Mass Spectrometer Automated Sample Plate Identification
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers rely on manual reading of sample plate identifiers, which can lead to human errors such as omission or failure of reading, compromising the reliability of sample and analysis information association.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer equipped with an insertion port, a reading device that uses light to read identifiers on the sample plate, and a storage section to associate identification and analysis information, eliminating the need for manual reading.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual reading of sample plate identifiers is used, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability of sample and analysis information association deteriorates due to human errors
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the manual mechanical reading process with an automated optical reading system. A light emitter shines light onto the sample plate, and a light receiver detects the reflected or transmitted light to read the identifier automatically, eliminating human error in the identification process while maintaining reasonable device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The mass spectrometer performs self-identification by automatically reading its own sample plate identifier through the integrated light emitter and light receiver system. The system reads the identifier, stores it in the storage section, and associates it with the analysis information without requiring external manual intervention
2Reliability
If automated light-based reading device is added, then reliability of reading process is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter and light receiver serve multiple functions: they read the sample plate identifier and can also detect the presence or absence of the sample plate. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate detection systems, thereby limiting the increase in device complexity while maintaining high reading reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The reading function is merged with the sample plate detection function into a single optical system. The same light emitter and light receiver that read identifiers also detect whether a sample plate is present, consolidating multiple functions into one system to minimize added complexity
3Productivity
If manual reading process is used, then ease of operation is maintained, but productivity is reduced due to time-consuming manual operations
Solution Approach 1:
The light emitter and light receiver are pre-positioned to automatically read the sample plate identifier as soon as the sample plate is inserted into the mass spectrometer. This preliminary automatic reading eliminates the need for subsequent manual reading operations, improving productivity without significantly complicating the operating procedure
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs self-identification automatically upon sample plate insertion. The light emitter and light receiver read the identifier, and the storage section stores it without requiring operator intervention, thereby improving productivity while maintaining ease of operation through simple insert-and-analyze workflow
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
Enhances the reliability of sample and analysis information association by automating the reading process, reducing human errors and the need for additional detectors.
Implementation Method 1
a light receiver for receiving light reflected by or transmitted through the sample plate to read an identifier provided on the sample plate
Implementation Method 2
a light receiver for receiving light reflected by or transmitted through the sample plate to read an identifier provided on the sample plate
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometer 10 includes: an insertion port 1 through which a sample plate 8 is to be inserted; a reading device 6 including: a light emitter 61 disposed to emit light in such a manner that the light falls onto the sample plate 8 inserted through the insertion port 1; and a light receiver 62 for receiving reflected by or transmitted through the sample plate 8 to read an identifier 80 provided on the sample plate 8; an analyzer 101 for performing a mass spectrometric analysis on a sample 9 placed on the sample plate 8, to obtain analysis information of the sample 9; and a storage section 51 for storing identification information 800 of the sample plate 8 and the analysis information 100 of the sample 9 placed on the sample plate 8, which are associated with each other, the identification information 800 being indicated by the identifier 80 read by the reading device 6, and the analysis information 100 being obtained by the analyzer 101.