Automated Mass Spectrometry Sample Handling System
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current sample preparation and introduction processes for mass spectrometry are time-consuming, hindering rapid and efficient analysis of multiple samples, especially in high-throughput screening procedures, due to the need for manual intervention and separate control of different systems.
Innovation Solution
A centralized control system orchestrates sample handling, preparation, and analysis by integrating robotics and mechanical devices to synchronize operations across subsystems, enabling efficient retrieval, capture, dilution, and mass analysis of multiple samples using a sample handler, capture probe, and mass analysis instrument.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If manual sample preparation and introduction methods are used, then analysis accuracy can be maintained, but analysis throughput is reduced and time consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate systems (sample handler, capture probe, mass analysis instrument) into an integrated automated system. The sample handler retrieves samples, the capture probe captures and dilutes them, and the mass analysis instrument analyzes them, all coordinated by a centralized control system. This merging eliminates manual intervention between steps and enables continuous automated processing, directly increasing throughput and reducing preparation time.
Solution Approach 2:
The sample handler retrieves and positions samples in advance, and the capture probe is ready to capture samples immediately upon arrival. The system performs preliminary positioning and preparation actions before actual analysis begins, enabling seamless transitions between samples and maintaining continuous operation, thereby reducing idle time and increasing overall throughput.
2Productivity
If automated sample handling is implemented, then analysis speed increases, but system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The centralized control system serves multiple functions: it coordinates the sample handler, controls the capture probe operations, manages the mass analysis instrument, and handles data processing. This universal control architecture, while adding complexity, enables streamlined communication and coordination between components, making the automated system manageable and efficient despite its multi-component nature.
3Measurement precision
If multiple samples are processed sequentially with manual intervention, then analysis quality can be maintained, but processing time for multiple samples increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated system maintains continuous operation by eliminating idle time between samples. The sample handler continuously retrieves and positions samples, the capture probe continuously captures and dilutes them, and the mass analysis instrument continuously analyzes them. This continuous workflow maintains analysis quality through consistent automated procedures while dramatically increasing multi-sample processing throughput compared to manual sequential processing.
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 significantly increases throughput by automating sample processing, reducing manual intervention, and allowing for rapid analysis of multiple samples, whether analytically related or not, by coordinating the operations of sample handlers, capture devices, and mass analysis instruments.
Implementation Method 1
the mass analysis instrument to ionize and detect one or more particles of the transferred treated sample
Data Source
AI summary
Technology for analyzing collections of substance samples. Systems in accordance with the disclosure can include one or more sample handlers, sample capture devices, mass analysis instruments, and controllers; the controllers being operative, in accordance with instructions received from at least one of an operator input device and machine-interpretable instructions stored in memory accessible by the controller, to generate signals configured to cause the sample handler to collectively retrieve from a sample source a plurality of samples of one or more substances, and deliver the plurality of collected samples to the at least one sample capture device; cause the sample capture device to independently capture at least one of the collectively retrieved samples delivered by the sample handler, and transfer the at least one captured sample to a mass analysis instrument; and cause the mass analysis instrument to ionize and detect one or more particles of the transferred treated sample.