Sample Pretreatment Device Nozzle Clogging Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing sample pretreatment devices face challenges in efficiently unclogging nozzles due to crystal formation during the application of matrix solutions for MALDI, leading to clogging and reduced spraying efficiency, which affects uniformity and reproducibility of analysis.
Innovation Solution
A sample pretreatment device with a cleaning liquid supplier that applies a cleaning liquid directly to the nozzle tip from outside the spray unit, independent of the solution tube, to dissolve and remove crystallized matrix substances, thereby preventing clogging and maintaining stable solution flow.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If the gap between the opening at the terminal end of the solution tube and the needle is made considerably small to decrease droplet size, then the uniformity of matrix solution application is improved, but the nozzle is easily clogged by crystal formation at the tip
Solution Approach 1:
The invention separates the cleaning function from the spraying function by introducing a dedicated cleaning liquid supply system. The cleaning liquid supply needle is positioned independently from the solution tube and spray needle, allowing separate maintenance and cleaning operations without disrupting the spraying mechanism. This segmentation enables the spraying gap to remain small for uniform application while providing a dedicated pathway for crystal removal.
Solution Approach 2:
The cleaning liquid acts as an intermediary substance that dissolves and removes crystal deposits from the nozzle tip. By introducing this intermediate cleaning agent through a separate supply system, the patent resolves the contradiction between maintaining a small spraying gap (for uniformity) and preventing clogging (for reliability). The cleaning liquid mediates between these conflicting requirements by actively removing crystals that would otherwise cause clogging.
2Reliability
If pressure is applied to the matrix solution in the solution tube to suppress crystal formation, then the clogging is prevented, but the operation complexity increases due to additional pressure control mechanisms
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the cleaning function from the main solution delivery system by providing a separate cleaning liquid supply pathway. Instead of relying solely on pressure control within the solution tube, the system takes out the crystal removal function and implements it through a dedicated cleaning liquid supply needle that delivers solvent directly to the nozzle tip. This extraction simplifies the overall pressure control requirements while maintaining reliable clogging prevention.
3Ease of repair
If the nozzle is cleaned by supplying cleaning liquid through the solution tube, then the cleaning is achieved, but the cleaning efficiency is reduced due to flow resistance and clogging in the solution tube
Solution Approach 1:
The invention segments the cleaning function from the solution delivery function by providing a separate cleaning liquid supply needle. This separate pathway eliminates the flow resistance and clogging issues that would occur if cleaning liquid had to pass through the solution tube. The cleaning liquid can be supplied directly to the nozzle tip through its own dedicated channel, significantly improving cleaning efficiency and ease of maintenance.
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
The device effectively removes crystal lumps from the nozzle tip, ensuring stable and uniform application of the matrix solution, enhancing analysis reproducibility by minimizing interruptions in the spraying process.
Implementation Method 1
a high-pressure spray gas is powerfully ejected from the opening at the tip of the gas tube 33 in the nozzle 30, whereby the pressure around the opening 321 at the tip of the solution tube 32 is reduced due to the Venturi effect
Implementation Method 2
a cleaning liquid supplier configured to put a cleaning liquid on an opening of the nozzle part from outside the spray unit
Data Source
AI summary
Provided is a sample pretreatment device configured to apply, to the surface of a sample, a solution in which a predetermined substance is dissolved or dispersed. In order to properly and efficiently unclog a nozzle due to the deposition of the crystal of a matrix substance, the device includes a spray unit (3) including a solution tube (32) for the solution to pass through, a gas tube (33) for a spray gas to pass through, and a nozzle part (30) configured to spray the solution arriving at the terminal end of the solution tube by ejection of the spray gas through the gas tube, as well as a cleaning liquid supplier (4, 41) configured to put a cleaning liquid on an opening of the nozzle part from outside the spray unit.