Novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing

Abstract

The invention provides a novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing, and relates to the technical field of ion mobility spectrometry analysis, the novel ion mobility spectrometer comprises an ionization source, an outer cylinder, a 3D printing insulation framework, a metal electrode ring, an ion gate grid mesh, a shielding grid mesh, a Faraday disc and the like, the 3D printing insulation framework is integrally formed by adopting a complex structure, the manufacturing cost is reduced, the assembly error is reduced, and the production efficiency is improved. The installation precision is effectively improved, and the overall structural strength is improved.

Description

Technical Field

[0001] This invention relates to the field of ion mobility spectrometry analysis technology, and more particularly to a novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing. Background Technology

[0002] Ion mobility spectrometers typically employ an independent structure with a separate migration tube. Ion mobility spectrometers have complex components, precise structures, and numerous parts, making installation difficult. This places high demands on assembly personnel and can easily lead to numerous quality problems during mass production. Summary of the Invention

[0003] To address the aforementioned technical problems, this invention provides a novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing. The technical problem this invention aims to solve is to improve the installation accuracy of the novel ion mobility spectrometer, enabling rapid installation, lightweight design, and easy mass production. The use of 3D printing technology reduces internal components, lowers manufacturing costs, enhances overall structural strength, and effectively improves installation accuracy.

[0004] The technical means employed in this invention are as follows: A novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing includes: an ionization source, an outer cylinder, a 3D-printed insulating skeleton, a metal electrode ring, an ion gate grid, a shielding grid, and a Faraday disk. The 3D-printed insulating skeleton is a cylindrical insulating tube with an internal cavity. The 3D-printed insulating skeleton is divided into three sections: a first end, a middle end, and a second end, located at the two ends and the middle end in the middle. The internal cavity includes a first opening and a second opening inside the first and second ends, and a through hole inside the middle end, which communicates with the first and second openings. The outer wall of the middle end has multiple strip-shaped grooves arranged in an axial array, and the strip-shaped grooves are radially opened from one side of the outer wall of the middle end towards the center of the insulating tube. The cross-sectional shape of the strip-shaped grooves is arc-shaped. The outer wall of the middle end also has multiple grooves, which are alternately arranged with the strip-shaped grooves, connecting adjacent strip-shaped grooves. The solid part of the 3D-printed insulating skeleton can be solid or hollow. The outer cylinder is fitted over the 3D-printed insulating skeleton. The two ends of the outer cylinder are connected to the first end and the second end, respectively. Multiple metal electrode rings are provided, and the multiple metal electrode rings and ion gate grids are respectively placed in strip grooves. The ion gate grid is located between two metal electrode rings and close to the first end. The ionization source is set in the first opening by a fixing component and forms an ionization reaction zone with the ion gate grid. The Faraday disk is installed in the second opening by a Faraday disk frame. The shielding grid is placed in the strip groove close to the Faraday disk frame and forms a signal receiving area with the Faraday disk. The metal electrode rings, ion gate grids, and shielding grids together form an ion migration area.

[0005] Furthermore, the outer diameters of both the first end and the second end are smaller than the outer diameter of the middle end, and the depth of the groove is greater than the radius of the middle end.

[0006] Furthermore, the metal electrode ring is a ring-shaped metal with the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the insulating tube.

[0007] Furthermore, an airflow outlet communicating with the inner cavity is provided on the side wall near the first end of the middle section, and a through hole communicating with the airflow outlet is provided on the outer wall of the outer cylinder, so that the inner cavity is connected to the outside through the airflow outlet and the through hole; the ion gate grid is located close to the airflow outlet.

[0008] Furthermore, the Faraday disc frame is a cylindrical structure and is fixedly embedded in the second opening; the middle of the Faraday disc frame has a threaded through hole, and a drift gas inlet is provided on the side wall near the threaded through hole; the front end of the Faraday disc has a circular metal sheet, and the rear end has a threaded metal rod, which is threadedly connected to the threaded through hole.

