Mass Spectrometer Collision Energy Optimization
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mass spectrometer tuning methods, particularly using the flow injection method, face challenges in determining optimal control parameters like collision energy within limited time due to sample density changes, leading to increased sample consumption and prolonged analysis times.
Innovation Solution
A triple quadrupole mass spectrometer with a parameter optimization system that employs coarse and fine adjustment modes to determine the optimal collision energy by changing energy values at different intervals, allowing for efficient determination of collision energy values during a single sample injection, and potentially two injections, reducing the time and sample quantity required for tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of substance
If the flow injection method is used to introduce sample into the ion source, then sample consumption is reduced, but the data collecting time is greatly restricted due to limited sample introduction time and bell-shaped density distribution
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the parameter optimization process into two distinct modes: coarse adjustment mode for initial parameter optimization and fine adjustment mode for precise optimization. This segmentation allows the system to efficiently utilize the limited data collection time from FIA by performing rapid coarse adjustments during the peak sample introduction period, then performing finer adjustments as needed, thereby resolving the contradiction between reduced sample consumption and restricted data collection time
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements periodic action by alternating between coarse adjustment cycles and fine adjustment cycles. During each sample introduction event, the system performs coarse adjustment at regular intervals to capture the bell-shaped density distribution, then transitions to fine adjustment for precise optimization. This periodic alternation maximizes the utilization of limited sample introduction time while maintaining low sample consumption
2Measurement precision
If comprehensive ion intensity measurement is performed by changing collision energy at small intervals over a wide range, then optimal collision energy can be determined, but the number of data items increases or cycle duration is prolonged
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the collision energy optimization process into two distinct phases: coarse adjustment phase where collision energy is changed at larger intervals to quickly identify the optimal range, and fine adjustment phase where collision energy is changed at smaller intervals within a narrower range to precisely determine the optimal value. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by achieving both comprehensive coverage and high precision without requiring all measurements to be performed at fine intervals
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by adaptively adjusting the collision energy interval based on the current optimization stage and observed ion intensity changes. During coarse adjustment, larger intervals are used to efficiently explore the collision energy range. When approaching the optimal region, the system dynamically transitions to smaller intervals for fine adjustment, thereby achieving high measurement precision while maintaining high productivity throughout the optimization process
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 enables efficient determination of optimal collision energy values for each product ion, reducing the time and sample quantity needed for equipment tuning, thereby facilitating quicker and more efficient analysis operations.
Implementation Method 1
a collision cell for dissociating ions... capable of MS/MS analysis... collision energy used for collision-induced dissociation (CID) of ions
Data Source
AI summary
After a first sample injection by a flow injection method, ion intensity of each product ions is measured by varying collision energy at coarse intervals over a wide energy range in a coarse adjustment mode (S1, S2). The integrated strength values of each type of product ions are compared among different levels of collision energy, and if there is any significant difference, the energy level corresponding to the largest integrated intensity value is determined as an approximate value (S3, Y in S4). Subsequently, a narrow energy range centering around the approximate value and a small interval are determined, the mode is switched to a fine adjustment mode, and the intensity of each product ions is measured by varying collision energy as in the case of the coarse adjustment mode.