Bench-Top TOF Mass Spectrometer With Auto Module Configuration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mass spectrometers used in the biopharmaceutical industry are complex and have a large footprint, making them difficult for non-expert users to operate and requiring either complex equipment or outsourcing for high-resolution accurate mass data analysis.

Innovation Solution

A compact Time of Flight (TOF) mass spectrometer with an automatic start-up routine that detects and configures functional modules, allowing for easy customization and operation, and includes a power save mode to optimize energy use and reduce setup time.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional mass spectrometers are used to achieve high resolution accurate mass data, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases and ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh resolution accurate mass dataVSAvoidcomplex equipment

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mass spectrometer is divided into modular functional units including ion source, mass analyzer, detector, and data processing system. Each module can be independently configured and optimized, reducing overall system complexity while maintaining high measurement precision through specialized components in each segment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The instrument incorporates automated calibration, self-diagnosis, and routine maintenance functions that eliminate the need for expert operators. The system automatically performs quality control checks, calibrates mass accuracy, and monitors instrument health, making high-resolution mass spectrometry accessible to non-expert users.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If conventional mass spectrometers are used to achieve high resolution accurate mass data, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvehigh resolution accurate mass dataVSAvoideasy to use

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes real-time monitoring and feedback mechanisms that automatically adjust operational parameters to maintain optimal performance. The instrument provides continuous feedback on sample status, instrument health, and data quality, guiding users through the analysis process without requiring specialized knowledge.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Ease of operation

If automated start-up routine is implemented, then ease of operation is improved, but loss of time increases due to pumping down and system initialization

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of useVSAvoidsetup time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The vacuum system is pre-conditioned and maintained at optimal pressure levels between uses. The instrument incorporates rapid pumping capabilities and pre-loaded method configurations that eliminate the need for complete system re-initialization, reducing start-up time while maintaining automated operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The start-up routine is dynamically adjusted based on instrument state and user needs. The system can perform abbreviated initialization sequences when conditions permit, and only executes necessary pumping and calibration steps based on recent usage patterns, optimizing the balance between automation and time efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

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 provides a user-friendly, compact mass spectrometer that can perform high-resolution accurate mass data analysis, reducing the need for complex equipment and outsourcing, and enhancing ease of use and flexibility for non-expert users.

Implementation Method 1

bench-top Time of Flight ('TOF') mass spectrometer

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTime of Flight: Time of Flight

Data Source

PatentUS12278097B2Bench-top time of flight mass spectrometer

Publication Date: 2025.04.15 MICROMASS UK LTD

AI summary

A start-up routine for a mass spectrometer is performed automatically upon switching ON the mass spectrometer. The mass spectrometer comprises a plurality of functional modules connected thereto, each module operable to perform a predetermined function of the mass spectrometer in use. The start-up routine comprises detecting which functional modules are present in the set of a plurality of functional modules connected to the mass spectrometer, and performing one or more steps of the start-up routine based upon the results of the detection. The mass spectrometer automatically determines whether configuration information is stored locally in respect of each one of the detected functional modules, and, for the or each one of the detected functional modules for which such information is found to be stored locally, automatically uses the information in configuring the mass spectrometer, and, for any detected functional module(s) for which such information is not found to be stored locally, automatically obtains configuration information for the detected functional module(s) from a remote server, and uses the information in configuring the mass spectrometer.