[0009] Furthermore, the fixing member is a cylindrical structure with a cavity in the middle, the ionization source is installed in the cavity of the fixing member, and a carrier gas inlet is provided on one end surface of the fixing member.

[0010] Furthermore, a resistor is provided in the groove in the middle, and the two ends of the resistor are respectively welded to two adjacent metal electrode rings.

[0011] Furthermore, the outer cylinder is an insulating cylinder or metal cylinder whose inner diameter is closely matched with the outer diameter of the 3D printed insulating skeleton. It has openings at both ends. One end opening is fitted into and tightly fitted with the outer wall of the first end. The inner wall of the other end opening is provided with a threaded nut with a central through hole. This through hole passes through the second end. The outer wall of the second end is screwed with the threaded nut, and the 3D printed insulating skeleton is tightly pressed into the outer cylinder.

[0012] Furthermore, the ionization source is a radioactive ionization source and a non-radioactive ionization source.

[0013] Furthermore, the material of the 3D printed insulating skeleton is ceramic, PEEK, or PTFE.

[0014] Compared with the prior art, the present invention has the following advantages: 1. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing provided by this invention uses a complex integrated structure for the 3D printed insulating skeleton, which reduces manufacturing costs, reduces assembly errors, effectively improves installation accuracy, and enhances the overall structural strength.

[0015] 2. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing provided by this invention significantly shortens the research and development cycle and enables rapid technological iteration by utilizing 3D printing technology. It improves material utilization efficiency, allows for a hollow skeleton design, reduces mass, and makes the overall system lightweight.

[0016] 3. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing provided by this invention can be quickly installed and mass-produced on a large scale. Attached Figure Description

[0017] To more clearly illustrate the technical solutions in the embodiments of the present invention or the prior art, the drawings used in the description of the embodiments or the prior art will be briefly introduced below. Obviously, the drawings described below are some embodiments of the present invention. For those skilled in the art, other drawings can be obtained based on these drawings without creative effort.

[0018] Figure 1 This is a schematic diagram of the ion mobility spectrometer of the present invention.

[0019] Figure 2 This is a schematic diagram of the 3D printed insulating skeleton of the present invention.

[0020] In the diagram: 1. Carrier gas inlet; 2. Fixing component; 3. Outer cylinder; 4. 3D printed insulating frame; 41. First end; 42. Middle end; 43. Second end; 44. Strip groove; 45. Groove; 5. Threaded nut; 6. Floating gas inlet; 7. Metal electrode ring; 8. Gas flow outlet; 9. Ion gate grid; 10. Shielding grid; 11. Faraday disk frame; 12. Faraday disk; 13. Resistor. Detailed Implementation

[0021] It should be noted that, unless otherwise specified, the embodiments and features described in the present invention can be combined with each other. The present invention will now be described in detail with reference to the accompanying drawings and embodiments.

[0022] To make the objectives, technical solutions, and advantages of the embodiments of the present invention clearer, the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention will be clearly and completely described below with reference to the accompanying drawings. Obviously, the described embodiments are only some embodiments of the present invention, and not all embodiments. The following description of at least one exemplary embodiment is merely illustrative and is in no way intended to limit the present invention or its application or use. Based on the embodiments of the present invention, all other embodiments obtained by those skilled in the art without creative effort are within the scope of protection of the present invention.

[0023] It should be noted that the terminology used herein is for the purpose of describing particular embodiments only and is not intended to limit the scope of exemplary embodiments according to the invention. As used herein, the singular form is intended to include the plural form as well, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. Furthermore, it should be understood that when the terms "comprising" and / or "including" are used in this specification, they indicate the presence of features, steps, operations, devices, components, and / or combinations thereof.

