Sample Plate Holder Layout for Distortion-Free Laser Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample plate holders for mass spectrometers cause distortion in the sample plate due to uneven application of forces, leading to deviations in laser irradiation positions, reduced measurement sensitivity, and decreased spatial resolution in imaging mass spectrometry.
Innovation Solution
A sample plate holder that presses the sample plate at three non-linear points and supports it at corresponding positions to maintain consistent height and position, using biasing members and contact members to stabilize the plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sample plate is pushed up at one position and stopped at different positions, then the sample plate can be fixed in place, but the sample plate becomes distorted
Solution Approach 1:
The sample plate holder divides the support function into multiple segments: three pressing points that apply upward force and three corresponding stop positions that provide downward support. This segmentation ensures that forces are distributed symmetrically, preventing distortion while maintaining reliable fixation of the sample plate
Solution Approach 2:
The invention uses asymmetric positioning of pressing and stopping points relative to the sample plate geometry. The three pressing points are positioned at specific locations (e.g., corners and center) that do not lie on a straight line, creating an asymmetric force distribution that stabilizes the plate without causing warping
2Device complexity
If the sample plate height deviates from predetermined position, then the device structure becomes simpler, but the ionization efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The sample plate holder performs preliminary positioning by pre-establishing three pressing points and three stop positions that define the exact predetermined height. This preliminary action ensures the sample plate is correctly positioned before laser irradiation, maximizing ionization efficiency without requiring complex active control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The invention replaces complex mechanical adjustment systems with a simple geometric constraint system. By using three non-collinear pressing points and corresponding stop positions, the system achieves precise height control through geometric necessity rather than complex mechanical actuators, maintaining ionization efficiency while simplifying the overall device structure
3Area of stationary object
If the laser irradiation spot diameter increases, then the energy density decreases, but the irradiation area increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sample plate holder creates equipotential conditions by ensuring the sample plate surface is held at a uniform predetermined height across the entire irradiation area. The three pressing points and three stop positions work together to eliminate height variations, ensuring consistent energy density distribution across the laser spot area
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
Prevents distortion of the sample plate, ensuring accurate laser irradiation and maintaining high measurement sensitivity and spatial resolution in mass spectrometry by keeping the sample plate at a consistent position and height.
Implementation Method 1
a biasing member configured to press one surface of a sample plate at three positions not located on a straight line
Implementation Method 2
a contact member which abuts on another surface of the sample plate at positions corresponding to the three positions in plan view
Data Source
AI summary
A sample plate holder (6) for a mass spectrometer includes biasing members (631 to 633) configured to push one surface of a sample plate (5) toward the other surface, and contact members (612 to 614) configured to abut on the other surface of the sample plate at three positions not located on a straight line in plan view. The sample plate holder (6) can be suitably used in a mass spectrometer (1) including a laser light irradiation unit (13) configured to irradiate a sample(S) placed on the sample plate with laser light and a mass spectrometry unit (30) configured to perform mass spectrometry of ions generated from the sample by irradiation with the laser light.