Ion Source Capillary Position Check Using No-Sample Current
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ionization methods, such as electrospray ionization (ESI), face challenges in determining the optimal position of the capillary downstream end before ion production, leading to reduced throughput, sample loss, and potential contamination due to capillary misalignment or clogging, which complicates analysis reproducibility and increases the risk of device failure.
Innovation Solution
An ion source that measures the electric current generated when a voltage is applied to the capillary without a sample, using an ammeter to determine if the capillary projection is within an acceptable range, thereby ensuring the proper positioning of the downstream end.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the capillary downstream end position is adjusted by visual confirmation, then the position can be checked, but the position resolution is limited and cannot accurately determine optimal positioning
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces visual confirmation (mechanical/optical system) with electrical current measurement (electrical system) to determine capillary position. The electrical system measures current generated when voltage is applied to the capillary, providing precise position detection without adding complex mechanical or optical components to the analyzer.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces electrical current as an intermediary parameter to indirectly measure capillary position. Instead of directly measuring position visually, the system uses the electrical current generated by the capillary as a mediator to infer position accuracy, enabling precise measurement without direct observation.
2Reliability
If the capillary is exchanged frequently due to clogging, then sample analysis can continue, but the throughput is reduced and sample loss occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of capillary position using electrical current measurement before sample analysis begins. This preliminary action ensures the capillary is correctly positioned and functional, preventing analysis interruptions and sample loss that would occur if a misplaced capillary were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where electrical current measurement provides information about capillary position quality. This feedback allows operators to verify proper installation before analysis, ensuring reliability without requiring frequent exchanges that reduce throughput.
3Ease of operation
If the capillary downstream end does not reach the desired position, then the capillary may be caught in the midway point, but this causes gas spray pipe soaking and potential contamination or failure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary verification of capillary position using electrical current measurement before sample analysis begins. This preliminary action ensures the capillary is correctly positioned and functional, preventing analysis interruptions and sample loss that would occur if a misplaced capillary were used.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent applies preliminary anti-action by measuring electrical current to detect improper capillary positioning before it can cause harm. By identifying misplaced capillaries in advance, the system prevents the harmful effect of gas spray pipe soaking and potential contamination or failure.
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 method allows for accurate and efficient identification of the capillary's proper position, enhancing analysis reproducibility and minimizing throughput loss by preventing contamination and device failure.
Implementation Method 1
measures an electric current generated due to the application of a voltage to a capillary by a power supply
Data Source
AI summary
There are provided an ion source that can accurately and efficiently grasp whether a tip end position on a capillary downstream side is proper and a control method therefor. An ion source according to an embodiment of the present invention measures an electric current generated due to the application of a voltage to a capillary by a power supply when a sample is not introduced into the capillary. When the electric current is within tolerance, the ion source outputs projection amount information expressing that the projection amount of the capillary is proper, and the ion source outputs the projection amount information expressing that the projection amount is improper when the projection amount is not within the tolerance.