[0024] Unless otherwise specifically stated, the relative arrangement, numerical expressions, and values ​​of the components and steps described in these embodiments do not limit the scope of the invention. It should also be understood that, for ease of description, the dimensions of the various parts shown in the drawings are not drawn to actual scale. Techniques, methods, and devices known to those skilled in the art may not be discussed in detail, but where appropriate, such techniques, methods, and devices should be considered part of the specification. In all examples shown and discussed herein, any specific values ​​should be interpreted as merely exemplary and not as limitations. Therefore, other examples of exemplary embodiments may have different values. It should be noted that similar reference numerals and letters in the following figures denote similar items; therefore, once an item is defined in one figure, it need not be further discussed in subsequent figures.

[0025] In the description of this invention, it should be understood that the orientation or positional relationship indicated by directional terms such as "front, back, up, down, left, right", "horizontal, vertical, horizontal" and "top, bottom" is generally based on the orientation or positional relationship shown in the accompanying drawings, and is only for the convenience of describing this invention and simplifying the description. Unless otherwise stated, these directional terms do not indicate or imply that the device or element referred to must have a specific orientation or be constructed and operated in a specific orientation, and therefore should not be construed as a limitation on the scope of protection of this invention. The directional terms "inner" and "outer" refer to the inner and outer contours relative to the outline of each component itself.

[0026] For ease of description, spatial relative terms such as "above," "over," "on the upper surface of," "above," etc., are used herein to describe the spatial positional relationship of a device or feature as shown in the figures to other devices or features. It should be understood that spatial relative terms are intended to encompass different orientations in use or operation besides the orientation of the device as described in the figures. For example, if the device in the figures is inverted, a device described as "above" or "above" other devices or structures would subsequently be positioned as "below" or "under" other devices or structures. Thus, the exemplary term "above" can include both "above" and "below." The device may also be positioned in other different ways (rotated 90 degrees or in other orientations), and the spatial relative descriptions used herein will be interpreted accordingly.

[0027] Furthermore, it should be noted that the use of terms such as "first" and "second" to define components is merely for the purpose of distinguishing the corresponding components. Unless otherwise stated, the above terms have no special meaning and therefore should not be construed as limiting the scope of protection of this invention.

[0028] like Figure 1 As shown, this invention provides a novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing, comprising an ionization source, an outer cylinder 3, a 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4, an ion gate grid 9, a metal electrode ring 7, a shielding grid 10, and a Faraday disk 12. The 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4 is a cylindrical insulating tube with openings at both ends and a through hole along its central axis. The 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4 is divided into three sections: a first end 41, a middle end 42, and a second end 43. The first end 41 and the second end 43 are located at the two ends, and the middle end 42 is located in the middle. The inner cavity includes a first opening and a second opening inside the first end 41 and the second end 43, and a through hole inside the middle end 42; the through hole communicates with the first opening and the second opening. The outer diameters of the first end 41 and the second end 43 of the insulating tube are both smaller than the outer diameter of the middle end 42. Multiple strip-shaped grooves 44 (the depth of each groove 44 is greater than the radius of the middle end 42) are sequentially arranged along the outer diameter of the middle end 42 from one opening to the other. These grooves 44 are arranged in an axial array, with each groove 44 radially extending from one side of the outer wall of the middle end 42 towards the center of the insulating tube. The cross-sectional shape of each groove 44 is arc-shaped. Multiple grooves 45 are formed on the outer wall of the middle end 42, alternating with the strip-shaped grooves 44. Grooves 45 are placed between the strip-shaped grooves 44 to allow communication between adjacent grooves 44. A through hole, serving as an airflow outlet 8, is provided on the side wall of the middle end 42 near the first end 41, connecting the inner cavity of the insulating tube to the outside. A through hole is also provided on the outer wall of the outer cylinder 3, corresponding to the location of the airflow outlet 8 of the insulating tube.

