Atmospheric-Pressure Ion Separation for Portable Sample Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometry systems face challenges in miniaturization and practical use due to the need for expensive vacuum pumps and the cumbersome nature of maintaining a low-pressure environment, which limits the analysis of ions to a vacuum environment.
Innovation Solution
The development of sample analysis systems that can generate, separate, and detect ions at or above atmospheric pressure without the use of laminar gas flow, utilizing an ion generator, ion separator, and detector configured to operate in an ambient environment, allowing for ionization, transfer, focusing, and detection of ions in air.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mass spectrometry systems operate in a vacuum environment to maintain low pressure for ion analysis, then ion transfer and detection can be performed, but the system requires expensive vacuum pumps and complex infrastructure
Solution Approach 1:
The patent fundamentally changes the pressure parameter from vacuum (low pressure) to atmospheric pressure, enabling ion generation, transfer, and detection to occur in ambient air. This eliminates the need for vacuum pumps and complex vacuum infrastructure while maintaining reliable ion analysis capabilities through atmospheric pressure ion mobility separation
2Reliability
If vacuum pumps are used to maintain low pressure environment, then ion analysis can be performed, but the physical size and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
By changing the operating pressure from vacuum to atmospheric pressure, the patent eliminates heavy vacuum pump equipment and associated infrastructure. This dramatically reduces the weight and physical footprint of the mass spectrometry system, enabling portable and field-deployable applications
3Reliability
If vacuum pumps are used to maintain low pressure environment, then ion analysis can be performed, but the power consumption and electrical complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent eliminates power-hungry vacuum pump systems by operating at atmospheric pressure. This dramatically reduces power consumption and electrical infrastructure requirements, making the system suitable for battery-powered and portable applications
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
Enables the miniaturization and practical use of mass spectrometry systems by eliminating the need for vacuum environments, reducing equipment costs and complexity, and allowing for direct analysis of samples without sample preparation or purification steps.
Implementation Method 1
an ionization source is used to ionize an analyte at atmospheric pressure
Implementation Method 2
the plurality of electrodes are three curved electrodes... upon application of voltage to the electrodes, ions received from the ion injector are separated as they travel through the chamber
Data Source
AI summary
The invention generally relates to sample analysis systems and methods of use thereof. In certain aspects, the invention provides a system for analyzing a sample that includes an ion generator configured to generate ions from a sample. The system additionally includes an ion separator configured to separate at or above atmospheric pressure the ions received from the ion generator without use of laminar flowing gas, and a detector that receives and detects the separated ions.