Open Port Interface Positioning by Fluid Pressure Feedback
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for determining the position of an open port interface (OPI) relative to a sample surface in mass spectrometry require additional components like cameras and laser generators, leading to increased complexity and cost.
Innovation Solution
A method using fluid pressure monitoring to adjust the position of the OPI relative to the sample surface by establishing a fluid flow and detecting a predefined pressure variation, such as a spike, to indicate contact, allowing for a dual-mode operation for positioning and sample collection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional methods (image capture, laser measurement, conductivity measurement) are used to determine OPI position, then positioning accuracy is improved, but device complexity and cost increase due to additional components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the positioning function from complex external systems (cameras, laser generators, conductivity circuits) and implements it within the existing fluid delivery system using only pressure sensors already present in the mass spectrometer. This removes unnecessary components while maintaining positioning accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid delivery system is made multi-functional: it simultaneously performs sample transport and positioning detection. The pressure sensor, originally intended only for flow monitoring, is repurposed to detect OPI positioning by monitoring pressure changes during approach to the sample surface.
2Ease of operation
If additional components (camera, laser generator, electrical circuit components) are integrated into OPI for position control, then positioning capability is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses its own existing resources (fluid delivery mechanism and pressure sensor) to achieve positioning, rather than relying on external specialized components. The pressure sensor serves dual purposes: monitoring fluid delivery and detecting positioning, making the system self-sufficient.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If OPI is positioned too far from sample surface, then contamination is avoided, but liquid junction contact cannot be formed
Solution Approach 1:
The pressure sensor provides real-time feedback on the distance between OPI and sample surface. By monitoring pressure changes during approach, the system can automatically determine the optimal positioning point where liquid junction forms without excessive contact, preventing both contamination and ensuring reliable connection.
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 simplifies the positioning process, reduces complexity and cost, and enables efficient sample collection by using fluid pressure adjustments to ensure accurate contact and collection without additional hardware.
Implementation Method 1
establishing a fluid flow along a path extending from the fluid delivery conduit to the open end of the OPI, monitoring fluid pressure at one or more locations along the fluid flow path
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, a method of positioning an open end of an open port interface (OPI) relative to a sample surface to be analyzed by mass spectrometry is disclosed. The OPI includes a liquid delivery conduit for delivering a liquid to the open end of the OPI and a liquid exhaust conduit for removing liquid from the open end of the OPI. The method includes establishing a fluid flow along a path extending from the liquid delivery conduit to the open end of the OPI, monitoring fluid pressure at one or more locations along the fluid flow path and adjusting a position of the open end of the OPI relative to the sample surface based on the monitored fluid pressure. The fluid can be a gas or a liquid. Further, the sample surface can be a liquid surface or a solid surface.