the slide rail, and a limiting component for restricting the movement of the heating chamber shell. A cavity is formed at the bottom of the heating chamber shell, and an electric heating tube is installed inside the cavity for heating the sample placement box.

[0006] Optionally, the spare support plate is fixedly installed on one side of the support side plate, and the top of the pull-out plate is provided with a first positioning groove for placing the insulation box.

[0007] Optionally, the sample placement box includes an insulated box for containing the sample, a sample foam pad for holding the sample, and handles fixedly connected to the left and right sides of the insulated box. The insulated box is movably fitted inside the slot at the top of the table.

[0008] Optionally, a knob is movably mounted on the top of the heating chamber shell for adjusting the temperature inside the heating chamber shell.

[0009] Optionally, the limiting component of the heat preservation mechanism includes a sliding sleeve fixedly connected to one side of the heating chamber shell. A slider is movably sleeved on the top of the sliding sleeve. The slider is movably connected inside a second positioning groove, which is located at the top of the slide rail. When the slider moves to the top of the second positioning groove, the heating chamber shell moves synchronously to the top of the sample foam pad. The sliding sleeve is fixed to one side of the heating chamber shell, and the slider passes through the sliding sleeve and is embedded in the second positioning groove at the top of the slide rail. The movement of the slider in the positioning groove restricts the sliding trajectory of the heating chamber shell, ensuring that it accurately covers the sample foam pad and forms a sealed heating space.

[0010] Optionally, when the heating chamber shell moves to the top of the sample foam pad, the heating chamber shell and the insulation box together form a sealed cavity.

[0011] Optionally, the sample placement box is detachably mounted on the support mechanism through the engagement of its insulated box bottom with the slot on the top of the table.

[0012] Optionally, the pull-out plate is slidably arranged horizontally relative to the tabletop to facilitate the placement and removal of samples to be tested.

[0013] In summary, this application includes the following beneficial technical effects:

[0014] 1. This utility model, by incorporating components such as a pull-out plate, a spare support plate, and a table, utilizes the sliding engagement between the pull-out plate and the table to allow for convenient horizontal sliding of the pull-out plate to retrieve and place samples to be tested within the first positioning slot. Simultaneously, the spare support plate, fixedly connected to the support side plate, allows for the categorized storage of samples after testing. Together, these components form an organized sample management system, enabling the device to efficiently distinguish and quickly retrieve samples in different testing states through modular, partitioned design, significantly improving the convenience and standardization of experimental operations.

[0015] 2. This utility model, by setting up a heating chamber shell, electric heating tube, slide rail, limiting component, and insulation box, etc., achieves constant temperature heating of the sample placed in the insulation box through the electric heating tube's heating effect on the heating chamber shell via the sliding engagement between the heating chamber shell and the slide rail, and the limiting engagement between the sliding sleeve, slider, and second positioning groove. When the heating chamber shell moves to the top of the sample foam pad, it forms a sealed cavity with the insulation box, reducing heat loss. Simultaneously, the insulation box can be detachably mounted on the table via a bottom slot, and together with the sample foam pad, it clamps and fixes the sample. This achieves the effect of precise temperature control and stable clamping, providing temperature protection and position fixation for the sample, effectively avoiding detection errors caused by temperature fluctuations or shaking. Attached Figure Description

[0016] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the overall structure in an embodiment of this application;

[0017] Figure 2 This is a partial structural diagram of an embodiment of this application;

[0018] Figure 3 This is a partial structural diagram of the support mechanism in an embodiment of this application;

[0019] Figure 4 This is a schematic diagram of the main structure of the insulation mechanism in the embodiments of this application;

[0020] Reference numerals: 1. Support mechanism; 101. Support side plate; 102. Tabletop; 103. Spare support plate; 104. Pull-out plate; 105. First positioning groove; 2. Sample placement box; 201. Insulation box; 202. Handle; 203. Sample foam pad; 3. Insulation mechanism; 301. Slide rail; 302. Second positioning groove; 303. Heating chamber shell; 304. Sliding sleeve; 305. Slider; 306. Knob. Detailed Implementation

[0021] The following is in conjunction with the appendix Figure 1-4 This application will be described in further detail.

[0022] This application discloses a sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument used for TDM detection.

[0023] like Figure 1 and Figure 2As shown, a sample rack for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument used for TDM detection includes a support mechanism 1. The support mechanism 1 includes a support side plate 101 for supporting a tabletop 102, a spare support plate 103 for placing completed samples, and a pull-out plate 104 for placing samples to be tested. The pull-out plate 104 is movably installed at the bottom of the tabletop 102 and slides horizontally relative to the tabletop 102 for easy access to samples. The spare support plate 103 is fixedly installed on one side of the support side plate 101. A first positioning groove 105 is formed through the top of the pull-out plate 104 for placing an insulated box 201. This structure achieves modular management of the detection process through a layered layout. The partitioned design of the spare support plate 103 and the pull-out plate 104 avoids sample confusion. The horizontally sliding pull-out plate 104 reduces space occupation during operation and improves the convenience of access. The first positioning groove 105 ensures the stability of the insulated box 201 during movement through physical limiting.

