Sealed DSA Ion Source for Multi-Sample Atmospheric Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing direct sample analysis systems at atmospheric pressure lack safety and control over ambient conditions, leading to operator exposure and variable performance due to unregulated ambient gases, and are limited in accommodating multiple sample types and automated operation.
Innovation Solution
A sealed Direct Sample Analysis (DSA) system with a multi-axis translator assembly, reagent ion generator, and control software for precise sample positioning, ionization, and background control, enabling the analysis of multiple sample types and states of matter while minimizing contamination and exposure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If an open ion source configuration is used, then ease of operation and sample accessibility are improved, but operator safety and ambient condition control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sealed enclosure that creates a controlled atmospheric environment around the ion source. This enclosure isolates the operator from harmful factors (high voltage, toxic vapors) while maintaining the necessary atmospheric pressure conditions for ionization. The sealed environment allows operation without direct operator exposure to hazardous elements.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs automated positioning mechanisms and remote sample handling systems as intermediaries between the operator and the ion source. These mechanisms allow sample accessibility and system operation without requiring the operator to be in direct contact with or close proximity to the hazardous ionization region.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If an enclosed ion source configuration is used, then operator safety and ambient control are improved, but ease of operation and sample positioning flexibility deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates automated positioning mechanisms that dynamically adjust sample and component positions within the sealed enclosure. These mechanisms allow optimization of ionization efficiency and ion transport without requiring the operator to manually access the enclosed space, thus maintaining both safety and operational flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with automated positioning systems controlled by software. This substitution allows precise sample positioning and optimization of analysis conditions without compromising operator safety or requiring access to the enclosed ion source region.
3Adaptability or versatility
If atmospheric pressure ionization is used, then direct sample analysis capability is improved, but performance reproducibility deteriorates due to uncontrolled ambient conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The sealed enclosure creates a controlled atmospheric environment that isolates the ionization process from uncontrolled ambient conditions. This allows direct sample analysis at atmospheric pressure while maintaining consistent background gas composition, thereby improving performance reproducibility without sacrificing the versatility of direct analysis.
4Productivity
If multiple samples are accommodated in a compact space, then productivity is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a universal sample holder design that can accommodate multiple sample types (solid, liquid, gas) and configurations within a single compact platform. This multi-functional design allows analysis of diverse samples without requiring separate specialized mechanisms for each sample type, thus improving productivity while limiting complexity growth.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple sample holders and positioning mechanisms into an integrated automated system. By merging these functions into a coordinated automated platform, the system achieves high productivity through multiple sample analysis while managing complexity through unified control and compact spatial arrangement.
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 DSA system provides safe and controlled analysis with improved reproducibility and efficiency by allowing precise positioning and ionization of multiple sample types, reducing operator exposure and ambient contamination, and enhancing ionization specificity and sensitivity.
Implementation Method 1
a reagent ion generator, positioned outside the sealed enclosure, that is configured to deliver heated reagent ions and/or charged droplets through a sealed feedthrough into the atmospheric pressure ionization region
Implementation Method 2
a heated gas flow that is configured to evaporate liquid samples that are introduced directly into the atmospheric pressure ionization region
Data Source
AI summary
A Direct Sample Analysis (DSA) ion source system operating at essentially atmospheric pressure is configured to facilitate the ionization, or desorption and ionization, of sample species from a wide variety of gaseous, liquid, and/or solid samples, for chemical analysis by mass spectrometry or other gas phase ion detectors. The DSA system includes one or more means of ionizing samples and includes a sealed enclosure which provides protection from high voltages and hazardous vapors, and in which the local background gas environment may be monitored and well-controlled. The DSA system is configured to accommodate single or multiple samples at any one time, and provide external control of individual sample positioning, sample conditioning, sample heating, positional sensing, and temperature measurement.