Ion Source Electro-Pneumatic Control for Mass Spectrometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ion sources for mass spectrometry, such as MALDI and Electrospray, face limitations in sensitivity, ionization efficiency, and operational complexity, leading to challenges in biomarker discovery and analysis, particularly due to molecular fragmentation, inefficient ion generation, and suboptimal operational control.

Innovation Solution

The development of ion sources with controlled electro-pneumatic superposition, synchronized to RF multipole operation, and charge injection technologies, which utilize electro-pneumatic elements to guide and stabilize ions, increasing ionization efficiency and sensitivity by optimizing gas flow and electrostatic fields, and implementing active feedback systems for precise control.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If MALDI or Electrospray ion sources are used, then ion generation is achieved, but sensitivity and ionization efficiency are limited due to molecular fragmentation and suboptimal operational control

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveionization efficiencyVSAvoidmolecular fragmentation

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements active feedback systems that monitor ion current and operational parameters in real-time, automatically adjusting voltage, gas flow, and other parameters to optimize ionization efficiency while minimizing molecular fragmentation through closed-loop control

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The patent systematically optimizes multiple operational parameters including voltage potentials, gas flow rates, and timing sequences to achieve optimal ionization conditions that maximize ion generation while reducing fragmentation through coordinated parameter adjustment

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Reliability

If complex ion source systems are implemented to improve sensitivity, then ion transmission is enhanced, but operational complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

ImprovesensitivityVSAvoidoperational complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines multiple functions including ion generation, electro-pneumatic guidance, charge injection, and feedback control into an integrated ion source system, reducing operational complexity while maintaining enhanced sensitivity through unified control architecture

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent designs electro-pneumatic elements and control systems that perform multiple functions simultaneously - guiding ions, stabilizing trajectories, and providing feedback control - thereby reducing the number of separate components and simplifying operation while enhancing sensitivity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Productivity

If electro-pneumatic elements are added to guide and stabilize ions, then ion transmission is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion transmissionVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces electro-pneumatic elements that use controlled gas flows to guide and stabilize ion trajectories, improving ion transmission through the mass spectrometer while integrating these pneumatic components into the existing electrical control architecture to minimize added complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

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 approach significantly enhances ion transmission and sensitivity, reduces fragmentation, and improves the operational efficiency of mass spectrometry, enabling more reliable biomarker discovery and analysis by increasing the number of ions transmitted and stabilizing their trajectories.

Implementation Method 1

controlled superposition of gas flow fields and electrostatic fields within an ion source to effect rapid collisional cooling with improved collection, collimation, and output of ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrostatic fields: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

controlled superposition of gas flow fields and electrostatic fields within an ion source to effect rapid collisional cooling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas flow fields: Convection

Implementation Method 3

controlled superposition of gas flow fields and electrostatic fields within an ion source to effect rapid collisional cooling

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCollisional cooling: Cooling

Implementation Method 4

charge injection technologies, which utilize electro-pneumatic elements to guide and stabilize ions, increasing ionization efficiency and sensitivity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCharge injection: Ionisation

Data Source

PatentUS9799481B2Methods and apparatus for ion sources, ion control and ion measurement for macromolecules

Publication Date: 2017.10.24 HIEKE ANDREAS

AI summary

Disclosed are methods, apparatus, systems, processes and other inventions relating to: ion sources with controlled electro-pneumatic superposition, ion source synchronized to RF multipole, ion source with charge injection, optimized control in active feedback system, radiation supported charge-injection liquid spray, ion source with controlled liquid injection as well as various embodiments and combinations of each of the foregoing.