Sample Injection System with Vacuum Aspiration and Feedback Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current high-throughput mass spectrometry techniques face limitations in sample throughput due to serial analysis methods, signal suppression by high concentrations of non-volatile components, and sample carryover, which reduce instrument performance and data accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A sample injection system with a vacuum source, fluid sensor, and multi-port valve for precise sample aspiration and back-elution, minimizing waste and ensuring a sharp, concentrated sample peak is delivered to the analyzer, while a robotic system and chromatography column facilitate continuous flow and washing to prevent carryover.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If serial analysis methods are used to analyze fluidic samples, then data accuracy is maintained, but sample throughput is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The system segments the analysis process by using multiple injection valves (e.g., 8 valves) that can operate simultaneously or in rapid sequence. Each valve handles a portion of the sample queue, allowing parallel processing of multiple samples rather than strict serial analysis, thereby increasing throughput while maintaining data integrity through controlled injection sequences.
Solution Approach 2:
The system performs preliminary actions by pre-loading multiple samples into the injection valves before analysis begins. The robotic system and autosampler prepare and queue samples in advance, so that when analysis starts, multiple samples are already positioned and ready for immediate injection, eliminating waiting time between samples and increasing overall throughput.
2Productivity
If multiple syringes are used to increase throughput through parallelism, then sample throughput increases, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses a single robotic system and autosampler that can service multiple injection valves, rather than requiring dedicated syringes for each valve. The robotic arm and sample transport mechanism are universal components that can move samples between any sample reservoir and any injection valve, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining parallel processing capability through coordinated control of multiple valves.
Solution Approach 2:
The system merges the sample transport and injection functions into a unified controlled process. The robotic system combines sample retrieval, transport, and injection into a single coordinated operation that services multiple valves, rather than using separate independent syringe systems. This consolidation reduces component count and simplifies control while achieving parallel throughput through multi-valve operation.
3Productivity
If conventional aspiration methods are used, then sample transfer is achieved, but sample waste occurs due to incomplete loop filling
Solution Approach 1:
The system uses feedback control during the aspiration process to monitor when the injection loop is fully filled with sample. Sensors detect the presence of sample at the loop outlet, and this feedback signal automatically stops the aspiration process or triggers valve actuation, ensuring the loop is filled to the optimal level without over-aspiration. This prevents sample waste while maintaining rapid injection speed.
Solution Approach 2:
The aspiration process is made dynamic and adaptive rather than fixed. The system adjusts aspiration timing and flow rate based on real-time conditions, using controlled vacuum application that responds to sample flow rate and loop fill status. This dynamic control ensures complete loop filling with minimal excess sample, optimizing both speed and sample conservation.
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 enables rapid, high-throughput analysis with sample throughput rates of 30 seconds to 1 second per sample, minimizing peak width and carryover, and maintaining instrument performance by isolating interfering components and ensuring accurate quantification.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum source is provided. A syringe is in communication with the vacuum source.
Implementation Method 2
The aspiration process is often controlled by pulling back on a plunger or piston to create a negative pressure resulting in aspiration of the sample.
Implementation Method 3
The plunger is actuated to deliver the fluidic sample from the syringe into an analyzer.
Data Source
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AI summary
One embodiment of the invention provides a sample injection system including a vacuum source, a conduit in communication with the vacuum source, a fluid sensor configured to detect the presence of the fluid in the conduit, a sample loop in communication with the conduit; and a sipper in communication with the sample loop.