Retractable GC Probe for Dual LC-MS and GC-MS Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometers are designed specifically for either Liquid Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (LCMS) or Gas Chromatography-Mass Spectrometry (GCMS), requiring time-consuming and often compromising changes between the two modes, limiting their ability to efficiently analyze samples from both liquid and gas chromatography systems.
Innovation Solution
A dual source mass spectrometer system with a retractable GC interface probe and ion source chamber, allowing easy switching between LCMS and GCMS modes by using complementary docking means and a lockable rail system for seamless transition between the two operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a mass spectrometer is specifically designed for either LCMS or GCMS, then the performance for that specific technique is optimized, but the device cannot efficiently analyze samples from both liquid and gas chromatography systems without time-consuming changes
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometer is designed with a universal ion source chamber that can accommodate both LCMS and GCMS operations. The ion source chamber includes a retractable GC interface probe that can be extended for GCMS analysis and retracted for LCMS analysis, allowing a single instrument to perform both functions without requiring separate dedicated instruments for each technique.
Solution Approach 2:
The GC interface probe is designed to be retractable rather than fixed, allowing dynamic reconfiguration of the ion source chamber. The probe can be extended into the ion source chamber for GCMS mode and retracted for LCMS mode, enabling quick transition between operational modes without time-consuming manual reconfiguration or compromising performance of either technique.
2Adaptability or versatility
If both LCMS and GCMS interfaces are permanently connected to the ion source chamber, then both modes can be operated, but the system becomes inefficient and cannot easily identify small quantities of analytes
Solution Approach 1:
The GC interface probe is designed as a retractable component that can be extended only when GCMS analysis is required and retracted when LCMS analysis is performed. This dynamic configuration allows the system to optimize for each specific mode rather than compromising performance for dual permanent connections, thereby improving productivity and detection efficiency for small quantities of analytes in both LCMS and GCMS operations.
3Reliability
If separate LCMS and GCMS machines are used, then each technique can be performed with dedicated equipment, but the complexity of the laboratory setup increases and multiple instruments are required
Solution Approach 1:
The invention merges the functionality of separate LCMS and GCMS instruments into a single dual-source mass spectrometer. The ion source chamber is designed to accommodate both LCMS and GCMS interfaces, with the GC interface probe retractably connected to the chamber. This consolidation reduces the number of separate instruments required in the laboratory while maintaining the reliability and performance optimization for both techniques through dedicated interface designs.
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 analysis of both liquid and gas chromatography outputs on a single instrument platform, improving detection of small analytes and reducing operational complexity, with applications in various research and forensic fields.
Implementation Method 1
Atmospheric Pressure Chemical Ionisation [APCI] is one of these methods. In this method, the molecules are sprayed into an ion source chamber and the spray is subjected to a corona discharge that creates ions.
Data Source
AI summary
A dual source mass spectrometer system (10) is operable in a first mode with an LC source [LC/MS] (12) and in a second mode with a GC source [GC/MS] (18). The GC source inputs into an ion source chamber (22) for delivering the ionized output from the GC source to the mass spectrometer. The GC source comprises a GC interface probe (30) which is retractably connected to the ion source chamber to take the GC interface probe from a retracted position in which it is disengaged from the mass spectrometer (whereby the system is operable in the first LC/MS mode) into a deployed position in which the GC interface probe is operatively connected to the ion source chamber of the mass spectrometer (whereby the system is operable in said second GC/MS mode).