Acoustic Ejection Delay Control for High-Throughput Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
High-throughput mass spectrometry analysis is hindered by interference between sample ejections due to insufficient delay times, leading to inaccurate analysis results, as existing systems rely on conservative, fixed delay settings that do not account for varying sample intensities and peak shapes.
Innovation Solution
The method involves dynamically adjusting the delay time between sample ejections based on predicted or actual intensity signals, using a reference time period and adjusted time periods to minimize interference while maximizing analytical throughput, by considering the relative concentrations and peak shapes of adjacent samples.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a fixed delay time is used between sample ejections, then the system operation is simple, but the analytical throughput is reduced due to unnecessary wait times and potential interference between samples of varying intensities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by transitioning from a fixed delay time to a dynamic, variable delay time system. The delay time is adjusted based on the predicted intensity of subsequent samples, allowing the system to adapt its operation in real-time. This resolves the contradiction by making the delay time flexible rather than static, thereby improving throughput without requiring complex manual intervention.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the parameter of delay time from a constant value to a variable value based on sample intensity predictions. By modifying this key parameter dynamically according to the specific conditions (sample intensity), the system achieves higher throughput while maintaining accurate quantification, thus resolving the contradiction between productivity and operational simplicity.
2Productivity
If a short delay time is used between sample ejections, then the analytical throughput is improved, but interference between adjacent samples occurs leading to inaccurate quantification
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by predicting the intensity of subsequent samples before they are ejected. This advance knowledge allows the system to pre-calculate the appropriate delay time needed to prevent interference, ensuring both high throughput and accurate quantification. The prediction step performed in advance resolves the contradiction by preparing the optimal delay time before the actual ejection sequence begins.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback by using the predicted sample intensity information to adjust the delay time dynamically. The system continuously monitors and responds to sample characteristics, adjusting operational parameters accordingly. This feedback mechanism ensures that the delay time is always appropriate for the current sample conditions, resolving the contradiction between throughput and precision.
3Measurement precision
If a long delay time is used between sample ejections, then accurate quantification is maintained, but the analytical throughput is reduced due to unnecessary wait times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dynamics by making the delay time adaptive rather than conservative and fixed. Instead of always using a long delay time, the system dynamically adjusts the delay duration based on actual sample intensity predictions. This resolves the contradiction by eliminating unnecessary wait times while maintaining sufficient separation between samples of varying intensities.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the delay time parameter from a conservative constant to a variable value optimized for each sample sequence. By modifying this parameter based on predicted sample characteristics, the system reduces unnecessary wait times while preserving quantification accuracy, thus resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and time loss.
4Productivity
If dynamic delay adjustment based on sample intensity is implemented, then the analytical throughput is maximized, but the computational requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing intensity predictions and delay time calculations before the actual sample ejection sequence. This advance preparation allows the system to optimize throughput without adding complexity during the critical measurement phase. The computational work is done in advance, resolving the contradiction between productivity and system complexity.
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 reduces unnecessary wait times and improves analytical throughput by ensuring accurate quantification of samples with varying intensities, allowing for shorter delay times between ejections with similar concentrations and longer delays for high-to-low intensity transitions, thereby enhancing the overall processing efficiency of mass spectrometry systems.
Implementation Method 1
acoustically ejecting the first sample from the first well; and after acoustically ejecting the first sample, acoustically ejecting the second sample from the second well
Data Source
AI summary
A method of ejecting a plurality of samples from a well plate includes receiving a first sample intensity prediction associated with a first sample in a first well of the well plate. A second sample intensity prediction associated with a second sample in a second well is also received. The second sample intensity prediction is less than the first sample intensity prediction. An ejection time delay value for a subsequent analysis of the first sample and the second sample is determined, based at least in part on the second sample intensity prediction. Thereafter, the first sample is acoustically ejected from the first well, and the second sample is acoustically ejected from the second well.