LC-MS Standard Sample Container with Movable Partition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid chromatograph mass spectrometers face contamination issues with the pump and column due to standard samples, and require complex mechanisms for mass calibration, increasing costs and maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer design that uses a standard sample container with a movable partition plate, allowing for mass calibration without contaminating the pump or column, utilizing the existing mobile phase solvent pump to introduce the standard sample solution directly to the mass spectrometer, thereby preventing contamination and minimizing additional equipment needs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the standard sample is introduced through the liquid chromatograph feed pump and column, then mass calibration can be performed, but the pump and column become contaminated and clogged, shortening their lifespan
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the sample introduction path into two separate routes: one for standard samples (direct to mass spectrometer) and one for actual samples (through chromatograph). This segmentation prevents standard samples from contaminating the chromatograph components while maintaining mass calibration capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard sample introduction function is extracted from the liquid chromatograph system and implemented as a separate introduction unit. This extraction allows mass calibration to be performed without involving the chromatograph pump and column, thereby preventing contamination.
2Measurement precision
If a new mechanism is added for continuously adding standard substance, then mass calibration can be performed, but the device complexity and introduction cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The liquid feed pump is designed to perform multiple functions: it serves as both the mobile phase solvent pump for sample analysis and the standard sample introduction pump for mass calibration. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for a separate standard sample addition unit, reducing device complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The standard sample introduction unit is merged with the existing liquid feed pump system. The pump handles both mobile phase delivery and standard sample introduction through different operational modes, consolidating functions into a single unit rather than adding separate mechanisms.
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
Enables accurate mass calibration without adding complex mechanisms, preventing pump and column contamination and reducing operational costs by using the existing solvent pump, ensuring reliable and cost-effective analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a liquid feed pump (11) for feeding a mobile phase solvent (24)
Implementation Method 2
The chromatograph is a device that separates a component in a mixture by using intensity of chemical or physical interaction
Implementation Method 3
separates ions according to a mass-to-charge ratio by electrical and magnetic action
Implementation Method 4
separates ions according to a mass-to-charge ratio by electrical and magnetic action
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~2(c)
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention provides a liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer which prevents contamination of a pump and a column and can perform mass calibration without adding a complicated mechanism. This liquid chromatograph mass spectrometer includes a liquid chromatograph including a liquid feed pump configured to feed a mobile phase solvent, a mass spectrometer configured to analyze a mass of a sample, and a standard sample container configured to be connected in series with the liquid chromatograph and the mass spectrometer in a flow path that connects the liquid chromatograph and the mass spectrometer and configured to house a standard sample for mass calibration.