Mass Spectrometer Parameter Adjustment for Stable Ion Intensity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers experience reduced measurement accuracy and sensitivity due to electrode deterioration over time and machine differences, requiring time-consuming calibration curves for each analysis and spectrometer.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer with a storage unit for a reference value lower than the maximum measured intensity of an ion, and a parameter adjustment unit to set the measurement parameter to match this reference value, allowing for accurate measurements without recalibration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If measurement parameters are optimized to achieve maximum ion intensity, then measurement sensitivity is improved, but the system becomes sensitive to electrode deterioration and machine differences over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the reference parameter from maximum ion intensity to a fixed reference value that is intentionally lower than the maximum. This parameter change allows the system to maintain stable measurements over time by adjusting measurement parameters to achieve the reference value rather than maximizing intensity, thereby compensating for electrode deterioration and machine differences.
2Measurement precision
If individual calibration curves are created for each mass spectrometer and analysis, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but time and labor requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal reference value that can be applied across multiple mass spectrometers and analyses. Instead of requiring individual calibration curves for each instrument and analysis, the same reference value is used universally, and measurement parameters are adjusted to match this reference. This eliminates the need for repetitive calibration work while maintaining measurement accuracy across different instruments and time points.
3Ease of operation
If measurement parameters are kept constant across different mass spectrometers, then operational simplicity is maintained, but machine differences cause variations in measurement accuracy
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables each mass spectrometer to self-adjust its measurement parameters to match the universal reference value. The system automatically determines the appropriate measurement parameters for each instrument based on its characteristics, eliminating the need for manual calibration while ensuring consistent measurement accuracy across all instruments. This self-adjusting mechanism maintains operational simplicity while compensating for machine differences.
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometer includes: a storage unit 411 which stores, for an ion having a predetermined mass-to-charge ratio, a reference value which is a value lower than a maximum value of a measured intensity of the ion, the maximum value being obtained by optimizing a measurement parameter of each unit; and a parameter adjustment unit 43 configured to adjust a measurement parameter of each unit such that a measured intensity of the ion having the predetermined mass-to-charge ratio equals the reference value when a sample containing the ion is measured.