[0024] like Figure 1 and Figure 3 As shown, a sample placement box 2 is provided on the top of the support mechanism 1. The sample placement box 2 includes an insulated box 201 for containing the sample, a sample foam pad 203 for holding the sample, and handles 202 fixedly connected to the left and right sides of the insulated box 201. The insulated box 201 is movably fitted into the slot at the top of the table 102. The sample placement box 2 is detachably mounted on the support mechanism 1 through the cooperation between the bottom of its insulated box 201 and the slot at the top of the table 102. The insulated box 201 adopts a detachable design for easy cleaning and replacement. The sample foam pad 203 reduces sample shaking during transportation through elastic clamping. The handles 202 have an ergonomic design and, together with the slot connection, achieve quick positioning and stable installation, ensuring that the sample remains in its original state during transfer.

[0025] like Figure 1 and Figure 4 As shown, a heat preservation mechanism 3 is provided on the top of the support mechanism 1. The heat preservation mechanism 3 includes a slide rail 301 fixedly installed on the top of the table 102, a heating chamber shell 303 movably installed on the top of the slide rail 301, and a limiting component for restricting the movement of the heating chamber shell 303. The bottom of the heating chamber shell 303 has a cavity, and an electric heating tube is installed inside the cavity for heating the sample placement box 2. A knob 306 is movably installed on the top of the heating chamber shell 303 for adjusting the temperature inside the heating chamber shell 303. The sliding cooperation between the slide rail 301 and the heating chamber enables flexible switching of the temperature control area. The electric heating tube maintains the stability of the sample through uniform heat conduction. The knob-type temperature adjustment mechanism can be precisely adjusted according to different sample requirements. The limiting component ensures the positional accuracy of the heating chamber in the working state through mechanical locking, preventing heat loss.

[0026] like Figure 4As shown, the limiting component of the insulation mechanism 3 includes a sliding sleeve 304 fixedly connected to one side of the heating chamber shell 303. A slider 305 is movably sleeved on the top of the sliding sleeve 304. The slider 305 is movably connected inside the second positioning groove 302, which is located on the top of the slide rail 301. When the slider 305 moves to the top of the second positioning groove 302, the heating chamber shell 303 moves synchronously to the top of the sample foam pad 203. When the heating chamber shell 303 moves to the top of the sample foam pad 203, the heating chamber shell 303 and the insulation box 201 together form a sealed cavity. The cooperation between the sliding sleeve 304 and the slider 305 forms a double limiting structure. The physical stop of the second positioning groove 302 achieves precise alignment of the heating chamber. The sealed cavity design effectively reduces the interference of the external environment on the sample temperature, ensures thermal stability during the heating process, and prevents leakage of volatile components, thereby improving the reliability of the test results.

[0027] Example

[0028] Sample pretreatment and heat preservation operations

[0029] In the sample pretreatment stage before TDM testing in clinical laboratories, operators need to use a sample rack to control the temperature of the samples to be tested:

[0030] Sample Placement Preparation: First, pull the pull-out plate 104 located at the bottom of the tabletop 102. Since the pull-out plate 104 is horizontally slidable relative to the tabletop 102, it can be easily and completely pulled out. At this time, the first positioning groove 105 at the top of the pull-out plate 104 is fully exposed. Place the insulated box 201 containing the sample to be tested into the first positioning groove 105. The handles 202 on both sides of the insulated box 201 make it easy for the operator to pick it up. The sample foam pad 203 will tightly hold the sample to prevent it from shaking during movement.

[0031] Transfer to the testing area: Push the pull-out plate 104 to reset it, moving the insulated box 201 to its initial position below the table 102 along with the pull-out plate 104. Then, remove the empty insulated box 201 from the slot at the top of the table 102. Since the sample placement box 2 is detachably mounted on the support mechanism 1 through the engagement of its bottom insulated box 201 with the slot at the top of the table 102, it can be easily removed. Remove the insulated box 201 containing the sample to be tested from the first positioning slot 105 of the pull-out plate 104 and place it in the slot at the top of the table 102 to stably fix the insulated box 201.

[0032] Activate the insulation mechanism 3: Operate the heating chamber shell 303. Since the heating chamber shell 303 is movably mounted on the top of the slide rail 301, and the limiting component includes a sliding sleeve 304 fixedly connected to one side of the heating chamber shell 303, the slider 305 movably sleeved on the top of the sliding sleeve 304 is movably connected to the second positioning groove 302 at the top of the slide rail 301. Push the heating chamber shell 303, causing the slider 305 to slide within the second positioning groove 302. When the slider 305 moves to the top of the second positioning groove 302, the heating chamber shell 303 simultaneously moves to the top of the sample foam pad 203. At this time, the heating chamber shell 303 and the insulation box 201 together form a sealed cavity. Rotate the knob 306 on the top of the heating chamber shell 303 to adjust the temperature inside the heating chamber shell 303. The heating tube in the bottom cavity of the heating chamber shell 303 starts working, heating and insulating the sample in the insulation box 201 to ensure the sample is at the appropriate temperature required for testing.