[0029] The solid part of the 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4 can be solid or hollow; the material of the 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4 can be ceramic, PEEK, PTFE, etc., and is not limited to a single material. An ionization source, an ion gate grid 9, a metal electrode ring 7, a shielding grid 10, and a Faraday disk 12 are sequentially arranged on the 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4. The metal electrode ring 7 is a ring-shaped metal, and its inner diameter is the same as the inner diameter of the insulating tube. Multiple metal electrode rings 7 are provided and are sequentially placed within multiple slots 44 of the insulating tube. The ion gate grid 9 is placed within the slots 44 of the insulating tube, located between two metal electrode rings 7, and its position is close to the through-hole (airflow outlet 8) connecting the inner cavity of the insulating tube to the outside.

[0030] The Faraday disc 12 is mounted in the second opening via a Faraday disc holder 11. The Faraday disc holder 11 is a cylindrical structure with a threaded through hole in the middle and a through hole on the side wall next to the threaded through hole, which serves as the drift gas inlet 6. The Faraday disc 12 has a circular metal sheet at the top and a threaded metal rod at the rear. The metal rod of the Faraday disc 12 is placed inside the Faraday disc holder 11 with the threaded through hole, and the Faraday disc holder 11 is fixedly embedded in the opening wall of the second end 43 of the insulating tube. The shielding grid 10 is placed in the strip groove 44 near the Faraday disc holder 11 and forms a signal receiving area with the Faraday disc 12.

[0031] The ionization source is tightly fitted into the first opening of the inner cavity of the insulating tube by the fixing member 2, and forms an ionization reaction zone with the ion gate grid 9. The ionization source is a radioactive ionization source and a non-radioactive ionization source. The fixing member 2 is a cylindrical structure with a cavity in the middle. The ionization source is installed in the cavity of the fixing member 2. A through hole is provided on one end surface of the fixing member 2. The through hole is the carrier gas inlet 1. The fixing member 2 is placed in the first end 41 of the 3D printed insulating skeleton 4.

[0032] Metal electrode rings 7 are placed in the insulating tube strip groove, and the remaining electrode rings are arranged in sequence, forming an ion migration region together with the ion gate grid 9 and the shielding grid 10. Resistor 13 is placed in the groove 45 between the strip grooves 44 in the middle of the 3D printed insulating skeleton 4, and the two ends of resistor 13 are respectively welded to two adjacent metal electrode rings 7.

[0033] The outer cylinder 3 is fitted over the 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4, with its two ends connected to the first end 41 and the second end 43, respectively. The outer cylinder 3 is an insulating or metal cylinder whose inner diameter fits tightly with the outer diameter of the 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4. It has openings at both ends. One opening fits tightly into the outer wall of the first end 41 of the 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4, while the inner wall of the other opening is threaded and has a threaded nut 5 with a central through hole. This through hole passes through the second end 43 of the 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4 and can be screwed onto the outer cylinder 3 (the outer wall of the second end 43 is screwed onto the threaded nut 5), thus pressing the 3D-printed insulating skeleton 4 tightly into the outer cylinder 3.

[0034] The 3D printed insulating skeleton of this invention adopts a complex structure integrated molding, which reduces manufacturing costs, reduces assembly errors, effectively improves installation accuracy, and enhances the overall structural strength.

[0035] Finally, it should be noted that the above embodiments are only used to illustrate the technical solutions of the present invention, and not to limit them; although the present invention has been described in detail with reference to the foregoing embodiments, those skilled in the art should understand that modifications can still be made to the technical solutions described in the foregoing embodiments, or equivalent substitutions can be made to some or all of the technical features; and these modifications or substitutions do not cause the essence of the corresponding technical solutions to deviate from the scope of the technical solutions of the embodiments of the present invention.

