Ion Source Positioning Guide for GC-MS
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion sources in instruments become contaminated, leading to poor performance and analysis errors, and proper column positioning in GC-MS systems is challenging, often requiring non-visual feedback methods that are time-consuming and inaccurate, with the system being open to the atmosphere during alignment, risking contamination.
Innovation Solution
A device with a cylindrical body and positioning guide is coupled to the instrument housing to provide a fluid tight seal and facilitate precise positioning of a chromatography column, using optical elements for magnification and visual aids, and a carrier tube system to prevent ion source removal and protect the column during cleaning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the ion source is removed for cleaning, then the source contamination is removed, but the instrument becomes exposed to atmosphere causing contamination of internal components
Solution Approach 1:
A positioning guide device serves as an intermediary component that maintains the fluid-tight seal of the instrument housing when the ion source is removed. The device includes a seal member that engages with the housing aperture, preventing atmospheric contamination while allowing the ion source to be removed for cleaning and maintenance.
2Measurement precision
If traditional column positioning methods are used, then the system remains simple, but positioning accuracy is poor and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical positioning methods with optical positioning guides. The optical guides provide visual feedback and precise alignment references, enabling accurate column positioning without time-consuming trial and error mechanical adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning guide incorporates visual feedback mechanisms that allow operators to see the precise position of the column relative to the optimal insertion point. This real-time visual feedback enables quick and accurate positioning, significantly reducing the time required compared to methods without visual feedback.
3Ease of repair
If the ion source is removed, then cleaning can be performed, but the chromatography column may be broken
Solution Approach 1:
The positioning guide device acts as a protective intermediary that remains in place during ion source removal. It includes structural components that support and protect the chromatography column, preventing accidental breakage while allowing complete access to the ion source for cleaning and maintenance.
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 ensures a clean and accurate positioning of chromatography columns within the instrument, reducing contamination risks and preventing column breakage during ion source removal, while maintaining instrument performance and integrity.
Implementation Method 1
The positioning guide is further configured to magnify space underneath the positioning guide
Data Source
Figure 1A~1B
Figure 2A
Figure 2B
AI summary
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to inserts and ion sources. In some examples, an insert can comprise a positioning guide configured to provide for visual positioning of a chromatography column under the positioning guide. In other examples, an ion source configured with an aperture to couple to a carrier tube to render the ion source non-removable from an instrument housing when the carrier tube is coupled to the ion source is described.