3D-Printed Ion Optical Structure With Isolated Rod-Ring Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion optical devices for mass spectrometers are complex and require intricate manufacturing processes, making them challenging to produce efficiently, especially as device sizes decrease and geometries become more complex.
Innovation Solution
The method involves additive manufacturing, specifically 3D printing, to create ion optical devices. This process includes printing a plurality of rods, rings, and end supports, followed by finishing the surface, removing end supports to create electric circuits, and coupling shrouds to the rings.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional manufacturing methods are used for ion optical devices, then structural integrity and electrical connectivity can be ensured, but the manufacturing process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate components (rods, rings, end supports, fillets) into a single integrated structure that is printed as one piece using additive manufacturing. This eliminates the need for separate manufacturing and assembly of these components, directly resolving the contradiction by simplifying the manufacturing process while maintaining all necessary structural and electrical functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The single printed structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates electrical circuits, defines geometric precision, and eliminates the need for separate auxiliary components. This multi-functionality approach resolves the contradiction by consolidating what would traditionally require multiple separate components into one universal structure.
2Volume of moving object
If device size is decreased to improve mass spectrometer compactness, then instrument size is reduced, but individual component geometries become more complex and harder to manufacture
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical manufacturing methods (which struggle with complex small-scale geometries) with additive manufacturing technology. This substitution enables the production of highly complex geometries at reduced scales that would be impossible or extremely difficult to achieve with conventional machining or assembly methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension in additive manufacturing to create complex geometries that cannot be achieved through traditional two-dimensional manufacturing processes. By building structures layer-by-layer, the system can produce intricate internal and external features at small scales, resolving the contradiction between device miniaturization and manufacturing ease.
3Reliability
If multiple separate components are used for ion optical devices, then structural and electrical functions can be achieved, but assembly requires specialized tooling and increases production time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple components that would traditionally be manufactured and assembled separately into a single integrated printed structure. This merging eliminates assembly operations entirely, removing the need for specialized tooling and reducing production time while maintaining all necessary structural and electrical functions through the unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
A method of manufacturing an ion optical device includes printing the ion optical device in a printing direction from a first end to a second end. The ion optical device includes a first end support at the first end, a first set of rods extending from the first end support and formed with a first set of rings, a second set of rods extending from the first end support and formed with a second set of rings, and a second end support at the second end to which the first and second sets of rods extend. Cutting the first and second end supports away from the ion optical device defines a first electrical circuit through the first set of rods and the first set of rings and a second electrical circuit through the second set of rods and the second set of rings that are electrically isolated from each other.