Claims

1. A novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing, characterized in that, include: The ionization source, outer cylinder (3), 3D printed insulating skeleton (4), metal electrode ring (7), ion gate grid (9), shielding grid (10), and Faraday disk (12) are included. The 3D printed insulating skeleton (4) is a cylindrical insulating tube with an internal cavity. The 3D printed insulating skeleton (4) is divided into three sections: a first end (41), a middle end (42), and a second end (43). The first end (41) and the second end (43) are located at the two ends, and the middle end (42) is located in the middle. The internal cavity includes the first opening and the second opening inside the first end (41) and the second end (43), as well as the middle end. (42) The interior has a through hole, which is connected to the first opening and the second opening; the outer wall of the middle end (42) is provided with a plurality of strip grooves (44) arranged in an axial array, the strip grooves (44) are opened radially toward the center of the insulating tube through one side of the outer wall of the middle end (42), and the cross-sectional shape of the strip grooves (44) is arc-shaped; the outer wall of the middle end (42) is provided with a plurality of grooves (45), the plurality of grooves (45) and the plurality of strip grooves (44) are alternately arranged, and adjacent two strip grooves (44) are connected by the grooves (45); the solid part of the 3D printed insulating skeleton (4) can be solid or hollow; The outer cylinder (3) is fitted over the 3D printed insulating skeleton (4). The two ends of the outer cylinder (3) are connected to the first end (41) and the second end (43) respectively. Multiple metal electrode rings (7) are provided. Multiple metal electrode rings (7) and ion gate grids (9) are placed in strip grooves (44) respectively. The ion gate grids (9) are located between two metal electrode rings (7) and close to the first end (41). The ionization source is set in the first opening through a fixing member (2) and forms an ionization reaction zone with the ion gate grids (9). The Faraday disk (12) is installed in the second opening through a Faraday disk frame (11). The shielding grid (10) is placed in the strip groove (44) close to the Faraday disk frame (11) and forms a signal receiving area with the Faraday disk (12). The metal electrode rings (7), ion gate grids (9) and shielding grids (10) form an ion migration area.

2. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer diameters of the first end (41) and the second end (43) are both smaller than the outer diameter of the middle end (42), and the opening depth of the strip groove (44) is greater than the radius of the middle end (42).

3. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The metal electrode ring (7) is a ring-shaped metal with the same inner diameter as the inner diameter of the insulating tube.

4. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The middle end (42) has an airflow outlet (8) connected to the inner cavity on the side wall near the first end (41). The outer wall of the outer cylinder (3) has a through hole connected to the airflow outlet (8). The inner cavity is connected to the outside through the airflow outlet (8) and the through hole. The ion gate grid (9) is located near the airflow outlet (8).

5. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The Faraday disc frame (11) is a cylindrical structure and is fixedly embedded in the second opening; the middle of the Faraday disc frame (11) is a threaded through hole, and a drift gas inlet (6) is provided on the side wall near the threaded through hole; the front end of the Faraday disc (12) has a circular metal sheet, and the rear end is a threaded metal rod, which is threadedly connected to the threaded through hole.

6. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The fixing member (2) is a cylindrical structure with a cavity in the middle. The ionization source is installed in the cavity of the fixing member (2). A carrier gas inlet (1) is provided on one end surface of the fixing member (2).

7. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, A resistor (13) is provided in the groove (45) in the middle, and the two ends of the resistor (13) are respectively welded to two nearby metal electrode rings (7).

8. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The outer cylinder (3) is an insulating cylinder or metal cylinder whose inner diameter is closely matched with the outer diameter of the 3D printed insulating skeleton (4). It has openings at both ends. One end is opened and fits tightly into the outer wall of the first end (41). The inner wall of the other end is provided with a threaded nut (5) with a through hole in the middle. The through hole passes through the second end (43). The outer wall of the second end (43) is screwed with the threaded nut (5) and the 3D printed insulating skeleton (4) is tightly pressed into the outer cylinder (3).

9. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The ionization source is either a radioactive ionization source or a non-radioactive ionization source.

10. The novel ion mobility spectrometer based on 3D printing according to claim 1, characterized in that, The material of the 3D printed insulating skeleton (4) is ceramic, PEEK or PTFE.

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