[0033] The implementation principle of a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) sample holder for TDM detection in this application embodiment is as follows:

[0034] First, the experimenter places the sample to be tested into the first positioning groove 105 at the top of the pull-out plate 104, and pushes the sample to the testing area under the table 102 by sliding the pull-out plate 104 horizontally. The sample that has been tested is placed on the spare support plate 103 fixed to one side of the support side plate 101, realizing the zoned management of the sample before and after testing. The sliding cooperation between the pull-out plate 104 and the table 102 ensures that the sample to be tested can be easily moved to the designated position to prepare for subsequent heat treatment.

[0035] Next, the insulated box 201 containing the sample is inserted into the slot at the top of the table 102 through the bottom slot, so that the insulated box 201 is stably fixed; the sample foam pad 203 inside holds the sample through the preset slot to prevent it from shaking during heating or movement. At this time, the sample is positioned together with the insulated box 201 in the center of the table 102, within the moving coverage range of the heating chamber shell 303.

[0036] Next, the heating chamber shell 303 is pushed to slide along the slide rail 301. Simultaneously, the slider 305 in the sliding sleeve 304 on one side is embedded into the second positioning groove 302 at the top of the slide rail 301 to ensure accurate movement trajectory. When the slider 305 moves to the top of the second positioning groove 302, the bottom cavity of the heating chamber shell 303 completely covers the heat preservation box 201 and the sample foam pad 203. Together, they form a sealed cavity, providing a closed environment for subsequent constant temperature heating.

[0037] Next, by rotating the knob 306 on the top of the heating chamber shell 303, the power of the internal electric heating tube is controlled, and the temperature inside the heating chamber is adjusted to the required range for detection, such as a constant temperature of 37°C. The heat generated by the electric heating tube is evenly distributed in the sealed cavity to continuously heat the sample in the heat preservation box 201, avoiding degradation of sample components or changes in activity due to fluctuations in ambient temperature, and ensuring that the sample is stable before detection.

[0038] Finally, after the test is completed, slide the heating chamber shell 303 to detach it from the insulation box 201, disassemble the insulation box 201 and transfer it to the spare support plate 103 through the handle 202 to store the tested sample; the pull plate 104 can slide out again to put in a new insulation box for the sample to be tested, and enter the next round of testing process. At the same time, each detachable part can be cleaned independently to meet the requirements of laboratory aseptic operation.

[0039] The above are all preferred embodiments of this application, and are not intended to limit the scope of protection of this application. Therefore, all equivalent changes made in accordance with the structure, shape and principle of this application should be covered within the scope of protection of this application.

Claims

1. A sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument for TDM detection, comprising a support mechanism (1), characterized in that: The support mechanism (1) is provided with a sample placement box (2) on the top and a heat preservation mechanism (3) on the top. The support mechanism (1) includes a support side plate (101) for supporting the table (102), a spare support plate (103) for placing the completed test sample, and a pull plate (104) for placing the sample to be tested. The pull plate (104) is movably installed at the bottom of the table (102). The heat preservation mechanism (3) includes a slide rail (301) fixedly installed at the top of the table (102), a heating chamber shell (303) movably installed at the top of the slide rail (301), and a limiting component for restricting the movement of the heating chamber shell (303). The bottom of the heating chamber shell (303) has a cavity, and an electric heating tube is provided inside the cavity for heating the sample placement box (2).

2. The sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument for TDM detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The spare support plate (103) is fixedly installed on one side of the support side plate (101), and the top of the pull-out plate (104) is provided with a first positioning groove (105) for placing the heat preservation box (201).

3. A sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument for TDM detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The sample placement box (2) includes an insulated box (201) for containing the sample, a sample foam pad (203) for holding the sample, and handles (202) fixedly connected to the left and right sides of the insulated box (201). The insulated box (201) is movably fitted into the slot at the top of the table (102).

4. A sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument for TDM detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: A knob (306) is movably mounted on the top of the heating chamber shell (303) for adjusting the temperature inside the heating chamber shell (303).

5. A sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument for TDM detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The limiting component of the heat preservation mechanism (3) includes a sliding sleeve (304) fixedly connected to one side of the heating chamber shell (303). A slider (305) is movably sleeved on the top of the sliding sleeve (304). The slider (305) is movably connected inside the second positioning groove (302). The second positioning groove (302) is opened on the top of the slide rail (301). When the slider (305) moves to the top of the second positioning groove (302), the heating chamber shell (303) moves synchronously to the top of the sample foam pad (203).

6. A sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument for TDM detection according to claim 5, characterized in that: When the heating chamber shell (303) moves to the top of the sample foam pad (203), the heating chamber shell (303) and the heat preservation box (201) together form a sealed cavity.

7. A sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument for TDM detection according to claim 3, characterized in that: The sample placement box (2) is detachably mounted on the support mechanism (1) by means of the cooperation between the bottom of its heat preservation box (201) and the top slot of the table (102).

8. A sample holder for a liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) instrument for TDM detection according to claim 1, characterized in that: The pull-out plate (104) is slidably arranged in the horizontal direction relative to the table (102) to facilitate the picking and placing of samples to be tested.

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