Mass Spectrometer Sample Plate Interlocks for Technique Matching
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometers lack a mechanism to ensure that sample plates configured for specific analytical techniques are used, leading to potential misdiagnosis due to the use of incorrect sample plates in regulated environments.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating engagement features on both the mass spectrometer and sample plates that physically prevent the sample plate from being held in the engaged position unless it is configured for the specific analytical technique, such as projections and recesses or magnetic features, to lock down the instrument for use with only compatible sample plates.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If sample plates are made compatible with multiple analytical techniques, then versatility is improved, but reliability deteriorates due to potential misdiagnosis from incorrect sample plate usage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric engagement features (protrusions and recesses) that are technique-specific in configuration. Each analytical technique (e.g., MALDI-TOF, ESI) has a unique engagement feature geometry that only matches the corresponding sample plate type, preventing cross-compatibility while maintaining versatility across multiple techniques through the mass spectrometer's ability to perform different analyses
2Reliability
If engagement features are added to sample plates and mass spectrometer, then reliability is improved by preventing incorrect sample plate usage, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The engagement feature system is segmented into distinct, technique-specific configurations. Each analytical technique has its own unique protrusion-recess pair, allowing the system to maintain simple individual components while achieving complex compatibility control through modular segmentation of engagement features
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical locking systems with simple geometric interlocking features (protrusions and recesses). This substitution reduces the mechanical complexity of the sample plate holder while maintaining reliable prevention of incorrect sample plate usage through straightforward geometric compatibility requirements
3Measurement precision
If the mass spectrometer is configured to accept only specific sample plates, then measurement precision is improved, but adaptability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometer system is configured to be dynamically adaptable - the engagement features enable the instrument to accept different sample plate types corresponding to different analytical techniques. The system transitions between technique-specific configurations while maintaining precision for each technique through proper sample plate-mass spectrometer matching
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometry apparatus, including a mass spectrometer and a sample plate. The mass spectrometer includes: a sample plate holder configured to hold a sample plate in an engaged position. The mass spectrometer is configured to perform a mass spectrometric analysis of a sample only when the sample is located on a sample plate that is held in the engaged position by the sample plate holder. The mass spectrometer includes one or more engagement features configured to engage with a sample plate so as to prevent the sample plate from being held in the engaged position by the sample plate holder unless the sample plate includes one or more engagement features configured to limit use of the sample plate to a specific analytical technique or a range of analytical techniques to be performed using the mass spectrometer. The sample plate is configured for use in the specific analytical technique or range of analytical techniques, wherein the sample plate includes the one or more engagement features configured to limit use of the sample plate to the specific analytical technique or range of analytical techniques.