Integrated Nanospray Package for LC-MS Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current nanospray emitters for liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry are time-consuming, expensive, and require expert-level training due to their fragility and delicate nature, necessitating specialized tools and complex assembly processes, which limits their usability in clinical settings.
Innovation Solution
An integrated nanospray package with a novel design that includes a fluidic connection, high-voltage conductive element, packed bed chromatography column, and electrospray ionization emitter, combined with an ionization source mount for stepwise engagement and automatic protection, enabling easy assembly, robust operation, and co-axial sheath gas support for nebulization, while minimizing the need for temperature control elements within the package.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional nanospray emitters are used for liquid chromatography coupled with mass spectrometry, then analytical sensitivity and selectivity are improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate due to fragility and delicate assembly requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the nanospray emitter, chromatography column, and electrical connection into a single integrated nanospray package. This merging of components eliminates the need for separate assembly steps and reduces handling of fragile parts, directly addressing the ease of operation deterioration while maintaining analytical sensitivity through the integrated design.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent segments the complex nanospray system into a disposable integrated package that can be easily replaced, separating the fragile emitter components from the durable mass spectrometer interface. This segmentation allows the sensitive analytical components to be pre-assembled and protected, while the interface components remain robust and reusable.
2Measurement precision
If conventional nanospray emitters are used, then analytical sensitivity is improved, but loss of time increases due to time-consuming assembly and preparation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements preliminary action by pre-assembling the nanospray emitter, chromatography column, and electrical connection into a complete integrated package before use. This pre-assembly eliminates time-consuming on-site preparation and assembly steps, allowing users to simply replace the entire package rather than assembling individual fragile components during analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
By merging multiple components into a single integrated package, the patent eliminates the sequential assembly steps that consume time. The integrated design allows all components to be prepared and tested together in advance, reducing the time required during actual analytical operations.
3Measurement precision
If conventional nanospray emitters are used, then analytical sensitivity is improved, but device complexity increases due to specialized tools and equipment requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the fragile and complex emitter assembly from the durable mass spectrometer interface, placing the sensitive components within a protected integrated package. This extraction removes the need for specialized tools and equipment at the mass spectrometer end, as the integrated package contains all necessary components and connections.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs disposable integrated nanospray packages that eliminate the need for expensive specialized tools and equipment for assembly and maintenance. The disposable nature of the integrated package reduces investment in specialized infrastructure while maintaining analytical sensitivity through factory-prepared components.
4Ease of operation
If integrated nanospray package is used, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase due to stepwise engagement and positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service through self-aligning features and spring-loaded mechanical connections that automatically position the integrated package correctly during insertion. The design includes self-adjusting mechanisms that compensate for minor positioning variations, reducing the need for high manufacturing precision while maintaining ease of operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses parameter changes in the form of spring force and mechanical tolerance ranges to accommodate positioning variations. The spring-loaded connections and flexible positioning mechanisms allow the system to function across a range of positions, reducing the stringency of manufacturing precision requirements while ensuring reliable engagement.
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 solution provides a user-friendly, cost-effective, and high-throughput system for chemical analysis with improved chromatographic performance and sensitivity, suitable for clinical environments with minimal specialized equipment, ensuring reliable and repeatable positioning of the nanospray emitter and efficient temperature control.
Implementation Method 1
A high voltage (1-4 kV) is applied to the liquid mobile phase resulting in an electrically charged aerosol emitting from the proximal end during the electrospray process
Implementation Method 2
co-axial sheath gas support for nebulization
Data Source
AI summary
Integrated nanospray ionization package, comprising a nanospray emitter, a push button carriage with button element projecting through a bore in said package, an integral high voltage contact pin, a bore in said package for reversible protrusion of the nanospray emitter, a push-and-retract spring mechanism in which the range of forward motion of the emitter is not dependent on range of travel of the said button, and then upon actuation of said button element and spring element for retraction of said nanospray emitter, said nanospray emitter is pushed forward to establish electrical contact, and upon release of said button retracts and breaks the electrical contact.