Automated Mass Spectrometer Performance Testing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Manual performance testing of mass spectrometers after maintenance is inconsistent, time-consuming, and error-prone, requiring skilled technicians and leading to inconsistent results due to varying testing practices.
Innovation Solution
An automated method for performance maintenance that includes pre-maintenance and post-maintenance testing, with a benchmark comparison to assess performance degradation, using a test sequence that includes informational, non-critical, and critical threshold tests, and remedial actions for critical failures, enabled by a user interface and executable code on a computer-readable medium.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If manual testing is performed by skilled technicians, then testing accuracy can be maintained, but testing consistency and efficiency deteriorate due to human variability and time consumption
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces manual mechanical testing operations with an automated computer-based testing system. The automated system executes predefined test sequences, collects data, and generates reports without human intervention, thereby eliminating human variability while maintaining testing accuracy and significantly improving efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The testing system performs self-testing and self-evaluation by automatically executing test sequences, comparing results against predetermined criteria, and generating performance assessments without requiring skilled technicians to perform the actual testing operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual testing procedures are used, then flexibility in handling different test scenarios is improved, but testing consistency and reliability deteriorate due to varying testing practices
Solution Approach 1:
The testing system incorporates dynamic adaptability through configurable test sequences and adjustable evaluation criteria that can be modified based on different instrument types and maintenance scenarios, while maintaining consistent execution through automated control.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows modification of test parameters, thresholds, and sequences to adapt to different testing scenarios while maintaining consistent automated execution, ensuring that reliability is preserved through standardized automated procedures rather than varying human practices.
3Measurement precision
If comprehensive test sequences are performed, then performance assessment accuracy is improved, but testing time and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring test sequences, evaluation criteria, and reporting templates before actual testing begins. This preparation enables comprehensive performance assessment to be executed efficiently during the actual testing phase without ad-hoc setup time.
Solution Approach 2:
The automated testing system maintains continuous operation throughout the test sequence execution, data collection, analysis, and report generation processes, eliminating interruptions and idle time that would occur with manual testing transitions, thereby reducing total testing time while maintaining comprehensive assessment.
Data Source
AI summary
Techniques are described for performing performance maintenance on a mass spectrometer. Pre-maintenance testing is performed that automating execution of a test sequence in response to a first user interface selection. The maintenance activity performed upon completion of said pre-maintenance testing. Post-maintenance testing is preformed upon completion of said maintenance activity. The post-maintenance testing includes automating execution of the test sequence in response to a second user interface selection. A benchmark comparison is performed to determine whether performance of the mass spectrometer has degraded as a result of performing the maintenance activity, wherein said benchmark comparison is performed automatically in response to completing said post-maintenance testing.