Electrospray Emitter Positioning Using Ion Intensity Mapping

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mass spectrometry techniques face challenges in achieving consistent sensitivity, efficiency, and reproducibility due to the precise positioning of the ionization emitter relative to the mass spectrometer inlet, which is often manual and prone to variations across different setups and users.

Innovation Solution

An automated positioning system that sequentially positions the ionization emitter at multiple positions relative to the mass spectrometer inlet, acquiring mass spectra at each position to generate an ion intensity map, which identifies the optimum position for maximizing signal intensity and stability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If manual positioning of the ionization emitter is used, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision and reproducibility deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidemitter position precision

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs self-positioning by automatically mapping the emitter position relative to the inlet using test ions, eliminating the need for manual positioning while achieving precise and reproducible results across different instruments and users

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system changes the operational parameters by acquiring mass spectra at multiple predetermined positions and using the resulting ion intensity maps to determine the optimum position, transforming a manual positioning task into an automated parameter optimization process

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If automated positioning system is implemented, then measurement precision and reproducibility improve, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemitter position precisionVSAvoidpositioning system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The automated positioning system serves multiple functions: it maps the emitter position, generates ion intensity maps, determines optimum positions, and stores reference data for future experiments, making the additional complexity worthwhile through its multi-functional capability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary positioning and optimization actions before actual analyte analysis, establishing reference ion intensity maps and determining optimum positions in advance to ensure consistent and reproducible results during subsequent experiments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Measurement precision

If precise manual positioning is attempted, then measurement precision may improve, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveemitter position precisionVSAvoidpositioning operation ease

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system replaces manual mechanical positioning operations with an automated computational approach that uses mass spectrum acquisition and ion intensity map analysis to determine emitter position, significantly improving ease of operation while maintaining precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

4Device complexity

If emitter position is not optimized, then device complexity is reduced, but sensitivity and signal quality deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepositioning system complexityVSAvoidsignal stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback from acquired mass spectra to generate ion intensity maps and determine the optimum emitter position, creating a closed-loop optimization process that maximizes signal quality and stability while maintaining reasonable system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

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 enhances sensitivity and reproducibility by optimizing the emitter position automatically, improving signal quality and stability across different instruments and users without the need for manual adjustments or analyte injection.

Implementation Method 1

A high voltage is applied to the liquid sample in the emitter to generate an electrospray that results in the formation of analyte ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrospray ionization: Electrohydrodynamics

Data Source

PatentUS20240404817A1Automatic positioning of an electrospray ionization emitter

Publication Date: 2024.12.05 THERMO FINNIGAN LLC

AI summary

A position control system may acquire a set of mass spectra by directing an automated positioning system to sequentially position an ionization emitter at a plurality of positions relative to an inlet of a mass spectrometer and directing the mass spectrometer to acquire, while the ionization emitter is positioned at each position of the plurality of positions, a mass spectrum of ions introduced into the inlet. The ions introduced into the inlet include ions emitted from the ionization emitter. The position control system may generate, based on the set of mass spectra, an ion intensity map representing intensity of ions introduced into the inlet of the mass spectrometer as a function of position of the ionization emitter. Based on the ion intensity map, the position control system may identify an optimum position for the ionization emitter.