Open Port Probe Sampling Tip for Precise Mass Spec Loading
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for introducing samples into open port interfaces of mass spectrometers face challenges with reproducible, high-throughput, and sensitive sample loading, particularly for complex sample matrices, due to the small opening size of the sampling interface.
Innovation Solution
A sampling system comprising a gantry and a disposable hollow tip with a tapered end, designed to align and introduce samples into the open port interface, ensuring precise positioning and controlled depth of sample introduction into the capture fluid, using non-reactive materials to prevent contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a small open port interface is used for sample introduction, then sensitivity and selectivity are improved, but reproducibility and ease of operation deteriorate due to difficulty in aligning and loading samples
Solution Approach 1:
A tapered hollow tip is introduced as an intermediary component between the sample source and the small open port interface. The tip's tapered geometry facilitates easy alignment and insertion, while its distal end precisely delivers the sample to the capture region, thereby maintaining sensitivity while improving ease of operation and reproducibility
Solution Approach 2:
The sampling system is segmented into distinct components: a hollow tip for sample delivery and a gantry for positioning. This segmentation allows the tip to be optimized for precise sample introduction while the gantry handles alignment, improving both sensitivity and operational reproducibility
2Device complexity
If manual sample loading is used for the small open port interface, then device complexity is reduced, but productivity and throughput are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system incorporates a movable gantry that can dynamically position the hollow tip relative to the open port interface. This dynamic positioning capability enables automated high-throughput sampling while maintaining the simplicity of the overall device design, as the automation is confined to a single positioning mechanism
3Loss of time
If repeated use of the sampling interface is attempted, then loss of time is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to contamination and wear
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tip is designed as a disposable component that is replaced after each or each batch of samples. This eliminates contamination and wear issues associated with repeated use, ensuring high reliability and reproducibility, while the quick-change design minimizes time loss
4Measurement precision
If precise alignment is achieved for sample introduction, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases due to alignment mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The hollow tip features an asymmetric tapered geometry that naturally guides alignment during insertion. The tapered shape provides mechanical guidance that simplifies the alignment process, achieving high measurement precision without requiring complex alignment mechanisms
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure provides systems and methods for introducing a sample into an open port interface of an analytical device. More particularly, the disclosure relates to a sampling system that includes a dispenser, a hollow tip that releasably couples to the dispenser, and a gantry for receiving the tip. The gantry can be mounted to the open port interface of an analytical device.