Mass Spectrometer Dual Flow Passageway Ion Routing

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Current mass spectrometer devices combining ion mobility separation and mass spectrometry face challenges with ion loss and decreased sensitivity due to the mounting of ion mobility separation devices, which complicates switching between analysis modes, leading to reduced throughput and sensitivity.

Innovation Solution

A mass spectrometer device with a blocking mechanism that selectively routes ions through either a flow passageway with or without an ion mobility separation unit, using physical, gas, or electric field blocking methods to optimize ion flow based on detection needs, allowing for efficient switching between analysis modes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If an ion mobility separation device is mounted in the mass spectrometer device, then ion separation performance is improved, but ion loss occurs and sensitivity decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion separation performanceVSAvoidion amount

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The device is divided into two separate flow passageways: a first flow passageway that routes ions through the ion mobility separation device, and a second flow passageway that routes ions directly to the detector without passing through the separation device. This segmentation allows selective ion separation only when needed, preventing ion loss during mass spectrometry operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A blocking mechanism dynamically controls which flow passageway is active. The blocking mechanism can switch between blocking the first flow passageway (allowing direct ion flow through the second passageway) and blocking the second flow passageway (routing ions through the first passageway to the ion mobility separation device). This dynamic switching optimizes both ion separation performance and ion transmission efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Measurement precision

If the ion mobility separation device is mounted, then separating performance increases, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseparating performanceVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ion mobility separation device is integrated into the existing mass spectrometer device structure, combining both separation and detection functions in a single unified system. The blocking mechanism and dual flow passageways are incorporated within the same device housing, eliminating the need for separate standalone equipment and reducing overall system complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The mass spectrometer device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in mass spectrometry mode using the second flow passageway, and in ion mobility separation mode using the first flow passageway. The blocking mechanism enables the device to switch between these modes, providing universal functionality that handles both separated and non-separated ion analysis requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Ease of operation

If manual attaching and detaching of the ion mobility separation device is required, then operation becomes cumbersome, but measurement throughput decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveoperation easeVSAvoidmeasurement throughput

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The blocking mechanism automatically controls ion routing based on the operational mode of the mass spectrometer device. The control unit automatically switches the blocking mechanism between its two states: blocking the first flow passageway during mass spectrometry operations, and blocking the second flow passageway during ion mobility separation operations. This automated self-service eliminates manual intervention and maintains high measurement throughput.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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 configuration enables high-throughput, high-sensitivity analysis by minimizing ion loss and facilitating rapid mode switching, thereby improving the efficiency and sensitivity of mass spectrometry operations.

Implementation Method 1

an ion mobility separation device (or an ion mobility device) separates ions by utilizing the difference in ion transfer velocity in gaseous phase depending on the three-dimensional structure of molecular ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIon mobility separation: Electrophoresis

Implementation Method 2

a blocking mechanism for selectively blocking the passage of the ions from the ion source through the first flow passageway or the second flow passageway

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric field blocking: Electric Field

Data Source

PatentUS10139369B2Mass spectrometer

Publication Date: 2018.11.27 HITACHI HIGH TECH CORP

AI summary

A mass spectrometer device comprising an ion mobility separation device and a mass spectrometer that are coupled together. In order to achieve high efficiency, high throughput, and high sensitivity, the mass spectrometer is provided with: a first flow passageway 24 through which ions from an ion source 1 are introduced into the mass spectrometer 11 by passing through an ion mobility separation unit 2; a second flow passageway 21 through which the ions from the ion source are introduced into the mass spectrometer without passing through the ion mobility separation unit; and a switch means, such as shield units 4, 5, for switching between the first flow passageway 24 and the second flow passageway 21.