Detachable Ionizer Alignment Mechanism for Precise Ion Introduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
The challenge lies in attaching high-performance/multifunctional LDI or MALDI devices to mass spectrometers with high positional accuracy due to their large size and weight, which complicates precise alignment with the ion introduction port, affecting measurement sensitivity and ion introduction efficiency.
Innovation Solution
An ionizer with a detachable design featuring a movably-holding mechanism that allows the ionization section to be rotated and moved along multiple axes, facilitating precise alignment with the mass spectrometer's attachment surface, thereby simplifying and improving the attachment process.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the LDI device or MALDI device includes a large laser irradiation optical system, sample stage, and observation mechanism to achieve high-performance/multifunctional capabilities, then the device functionality is improved, but the size and weight increase making it difficult to attach with high positional accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the dynamics principle by providing the ionization section with movable mechanisms including a moving mechanism that can move the ionization section in three directions and a rotating mechanism that can rotate the ionization section about two axes. This dynamic positioning capability allows the large and heavy ionization section to be precisely aligned with the ion introduction port, resolving the contradiction between device functionality and positional accuracy.
2Ease of operation
If manual adjustment is used to align the ionizer with the ion introduction port, then the attachment process is simple, but achieving high positional accuracy of several hundred μm or less is difficult for large devices
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated positioning mechanisms. The moving mechanism and rotating mechanism provide automated, precise control of the ionization section's position and orientation, eliminating the limitations of manual adjustment while maintaining ease of operation through automated systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent incorporates feedback mechanisms including an observation device for observing the sample and a control mechanism that controls the moving and rotating mechanisms based on observation results. This feedback loop enables automatic adjustment and precise alignment of the ionization section with the ion introduction port, achieving high positional accuracy without complex manual procedures.
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 solution enables the ionizer to be easily and accurately attached to the mass spectrometer, ensuring high positional accuracy and optimizing ion introduction efficiency, even for large and heavy devices, thereby enhancing measurement sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a laser desorption/ionization (LDI) method. The laser desorption/ionization method is a method in which a sample is irradiated with laser light, and sample molecules are excited and ionized by the energy of the laser light
Implementation Method 2
sample molecules are excited and ionized by the energy of the laser light
Implementation Method 3
a substance (matrix material) that easily absorbs laser light and is easily ionized is mixed to a sample
Data Source
AI summary
An ionizer 1 detachably attached to a main body 2 of an ion analyzing device includes an ionization section 10 including a sample stage 14 and light irradiation units 11, 12, and 13 configured to irradiate a sample placed on the sample stage 14 with light, a base body, and a movably-holding mechanism which is provided on the base body and configured to hold the ionization section in a manner movable or rotatable about one or more axes.