Integrated LC-MS Ion Source Assembly for Low Post-Column Volume
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC-MS) systems face performance issues due to inadequate thermal management and lengthy transfer lines, leading to band broadening, reduced peak capacity, and detection signal-to-noise ratio, as the chromatography column is often placed far from the ion source, necessitating lengthy transfer tubes that increase post-column fluidic volume.
Innovation Solution
An ion source assembly with an integrated chromatography column positioned within a minimum distance of 60 mm to 150 mm from the ion source, minimizing post-column volume and allowing for improved thermal management by reducing the distance between the chromatography column and the ion source, thereby enhancing chromatographic performance.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If the chromatography column is placed far from the ion source, then the system has easier thermal management, but the transfer line length increases causing band broadening and reduced peak capacity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chromatography column and ion source into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for a separate transfer line. The column is positioned in immediate proximity to the ion source, allowing the eluent to flow directly from the column outlet to the ion source inlet, thus combining two previously separate components into one unified structure that resolves the contradiction between thermal management ease and chromatographic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent repositions the chromatography column from a distant external location to an integrated position within or immediately adjacent to the ion source assembly, effectively changing the spatial dimension and proximity relationship between components. This dimensional reconfiguration eliminates the lengthy transfer path while maintaining thermal management capabilities through the integrated design.
2Ease of manufacture
If a lengthy transfer tube is used to connect the chromatography column to the ion source, then the system is easier to assemble, but the post-column fluidic volume increases leading to band broadening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chromatography column and ion source into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for a separate transfer line. The column is positioned in immediate proximity to the ion source, allowing the eluent to flow directly from the column outlet to the ion source inlet, thus combining two previously separate components into one unified structure that resolves the contradiction between thermal management ease and chromatographic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts and eliminates the lengthy transfer tube from the system by integrating the column directly with the ion source. This removal of the unnecessary transfer component directly reduces the post-column fluidic volume while maintaining system functionality, as the column and ion source are now in direct communication without an intermediate transfer path.
3Manufacturing precision
If the chromatography column is positioned close to the ion source, then band broadening is reduced, but thermal management becomes more challenging
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the chromatography column and ion source into a single integrated assembly, eliminating the need for a separate transfer line. The column is positioned in immediate proximity to the ion source, allowing the eluent to flow directly from the column outlet to the ion source inlet, thus combining two previously separate components into one unified structure that resolves the contradiction between thermal management ease and chromatographic quality.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a thermal isolation barrier or intermediary structure between the column and ion source that allows close physical proximity for minimal transfer distance while maintaining thermal independence. This intermediary element enables the column to be thermally managed separately from the ion source, resolving the thermal management challenge that would otherwise arise from close positioning.
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 configuration improves mass analyzer performance by reducing band broadening, enhancing peak capacity, and increasing detection signal-to-noise ratio, while allowing for more efficient thermal equilibration and improved chromatographic separation.
Implementation Method 1
a chromatography column to receive the sample from the heater and to generate a separated compound solution
Implementation Method 2
a heater configured to heat a sample received at the ion source assembly
Implementation Method 3
the emitter configured to receive the separated compound solution from the chromatography column, and generate ions from at least a portion of the separated compound solution
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
Techniques and apparatus for ion source devices with minimized post- column volumes are described. In one embodiment, for example, an ion source assembly (330) may include a chromatography column (334) in fluid communication with an ion source device (336), the chromatography column (334) arranged within a minimum distance of the ion source (336), the minimum distance comprising between about 60 mm and about 150 mm.