Bidirectional Ion Entry Electrodes for High-Resolution Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion mobility separators require long devices to achieve high resolution, which complicates ion introduction and extraction, and can disrupt timing with other analyzers, especially as device length increases.
Innovation Solution
An ion entry/exit device with at least two arrays of electrodes, operating in multiple modes to manipulate ions by applying DC potentials in different directions, allowing for efficient ion loading, ejection, and movement within the separator, reducing the need for multiple regions and improving ion mobility separation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If the length of ion mobility separator is increased to increase resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and timing coordination difficulty worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The ion entry/exit device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can introduce ions into the separator, extract ions from the separator, and transport ions in both forward and reverse directions. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate dedicated regions for each operation, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining high resolution capability
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs dynamic control of DC potentials applied to electrode arrays, allowing the potential barrier to move in different directions. This dynamic operation enables the same device structure to adaptively perform different functions (ion introduction, extraction, bidirectional transport) based on operational requirements, simplifying the device architecture
2Measurement precision
If the length of ion mobility separator is increased to increase resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but timing coordination difficulty worsens
Solution Approach 1:
The dynamic potential control allows the system to rapidly switch between different operational modes (ion introduction, separation, extraction). By moving the potential barrier dynamically, the system can coordinate ion transport timing with downstream analyzers more effectively, reducing timing coordination difficulties even as separator length increases
Solution Approach 2:
The device operates in periodic cycles: ions are introduced during one phase, separated during another phase, and extracted during a third phase. This periodic operation pattern allows for synchronized timing with other analytical components, maintaining coordination efficiency despite increased separator length
3Ease of operation
If multiple regions are used to manipulate ions, then ease of operation is improved, but device complexity worsens
Solution Approach 1:
A single ion entry/exit device incorporates all necessary ion manipulation functions: introduction, extraction, and bidirectional transport. By consolidating these functions into one multi-functional device rather than using multiple separate regions, the patent reduces device complexity while maintaining operational ease through unified control mechanisms
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of separate ion introduction and extraction regions into a single integrated device. The electrode arrays and potential control system are combined to perform multiple operations, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying the overall device architecture
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
This solution enables efficient ion manipulation and separation in multiple directions, enhancing the resolution of ion mobility separators while reducing the complexity and length of the device, improving timing with other analytical components.
Implementation Method 1
DC potentials are successively applied to successive electrodes of at least one of the electrode arrays in a first direction such that a potential barrier moves along the at least one array in the first direction and drives ions into and/or out of the device in the first direction
Data Source
AI summary
A method of introducing and ejecting ions from an ion entry/exit device (4) is disclosed. The ion entry/exit device (4) has at least two arrays of electrodes (20,22). The device is operated in a first mode wherein DC potentials are successively applied to successive electrodes of at least one of the electrode arrays ((20,22) in a first direction such that a potential barrier moves along the at least one array in the first direction and drives ions into and/or out of the device in the first direction. The device is also operated in a second mode, wherein DC potentials are successively applied to successive electrodes of at least one of the electrode arrays (20,22) in a second, different direction such that a potential barrier moves along the array in the second direction and drives ions into and/or out of the device in the second direction. The device provides a single, relatively simple device for manipulating ions in multiple directions. For example, the device may be used to load ions into or eject ions from an ion mobility separator in a first direction, and may then be used to cause ions to move through the ion mobility separator in the second direction so as to cause the ions to separate.