Integrated LC Electrospray Emitter with Retractable Tip Protection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional liquid chromatography (LC) systems with nano-liter flow rates face issues due to incorrect assembly of fittings and fluid connections, leading to leaks, reduced sensitivity, and poor chromatographic separation, while the fragile and sharp electrospray emitters are prone to damage and safety hazards.
Innovation Solution
An integrated system with a retractable protective sleeve and an emitter-enabled capillary column that includes a conductive sheath for high-voltage connection, embedded in a plastic material for rigidity and protection, and a porous matrix for reduced void volume, addressing the fragility and assembly challenges of LC columns and electrospray emitters.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional LC columns and spray emitters are used separately, then the system requires complex assembly of fittings and fluid connections, but this leads to incorrect connections, leaks, and poor sensitivity
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the LC column and electrospray emitter into a single integrated cartridge assembly where the emitter is directly coupled to the column outlet. This eliminates the need for separate fittings and fluid connections between components, thereby removing the source of assembly errors and leaks while maintaining chromatographic performance.
2Productivity
If narrow inner diameter transfer lines and columns are used for nano-liter flow rates, then flow rate control is improved, but the components become physically fragile and susceptible to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The fragile electrospray emitter and narrow-bore column are nested within a robust protective cartridge housing. The cartridge provides mechanical strength and protection to the delicate internal components, allowing narrow inner diameter components to maintain their flow control characteristics while being shielded from external damage during handling and operation.
3Ease of operation
If the electrospray emitter is exposed for operation, then ionization function is enabled, but the sharp emitter poses safety hazards and is prone to damage
Solution Approach 1:
The protective cartridge incorporates a retractable or movable shield that can be positioned to cover the emitter when not in use and retracted to expose the emitter during operation. This dynamic protection mechanism maintains safety by covering the sharp emitter most of the time while enabling ionization function when needed, reducing both safety hazards and damage risk.
4Adaptability or versatility
If conventional fittings and connections are used, then assembly flexibility is maintained, but dead volumes are introduced that reduce sensitivity and separating power
Solution Approach 1:
By merging the column and emitter into a single integrated cartridge with direct coupling, the patent eliminates intermediate connections and fittings that would otherwise introduce dead volumes. This integration maintains assembly flexibility through the cartridge design while removing sources of sensitivity loss and reduced separating power.
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 integrated system enhances chromatographic performance by reducing post-column dead volume, protecting the emitter from damage, and ensuring safe operation by providing mechanical relief and electrical shielding, thus improving analytical sensitivity and safety.
Implementation Method 1
A resilient member can be provided to bias the protective sleeve towards the extended position wherein it covers the tip of the emitter portion
Implementation Method 2
The electrically conductive sheath can be adapted to contact the high-voltage contact point and provide an electrical connection to enable the emitter-enabled capillary column to receive a high voltage
Implementation Method 3
the eluate from the LC column is passed through an emitter (also termed a needle) that is held at an electric potential that usually differs by one or more kilovolts from an opposing inlet orifice of the mass spectrometer. This enables the eluate, and subsequently the analytes, to adopt electric charges (i.e. become ionized)
Data Source
AI summary
An integrated system for liquid separation and electrospray ionization includes an emitter-enabled capillary column including an emitter portion and a column portion; and a retractable protective sleeve for covering and/or supporting the emitter portion along at least a portion of its axis. The protective sleeve is mounted around the emitter-enabled capillary column. The retractable protective sleeve is moveable to an extended position wherein a tip of the emitter portion is covered by the protective sleeve. A resilient member is provided to bias the protective sleeve towards the extended position. The protective sleeve is enclosed and moveable within an outer electrically conductive sheath adapted for insertion within a holder having a high-voltage contact point. The sheath is adapted to contact the high-voltage contact point and provide an electrical connection to enable the emitter-enabled capillary column to receive a high voltage. The sheath has a recess to receive the high-voltage contact point.