Open Port Sampling Probe Overflow Sensing With Droplet Retention
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Current mass spectrometry techniques face issues with liquid overflow from open port sampling probes due to insufficient aspiration, leading to contamination and inefficiencies in sample preparation.
Innovation Solution
An apparatus and method using a substrate with an orifice and sensor to retain and detect droplets at the open end of the sampling probe, controlling liquid flow and aspiration to prevent overflow, and generating signals for operator intervention.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If open port sampling probe is used for liquid introduction, then sample preparation time is reduced and automation is improved, but liquid overflow contamination occurs due to insufficient aspiration control
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate retains the droplet in advance before it can fall into the sample, providing a buffer zone that prevents contamination while maintaining continuous aspiration flow
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate acts as an intermediary element between the sampling probe and the sample, temporarily holding the droplet and preventing direct contact with the sample below
2Object-affected harmful factors
If aspiration rate is increased to prevent droplet accumulation, then liquid overflow is prevented, but sample loss increases due to excessive aspiration
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate provides partial retention of the droplet, allowing the aspiration system to operate at normal rates without needing excessive aspiration that would cause sample loss
Solution Approach 2:
The droplet retention function is extracted from the aspiration system and assigned to the substrate, allowing independent optimization of aspiration rate without concern for droplet accumulation
3Object-affected harmful factors
If droplet retention time is extended to allow operator intervention, then contamination is prevented, but response time increases from milliseconds to seconds
Solution Approach 1:
The substrate provides preliminary retention of the droplet, buying time for the sensor to detect and for the operator to respond, extending the response window from milliseconds to seconds
Solution Approach 2:
The substrate acts as a cushioning element that temporarily holds the droplet, providing a time buffer that allows for detection and intervention before contamination occurs
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 liquid overflow into samples, reducing contamination and improving sample preparation efficiency by extending the time between overflow occurrences from milliseconds to seconds, allowing for timely intervention.
Implementation Method 1
The surface tension of the solvent causes the drop to hang from the bottom of the sampling probe, forming a pendant
Implementation Method 2
The sensor is an electrically conductive trace... The sensor detects the retained droplet of liquid and generates a signal
Data Source
AI summary
In a sampling interface for mass spectrometry, a method and apparatus are set forth for preventing liquid overflow from a sampling probe into a sample. The apparatus comprises a substrate adapted to retain a droplet of liquid as it forms at an open end of the sampling probe, and a sensor on a surface of the substrate opposite the sample adapted to detect the droplet of liquid and generate a signal for controlling the droplet of liquid before it overflows into the sample.