MS Probe Feedback Positioning for Uneven Surface Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometry imaging techniques face challenges in achieving reproducible and quantifiable results on uneven surfaces due to variations in the distance between the mass spectrometry probe and the sample surface, requiring manual adjustments that are time-consuming and prone to human error.
Innovation Solution
An automated feedback control system that uses z-axis sensors, such as conductance sensors, to maintain fluid communication between the liquid microjunction-surface sampling probe and the sample surface by adjusting the probe's position relative to the sample, allowing for precise control of the probe's movement along the x, y, and z axes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If manual adjustment of probe position is used on uneven surfaces, then sampling can be performed, but reproducibility and quantification are compromised due to varying distances
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a feedback control system where a sensor (such as a capacitive or conductive sensor) continuously monitors the distance between the probe tip and the sample surface. The controller receives this distance information and automatically adjusts the probe position to maintain a constant gap, eliminating manual adjustment and ensuring reproducible sampling across uneven surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated electromechanical system. A motorized positioning mechanism, controlled by a computer or microcontroller, substitutes for human hand movements, providing precise and repeatable probe positioning based on sensor feedback.
2Productivity
If manual adjustment of probe position is performed, then sampling can adapt to uneven surfaces, but time consumption increases and human error occurs
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-positioning through automated feedback control. The sensor continuously monitors the probe-sample distance, and the controller automatically makes corrections without human intervention, enabling the system to service itself and eliminate time-consuming manual adjustments.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces time-consuming manual mechanical adjustment with rapid automated electromechanical positioning. The motorized system can quickly and precisely adjust probe position in response to sensor feedback, dramatically increasing sampling throughput while eliminating human error.
3Measurement precision
If constant probe-to-surface distance is maintained, then reproducible results are achieved, but complexity of the system increases due to automation requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback control loop where a sensor monitors the probe-sample distance and the controller adjusts positioning accordingly. This automated feedback mechanism ensures constant distance maintenance and reproducible measurements, with the added complexity being justified by the significant improvement in measurement precision and elimination of manual error.
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 solution enables efficient and reproducible sampling of both biological and non-biological materials with uneven surfaces, reducing human error and increasing sampling throughput by maintaining consistent fluid communication between the probe and the sample, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of mass spectrometry imaging.
Implementation Method 1
at least one z-axis sensor that outputs at least one sensor signal corresponding to a sensed z-axis position of a tip of the MS probe relative to the sample material surface
Implementation Method 2
maintain fluid communication between the liquid microjunction-surface sampling probe and the sample surface
Data Source
AI summary
A controller for an open port interphase mass spectrometry (MS) probe automates analysis of samples, providing continuous, fast, and reproducible sampling. The sensed position of the probe above the sample surface is used by the controller in a feedback loop to set the probe at the proper position on the sample surface for sampling. One embodiment uses a conductance based sensor signal as input to the feedback loop to determine contact of the probe with the sample surface and to set the probe position according to a selected conductance value. The controller allows fast and automated sampling of uneven sample surfaces with minimal sample preparation while minimizing the risk of clogging the MS probe.