Sample Support Body With Through-Holes to Prevent Sample Overflow
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometry techniques face a reduction in ionization efficiency due to sample overflow from recesses, leading to uneven energy transmission and reduced signal intensity, as excess sample cannot be effectively managed.
Innovation Solution
A sample support body with a substrate and ionization substrate configuration that includes through-holes and recesses to absorb or direct excess sample, preventing overflow and ensuring proper ionization efficiency by maintaining the sample within the substrate's through-holes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the sample is dropped on the ionization substrate, then the sample can be ionized by laser beam, but the sample may overflow out of the recesses causing unevenness effect and reduced ionization efficiency
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate is divided into multiple recesses that can independently hold sample portions. Each recess acts as a separate containment unit with through-holes, allowing the system to manage sample distribution across multiple segmented regions rather than a single flat surface, preventing overflow while maintaining ionization capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The through-holes penetrate through the substrate thickness, creating a nested structure where the sample can be contained within the recesses and excess sample can flow through the through-holes to the rear side of the substrate. This nested configuration allows multi-level sample management within a compact structure.
2Measurement precision
If the sample amount is increased to ensure sufficient ionization, then signal intensity improves, but excess sample overflows causing loss of unevenness effect
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate provides different functional zones: the front surface recesses maintain the unevenness effect for efficient laser energy transmission, while the through-holes and rear side provide overflow pathways. This local differentiation allows the system to accommodate varying sample amounts while maintaining optimal ionization conditions in the measurement regions.
Solution Approach 2:
The solution transitions from a two-dimensional flat substrate to a three-dimensional structure with through-holes penetrating the substrate thickness. This dimensional change creates additional space for sample containment and overflow management, allowing the system to handle excess sample by directing it through the third dimension (substrate thickness) rather than allowing lateral overflow.
3Ease of operation
If through-holes are provided in the substrate, then excess sample can be released to the inside, but the substrate structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate structure itself provides the overflow management function through its through-holes, eliminating the need for separate external overflow channels or complex sample delivery systems. The through-holes enable the substrate to self-regulate sample distribution and excess removal, simplifying the overall system while improving ease of operation.
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 solution effectively inhibits the reduction in ionization efficiency by managing excess sample, maintaining it within the substrate's through-holes, thereby ensuring consistent and efficient ionization and signal detection in mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
at least a part of the substrate which is adjacent to the ionization substrate is formed to enable the sample to move to an inside of the substrate
Implementation Method 2
ionization on a sample by m) are provided on a holding plate, dropping the sample on the holding plate through the through-holes, and applying a laser beam to the sample
Data Source
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AI summary
Provided is a sample support body (1) that includes a substrate (2) and an ionization substrate (3). The ionization substrate (3) has a measurement region (R) for dropping a sample on a second surface (3b). A plurality of through-holes (3c) that open in a first surface (3a) and the second surface (3b) are formed in at least the measurement region (R) of the ionization substrate (3). A conductive layer (4) is provided on peripheral edges of the through-holes (3c) on at least the second surface (3b). At least a part of the substrate (2) which is adjacent to the ionization substrate (3) is formed to enable the sample to move to the inside of the substrate (2).