Sample Probe Inlet Flow Assembly for Orientation-Independent Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Convection currents generated by sample probes in ion mobility spectrometers can lead to uneven sample distribution and contamination, affecting detection sensitivity and accuracy, especially when detectors are used in varying orientations.
Innovation Solution
The use of an inlet assembly with an extraction port and optionally a curtain port to direct fluid flow uniformly towards the sample inlet, independent of the detector's orientation, and to isolate the sample from external contaminants.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sample probes are used to introduce samples to the ion mobility spectrometer, then sample delivery is achieved, but convection currents cause uneven sample distribution and contamination
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful convection currents by introducing a separate fluid flow through the extraction port that pulls samples directly toward the sample receiving port, removing the dependence on natural convection and eliminating the associated uneven distribution and contamination problems
Solution Approach 2:
The extraction port acts as an intermediary mechanism that introduces a controlled fluid flow to mediate sample transport, replacing the uncontrolled convection currents and providing uniform sample distribution to the detector
2Adaptability or versatility
If detectors are used in varying orientations, then operational flexibility is improved, but detection performance becomes inconsistent due to orientation dependence
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet assembly is designed with universal functionality to handle samples from any orientation. The extraction port and fluid flow system work together to ensure that samples regardless of their entry orientation are uniformly transported to the sample receiving port, making the detector performance consistent across all orientations
3Ease of operation
If the sample receiving port is exposed to the environment, then sample access is facilitated, but contamination from external sources increases
Solution Approach 1:
The curtain port introduces a controlled fluid flow that creates a protective environment around the sample receiving port. This flow acts as a barrier that prevents external contaminants from reaching the sample area while still allowing samples to be effectively delivered through the extraction port
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 configuration reduces the dependence on detector orientation and sample distribution, enhances sensitivity by minimizing contamination, and maintains consistent detection performance across different orientations.
Implementation Method 1
The extraction port is configured to extract one fluid flow to facilitate another fluid flow toward the sample receiving port
Implementation Method 2
The curtain port can be used to guide fluid away from interior surfaces of the inlet assembly and toward the sample receiving port
Data Source
Figure 1A
Figure 1B
Figure 1C
AI summary
An apparatus for providing a sample to a detector includes a sample receiving port (104) and an inlet assembly (100) configured to be positioned adjacent to the sample receiving port (104). The inlet assembly (100) defines a volume for receiving a sample and includes a gap that defines an extraction port (106). The extraction port (106) is configured to extract one fluid flow to facilitate another fluid flow toward the sample receiving port (104). The extraction port (106) can be configured as an annular flow port around the sample receiving port (104). The apparatus also includes a curtain port (108) positioned apart from the sample receiving port (104) and the extraction port (106). The curtain port (108) can be used to guide fluid away from interior surfaces of the inlet assembly and toward the sample receiving port, and/or to provide an environment of controlled air, and/or to isolate the sample receiving port from external sources of contamination. In an embodiment the detector is an ion mobility spectrometer arranged to obtain samples through the sample receiving port (104).