Conductive Capillary Probe Assembly for LC-MS Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Connecting liquid chromatography systems to mass spectrometers is challenging due to the need for delicate tubing and risk of electrical shock, with existing solutions being complex, expensive, and prone to leaks, leading to instrument downtime and poor performance.
Innovation Solution
A probe assembly with a conductive capillary and insulated fluid line joint downstream of the attachment device, allowing for easy electrical connection and reducing the risk of leaks, featuring a ferrule for voltage transmission and a design that prevents external electrical connections, enabling quick and safe attachment to the mass spectrometer.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If traditional electrospray connection is used, then voltage can be applied to the capillary, but the connection is awkward and requires dexterity and skill to assemble
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the fluid delivery function and electrical connection function into a single integrated probe assembly. The capillary is directly connected to the voltage supply terminal within the sealed housing, eliminating the need for separate mechanical connections and skillful assembly of multiple components.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly serves multiple functions simultaneously: it delivers eluent through the capillary, provides electrical connection for voltage application, and maintains sealing within the housing. This multi-functional design simplifies the overall connection process while maintaining all necessary operations.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional electrospray connection is used, then voltage can be applied to the capillary, but there is a risk of electric shock to the user if there is a leak
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the electrical connection and high-voltage components into a sealed housing that is separate from the external environment. The capillary connection to the voltage supply is contained within the sealed housing, preventing eluent leaks from reaching electrical components and eliminating electric shock risk to users.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealed housing acts as an intermediary barrier between the eluent delivery system and the electrical voltage supply. This physical barrier prevents direct contact between leaked eluent and electrical components, mediating the interaction to eliminate electric shock hazards while maintaining functional connection.
3Ease of manufacture
If traditional electrospray connection is used, then voltage can be applied to the capillary, but the connecting assembly can be expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (capillary, housing, voltage supply terminal, and sealing elements) into a single integrated probe assembly that can be manufactured as one unit or pre-assembled module. This reduces the number of individual parts and assembly steps, lowering manufacturing costs while maintaining the necessary electrical and fluid connection functions.
4Productivity
If traditional electrospray connection is used, then voltage can be applied to the capillary, but the fitting can take a long time resulting in inactivity of the instrument
Solution Approach 1:
The probe assembly is pre-assembled with the capillary connected to the voltage supply terminal within the sealed housing before installation. This preliminary assembly of critical components eliminates time-consuming on-site connections and adjustments, allowing rapid installation into the mass spectrometer and minimizing instrument downtime.
5Manufacturing precision
If traditional electrospray connection is used, then voltage can be applied to the capillary, but poor assembly can lead to dead volumes and poor reproducibility
Solution Approach 1:
The capillary connection to the voltage supply is integrated within the sealed housing as a single unified structure. This merging of components eliminates misalignment and dead volumes that can occur with separate connection elements, ensuring precise and reproducible eluent delivery to the capillary tip.
Solution Approach 2:
The probe assembly provides a standardized, reproducible connection geometry that can be manufactured with high precision. This standardized design ensures consistent positioning and alignment every time the probe is installed, eliminating variability in assembly precision and ensuring reproducible instrument performance.
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 probe assembly facilitates quick and safe connection to the mass spectrometer, reducing the risk of electrical shock and leaks, improving instrument performance and reducing downtime, while being cost-effective and easy to use.
Implementation Method 1
A conductive member is provided in order to supply a voltage from the attachment device, downstream beyond the insulated fluid line and to the conductive capillary
Implementation Method 2
The conductive member is arranged to receive said voltage upon connection of the attachment device to the mass spectrometer through a ferrule
Data Source
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AI summary
A probe assembly is disclosed comprising an inlet for receiving an eluent from a chromatography device; an outlet (120) for delivering the eluent to an ion source of a mass spectrometer; and an attachment device (122) for attaching the outlet to the mass spectrometer. The outlet comprises an electrically conductive capillary (124) and an electrically conductive member (129) surrounding at least part of the electrically conductive capillary (124). The electrically conductive member (129) is arranged to receive a voltage upon connection of the attachment device (122) to the mass spectrometer and the electrically conductive member (129) is arranged to provide an electrical connection from the electrically conductive member (129) to the electrically conductive capillary (124).