Electrospray Emitter Protection via Retractable Sleeve
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid chromatography (LC) systems with nano-liter flow rates face issues due to fragile components and incorrect assembly, leading to leaks, reduced sensitivity, and poor chromatographic separation, while electrospray ionization systems require protection from accidental exposure and damage.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system for liquid separation and electrospray ionization that includes a coiled separation column, an electrospray emitter, and a protective sleeve or electrically conductive sheath to shield and support the emitter, embedded in a plastic material for enhanced durability and safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional LC columns and spray emitters are used with narrow inner and outer diameters for nano-liter flow rates, then sensitivity and chromatographic separation are improved, but the components become physically fragile and prone to damage from strain, pressure, bends, and twists
Solution Approach 1:
The patent embeds the fragile electrospray emitter and LC column within a protective housing structure. The emitter is nested inside the housing, which provides mechanical protection while maintaining the narrow dimensions needed for nano-liter flow rates and high sensitivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs a protective housing that acts as a flexible shell around the fragile components. This housing protects the emitter and column from mechanical damage while allowing the system to maintain its compact, narrow-diameter design for optimal chromatographic performance.
2Adaptability or versatility
If conventional LC columns and fittings are assembled by user connection, then the system can be configured and adjusted, but incorrect assembly of fittings and fluid connections leads to leaks and poor chromatographic separation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent integrates the LC column, electrospray emitter, and housing into a single pre-assembled unit. This merging of components eliminates the need for user assembly of fittings and fluid connections, ensuring correct assembly while maintaining system functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system is pre-assembled with correct fluid connections and fittings before delivery to the user. This preliminary action ensures that assembly correctness is guaranteed, eliminating leaks and poor chromatographic separation caused by incorrect user assembly.
3Ease of operation
If the electrospray emitter is exposed for use, then ionization can occur, but the emitter is vulnerable to accidental exposure and damage when not in use
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a movable protective cover that can dynamically transition between covering and exposing the electrospray emitter. The cover is positioned to protect the emitter during storage and transport, and can be moved to expose the emitter when needed for operation, thus balancing protection with accessibility.
4Reliability
If a protective covering is added for the electrospray emitter, then damage risk is reduced, but the system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The protective housing is merged with the overall system structure, serving both as protection for the emitter and as the structural container for the LC column and other components. This integration adds minimal complexity while providing comprehensive protection.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing serves multiple functions: it protects the electrospray emitter from damage, contains the LC column, and provides a structural framework for the entire system. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components, thereby limiting the increase in 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
The integrated system reduces the risk of damage to the electrospray emitter and improves chromatographic performance by minimizing leaks and ensuring correct assembly, while providing a secure and robust solution for laboratory use.
Implementation Method 1
The method of choice for protein identification and characterization is mass spectrometry (MS) where the analytes of interest are ionized by electrospray ionization (ESI)
Implementation Method 2
Two separation methods are dominating in the field of proteomics: 2-dimensional gel-electrophoresis (2D-GE) and high-performance liquid chromatography (HPLC)
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to an integrated system for liquid separation, such as LC, CE, affinity chromatography, and ion exchange chromatography. A preferred aspect relates to a specialized protection means for protecting the fragile electrospray needle when not in use. Another preferred aspect relates to a specialized electrical contact means for applying voltage to the electrospray needle. The invention comprises an integrated system for liquid separation and electrospray ionization comprising: a separation column; and an electrospray emitter connected with the separation column. In one aspect there is a retractable protective sleeve (8) for covering and supporting the electrospray emitter (2) along at least a portion of its axis. In another aspect there is an electrically conducting sheath surrounding the emitter and providing an electrical connection.