Electrospray Ion Source Assembly for Wide-Range Flow Sensitivity
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional electrospray ion sources require time-consuming adjustments of multiple parameters to optimize sensitivity performance for varying flow rates and compound mixtures, and replacing probes for different flow rates is cumbersome.
Innovation Solution
An ion source assembly with a fixed-position electrospray probe and an elongate auxiliary electrode that generates an electric field to enhance desolvation and ion transport, accommodating a wide range of flow rates without manual adjustments, and allowing for interchangeable probes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional electrospray ion source parameters are adjusted to optimize sensitivity for varying flow rates, then sensitivity performance is improved, but operation time and complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The ion source assembly performs self-optimization through the controller automatically adjusting operational parameters (electrospray voltage, auxiliary electrode voltage, gas flows, temperature) based on detected flow rate, eliminating the need for manual parameter optimization by the user
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses feedback control where the controller detects the flow rate and automatically adjusts the operational parameters to maintain optimal sensitivity performance across different flow rates without user intervention
2Measurement precision
If multiple parameters are adjusted to optimize sensitivity for different flow rates, then sensitivity performance is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system performs self-optimization by automatically adjusting multiple parameters (electrospray voltage, auxiliary electrode voltage, gas flows, temperature) based on detected flow rate, eliminating the need for users to understand and adjust these complex interactions manually
Solution Approach 2:
The ion source assembly is designed to handle multiple flow rates (nanoflow and non-nanoflow) with a single configuration, making the device universal across different flow rate ranges without requiring manual reconfiguration or probe replacement
3Productivity
If electrospray probe protrusion is adjusted for different flow rates, then ionization efficiency is improved, but setup time and user expertise requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system automatically optimizes the effective probe protrusion by adjusting the electrospray voltage and auxiliary electrode voltage based on detected flow rate, eliminating the need for manual mechanical adjustment of the probe position
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes electrical parameters (voltages applied to electrospray and auxiliary electrodes) to compensate for different flow rates, achieving optimal ionization efficiency without mechanical adjustment of probe position
4Adaptability or versatility
If probes are replaced to accommodate different flow rates, then flow rate compatibility is improved, but operational time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ion source assembly is designed with a single probe configuration that can handle both nanoflow and non-nanoflow rates by automatically adjusting operational parameters, eliminating the need for physical probe replacement when changing flow rates
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts operational parameters (voltages, gas flows, temperature) based on the detected flow rate, allowing the same probe to adapt to different flow rate ranges without physical replacement
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
Improves ionization efficiency and ease of use by maintaining optimal operational parameters across varying flow rates and compound mixtures, reducing setup time and probe replacement complexity.
Implementation Method 1
the electrically conductive distal end can generate an electric field within the ionization chamber to improve the desolvation of the sample plume and the transport of ions ejected from the sample plume into the sampling orifice
Implementation Method 2
an electric potential difference between the electrospray electrode and a counter electrode generates a strong electric field within the ionization chamber that electrically charges the liquid sample. The electric field generated within the ionization chamber causes the liquid discharged from the electrospray electrode, needle, or nozzle to disperse into a plurality of charged micro-droplets
Implementation Method 3
In another aspect, the ion source assembly may include a heated wire configured to enhance desolvation of a sample plume discharged from an electrospray probe
Data Source
AI summary
An ion source assembly for use in a mass spectrometry system comprises a housing defining an ionization chamber disposed in fluid communication with a sampling orifice of a mass spectrometer system. The housing defines a first opening for coupling to a first electrospray probe to discharge a liquid sample at flow rates greater than a nanoflow range along a longitudinal axis that is substantially orthogonal to a central axis of the sampling orifice. An elongate auxiliary electrode assembly extends from the housing to an electrically conductive distal end disposed in the ionization chamber such that the electrically conductive distal end is disposed substantially on the central axis of the sampling orifice. The electrically conductive distal end may be coupled to a power supply to generate an electric field to improve the desolvation of the sample plume and the transport of ions ejected from the sample plume into the sampling orifice.