Ion Mobility Analysis System Using Pre-Stored Compensation Voltages
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion mobility separation devices face low throughput due to the need for extensive measurement time when setting multiple voltage points for precise ion detection, limiting the ability to analyze multiple ions simultaneously.
Innovation Solution
An analysis system that includes a storage unit associating mass spectrometry result information with analysis conditions, allowing a control unit to determine optimal analysis conditions for ions based on stored data, reducing the time required for analysis and increasing efficiency.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If multiple voltage points are set for precise ion detection, then measurement precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-measuring and storing ion mobility characteristics (compensation voltages) for multiple ion species in a database before actual analysis. During analysis, the system quickly retrieves pre-stored information matching the detected ion's m/z ratio, avoiding the need to perform extensive voltage scanning for each ion in real-time. This pre-preparation of data enables rapid determination of analysis conditions while maintaining precise ion detection.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically adjusts the measurement approach by combining a quick mass spectrometry detection with selective ion mobility measurement only for ions of interest. Rather than performing fixed extensive measurements for all possible ions, the system adapts the measurement process based on real-time detection needs, performing ion mobility measurements only when necessary to confirm ion identity or resolve ambiguities.
2Measurement precision
If fine voltage pitches or wide voltage ranges are used for precise measurement, then measurement precision is improved, but productivity decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary mass spectrometry detection to identify ions of interest, then selectively applies ion mobility separation only to those specific ions. Pre-stored compensation voltage information for multiple ion species enables rapid condition determination without requiring extensive voltage scanning for each ion, thus maintaining precise ion identification while significantly improving measurement throughput.
Solution Approach 2:
Rather than performing complete extensive voltage range measurements for all possible ions, the system applies partial measurement by using mass spectrometry to identify target ions first, then performing ion mobility measurements only for those specific ions. This selective approach achieves sufficient precision for ion identification while avoiding the excessive measurement time that would result from measuring all possible ions with fine voltage pitches.
3Measurement precision
If one ion species is measured under multiple conditions, then measurement precision is improved, but the ability to measure multiple ions simultaneously deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses preliminary mass spectrometry detection to rapidly identify multiple ion species present in the sample, then retrieves pre-stored ion mobility characteristics for each detected ion. This enables the system to determine appropriate analysis conditions for multiple ions simultaneously without performing extensive sequential measurements for each ion, thus maintaining precise ion species identification while improving multi-ion measurement capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses mass spectrometry detection as a copy or surrogate for the more time-consuming ion mobility measurement. By first detecting ions via mass spectrometry and then using the detected m/z ratios to retrieve pre-stored ion mobility information, the system creates a simplified measurement pathway that maintains identification precision while enabling simultaneous analysis of multiple ion species.
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
Enables rapid determination of suitable analysis conditions for ions, thereby enhancing the throughput and efficiency of the ion mobility separation process without the need for extensive measurement time.
Implementation Method 1
ion mobility spectrometry separates ions by utilizing the difference in the speed of ion movement in a gas phase due to difference in ion structure from one ion to another
Implementation Method 2
Mass spectrometry is a method of separating ions based on the mass-to-charge ratio (m/z) of molecular ions in vacuum
Implementation Method 3
ions generated by an ion source
Data Source
AI summary
An analysis system is provided with: a storage unit that stores first information associating mass spectrometry result information with an analysis condition concerning ion mobility separation; and a control unit that determines, as a first analysis condition for an ion to be measured, the analysis condition associated with the mass spectrometry result information of the first information corresponding to the mass spectrometry result information of the ion to be measured.