Multimode Ionization Device for Simultaneous Polar and Nonpolar Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometers require separate ionization devices for polar and nonpolar molecules, necessitating separate analysis of samples containing both types, which is inefficient and limiting.
Innovation Solution
A multimode ionization device combining an electrospray unit and a plasma supplying unit to ionize analytes simultaneously, using an electrospray plume and plasma plume combination that travels through a defined path to ensure efficient ionization of both polar and nonpolar molecules at the same location.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate ionization devices are used for polar and nonpolar molecules, then ionization effectiveness for specific analyte types is improved, but analysis efficiency and device complexity are worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines electrospray ionization (ESI) and atmospheric pressure chemical ionization (APCI) sources into a single multimode ionization device. The ESI source is positioned upstream and the APCI source downstream, allowing both ionization mechanisms to operate simultaneously on the same sample introduction path. This merging enables polar and nonpolar analytes to be ionized in the same device without requiring separate instruments, thereby improving analysis efficiency while maintaining ionization effectiveness for different analyte types.
Solution Approach 2:
The ionization device is designed with multi-functionality to handle both polar and nonpolar analytes through a single unified system. By integrating two different ionization sources (ESI for polar molecules and APCI for nonpolar molecules) into one device with a common sample introduction path, the system achieves universal applicability across different analyte classes, eliminating the need for separate specialized devices.
2Reliability
If separate ionization devices are used for polar and nonpolar molecules, then ionization effectiveness for specific analyte types is improved, but device complexity is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges ESI and APCI sources into a single integrated device with shared components including the sample introduction system, nebulizer, and ion transmission path. This consolidation reduces the overall number of separate devices needed while maintaining the specialized ionization capabilities for different analyte types, thereby managing device complexity through intelligent integration rather than simple addition.
3Reliability
If separate analysis is performed for polar and nonpolar samples, then ionization effectiveness is improved, but analysis time is worsened
Solution Approach 1:
The multimode ionization device enables continuous analysis of mixed polar and nonpolar samples in a single run. By positioning ESI and APCI sources in sequence along the same ion transmission path, the device continuously ionizes both types of analytes simultaneously as they pass through, eliminating the need for separate analysis sequences and reducing total analysis time while maintaining effective ionization for each analyte type.
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
Enables efficient and effective ionization of both polar and nonpolar analytes in a single device, improving analysis efficiency by allowing simultaneous ionization and detection of diverse molecular samples.
Implementation Method 1
a first potential difference between a nebulizer tip of the nebulizer and a first electrode creates an electric field for producing the charged aerosol at the nebulizer tip
Implementation Method 2
A corona discharge is produced by a high electric field at the corona needle. The electric field is produced predominately by the potential difference between the corona needle and the conduit.
Implementation Method 3
a second potential difference between a second electrode and a conduit creates an electric field for directing or guiding ions toward the conduit
Data Source
AI summary
A multimode ionization device includes an electrospray unit, a charge generating unit, and a plasma supplying unit. The electrospray unit is configured to form an electrospray plume which travels along a traveling path. The charge generating unit is configured to permit a liquid electrospray medium to leave the electrospray unit as the electrospray plume. The plasma supplying unit can generate and guide a plasma plume to mix with the electrospray plume so as to obtain a plume combination in a confluent zone, and is oriented to permit at least one of analytes carried in the plume combination to travel to the receiving unit along a linearly-extending end zone of the traveling path.