Mass Spectrometer Parameter Sequencing to Avoid Local Optima
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Solution Overview
Problem
The sequential method for optimizing device parameters in mass spectrometry often results in local optimum solutions, leading to decreased measurement efficiency and increased costs due to low detection sensitivity and excessive sample and material consumption.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometry method that optimizes temperature parameters before other parameters, such as voltage and gas flow rates, to prevent local optimum conditions and achieve higher detection sensitivity, involving repeated measurements and sequential optimization of parameter sets.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If the sequential method is used to optimize device parameters, then the number of measurement times is reduced compared to the exhaustive method, but local optimum solutions are obtained instead of comprehensive optimum solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by optimizing temperature parameters before other parameters. The measurement controller is configured to optimize temperature parameters first, then proceed to optimize other parameters such as voltage and gas flow rates. This preliminary optimization of temperature ensures that subsequent optimizations are performed from a more favorable starting point, increasing the likelihood of achieving comprehensive optimum solutions rather than getting trapped in local optima.
2Loss of time
If the sequential method is used to optimize device parameters, then measurement time is reduced, but sample and material consumption increases due to excessive measurement times
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes temperature parameters first before proceeding to other parameters, which creates a more favorable baseline for subsequent optimizations. This preliminary action reduces the number of iterative adjustments needed later, thereby reducing both measurement time and the associated consumption of samples and materials.
3Ease of operation
If the sequential method is used to optimize device parameters, then the optimization process is simpler, but detection sensitivity decreases due to local optimum solutions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent maintains the simplicity of the sequential method while improving detection sensitivity by introducing a specific preliminary action: optimizing temperature parameters first. This modified sequential approach preserves the ease of operation by following a clear step-by-step process, but enhances detection sensitivity by ensuring that temperature optimization precedes other parameter optimizations, thereby avoiding local optimum traps.
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 ensures comprehensive optimum solutions are found, reducing unnecessary optimization and minimizing sample and material usage, thereby improving measurement efficiency and reducing costs.
Implementation Method 1
an ion source using an atmospheric pressure ionization method for ionizing a component contained in a liquid sample
Implementation Method 2
a mass separator configured to separate ions derived from the component contained in the liquid sample in accordance with a mass-to-charge ratio
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometer according to an aspect of the present invention includes, to optimize N (where N is an integer of 2 or more) parameters that affect ionization efficiency in an ion source (31), a measurement controller (41) that causes respective units to repeatedly execute measurement on a sample containing a target component while changing values of the N parameters or a value set of M (where M is an integer smaller than N) parameters, in a plurality of stages, and a parameter determiner (53) that sequentially finds an optimum value for each parameter based on a result of the measurement executed under control of the measurement controller (41). At least one parameter whose physical quantity is temperature is optimized prior to all of the parameters whose physical quantities are other than temperature.