3D-Printed Nanospray Interface With Textured Emitter Tip Geometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional nanospray emitters for mass spectrometry face limitations in size and geometric shape due to constraints in forming techniques, restricting their performance in nanospray-mass spectrometry applications.
Innovation Solution
A three-dimensional printed nanospray interface is developed using 3D resin printing techniques, allowing for voxel sizes of 2 μm, featuring a sheath inlet and outlet, a tapered capillary tubing, and an emitter tip with chevron or V-shaped protrusions to enhance ionization and prevent backflow, integrated with optical fiber illumination for improved analyte visualization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional forming techniques are used to manufacture nanospray emitters, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but size and geometric shape control are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional mechanical forming techniques with three-dimensional printing technology. This substitution enables precise control over emitter size and geometry (achieving voxel sizes of 2 μm) while maintaining ease of manufacture through additive manufacturing processes that can directly create complex structures without traditional tooling constraints.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the manufacturing parameter space by introducing 3D printing resolution parameters (voxel size of 2 μm) and variable geometric parameters (different tip configurations, internal channel designs) that were not accessible with conventional forming techniques. This allows continuous optimization of emitter dimensions and shapes for specific nanospray applications.
2Reliability
If nanospray interface performance is improved through complex geometry, then ionization efficiency increases, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D printing process creates a universal manufacturing platform that can produce multiple emitter geometries and internal channel configurations from the same basic process. This multi-functionality allows optimization of ionization efficiency through various tip designs (chevron, V-shaped, tapered) and internal flow patterns without requiring different manufacturing processes for each geometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention applies local quality by creating specific geometric features at critical locations within the nanospray interface. For example, chevron or V-shaped protrusions are placed at the emitter tip to enhance ionization, while internal channels are configured in specific patterns to control fluid flow. Each local feature is optimized for its specific function while being manufactured as an integrated whole.
3Productivity
If internal channels are added for fluid flow control, then nanospray performance improves, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The 3D printing process performs preliminary action by creating all internal channels and flow paths during the initial manufacturing step, rather than requiring subsequent machining or assembly operations. The channels are formed as integral parts of the emitter structure, ensuring precise alignment and consistent dimensions throughout the fluid flow path.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention implements nested doll by placing multiple functional elements within the emitter structure at different scales. Internal channels are nested within the emitter body, and flow control features are nested within the channel walls. This hierarchical nesting allows complex fluid flow control functionality to be integrated into a compact structure with consistent manufacturing precision.
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
The 3D printed nanospray interface enables precise control over fluid flow and ionization, improving the longevity and performance of nanospray tips, allowing for efficient coupling with separation techniques like capillary electrophoresis and HPLC, and providing enhanced visibility of the spray for inspection.
Implementation Method 1
the nanospray interface may utilize an electric field to generate an electrospray ionization source
Implementation Method 2
an emitter may eject ions towards a mass spectrometer inlet
Implementation Method 3
integrated with optical fiber illumination for improved analyte visualization
Data Source
AI summary
In some examples, a three-dimensional printed nanospray interface for mass spectrometry may include a body including a sheath inlet connected to a sheath outlet for passage of sheath liquid to an emitter. The emitter may include a sidewall including a stepped texture on an inner surface of the sidewall.