Multi-Capillary Interface for Mass Spectrometer Throughput
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing combination of sample separation devices with mass spectrometers has limited sample throughput, making it inefficient for processing multiple samples and requiring more resources and costs for mass spectrometers compared to sample separation devices.
Innovation Solution
An interface device with multiple movable sample capillaries within an emitter capillary allows for selective activation and deactivation of capillaries to transfer fluidic samples from sample separation devices to a mass spectrometer, enabling efficient operation with one mass spectrometer and accommodating different types of sample separation devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If a single sample capillary is used to transfer samples from separation device to mass spectrometer, then the device complexity is low, but the sample throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The interface device is segmented into multiple independent sample capillaries (first sample capillary, second sample capillary, etc.) that can operate independently. Each capillary can be selectively activated or deactivated, allowing multiple samples to be processed in parallel or sequentially without interference, thereby increasing sample throughput while maintaining manageable device complexity through modular architecture
Solution Approach 2:
The sample capillaries are designed to be movable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic selection and positioning of active capillaries. This dynamic configuration enables the system to adapt to different sampling needs, switch between multiple separation devices, and optimize throughput by activating only the necessary capillaries at any given time, balancing complexity with productivity
2Productivity
If multiple mass spectrometers are used to process multiple samples simultaneously, then the sample throughput is improved, but the cost and resources increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sample capillaries are merged into a single interface device that connects to one mass spectrometer. This consolidation allows multiple samples from different separation devices to be transferred and analyzed by a single mass spectrometer through selective activation of different capillaries, achieving high throughput without requiring multiple expensive mass spectrometers
Solution Approach 2:
The interface device with multiple sample capillaries provides multi-functionality by enabling a single mass spectrometer to handle multiple samples from different separation devices. The system can selectively activate different capillaries to process various sample types and formats, making the mass spectrometer universally applicable to diverse analytical needs while reducing the total number of instruments required
Data Source
AI summary
An interface device, for providing a fluidic interface between a sample separation device and a mass spectrometer, includes an emitter capillary and a plurality of sample capillaries. The sample capillaries are movably arranged within the emitter capillary for transferring fluidic sample from the sample separation device to the mass spectrometer.