Analytical Instrument Calibration Correction Module

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current analytical instruments, such as gas and liquid mass spectrometers, experience high relative inaccuracy in estimating low analyte quantities due to weighting errors based on absolute rather than relative values, leading to increased error-proneness, especially for instruments determining the mass of low analyte samples.

Innovation Solution

A calibration correction module is introduced to minimize relative squared error, comprising an input/output controller, random access memory, hard drive memory, and a unifying computer bus system, which adjusts sensor responses to provide more precise and accurate mass determinations by recalculating variables using separate data sets and iterative minimization techniques.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If calibration is based on absolute values, then the calibration process is simple, but low analyte quantity samples have very little influence on calibrations and produce high relative inaccuracy

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration process simplicityVSAvoidrelative inaccuracy of low analyte quantity measurements
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the calibration parameter from absolute values to relative (percentage-based) values. This transformation allows low analyte quantity samples to have significant influence on calibration, thereby reducing relative inaccuracy while maintaining calibration effectiveness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a calibration correction module that acts as an intermediary between the raw analytical data and the final results. This module applies correction factors based on relative values to compensate for the inherent bias in absolute-value-based calibrations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If calibration weights all samples equally based on absolute values, then the calibration is straightforward, but outliers have exaggerated impact and low analyte samples have minimal influence

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecalibration operation simplicityVSAvoiderror-proneness of analytical instrument
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transforms the weighting parameter from absolute values to relative values, changing how samples are weighted in calibration. This ensures that low analyte quantity samples and outliers are appropriately represented, improving reliability without significantly complicating operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent implements a feedback mechanism through the calibration correction module that continuously adjusts calibration parameters based on the performance across different analyte quantities, thereby reducing error-proneness and improving overall instrument reliability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Device complexity

If traditional calibration modules are used, then the instrument structure is simple, but real-time accurate mass determinations of low analyte quantity samples cannot be obtained

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstrument structure simplicityVSAvoidaccuracy of low analyte quantity mass determinations
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces a calibration correction module as an intermediary component that can be inserted into the analytical instrument. This module provides real-time correction capabilities for low analyte quantity samples while maintaining relatively simple instrument structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the calibration parameters from absolute to relative values, enabling the instrument to accurately determine mass of low analyte quantity samples in real-time without requiring major structural modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS11456163B1Method of improving an analytical instrument and improved analytical instruments
Publication Date: 2022.09.27 THE GOVERNMENT OF THE UNITED STATES AS REPRESENTED BY THE SECRETARY OF THE AIR FORCE

AI summary

The present invention relates to methods of improving analytical instruments and improved analytical instruments. The aforementioned method employs a calibration correction module that calibrates the machine to effect measurements with the minimum possible relative squared error. This results in a significant improvement of the analytical instrument in question that leads to more precise and accurate results.