Compact Mass Spectrometer High-Pressure Ionization
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers are large, power-intensive, and not portable, requiring low gas pressures that limit their application and resolution, making them unsuitable for mobile or low-cost, high-efficiency chemical substance identification.
Innovation Solution
Compact mass spectrometers operating within a pressure range of 100 mTorr to 100 Torr, using a single mechanical pump, efficient ion sources, and low-power detectors, providing high enough resolution for substance identification and hazard information without the need for high-resolution mass spectra.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometers are used, then measurement precision is maintained, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the gas pressure parameter from conventional low pressure (vacuum) to high pressure (100 mTorr to 100 Torr), enabling compact design while maintaining identification accuracy. This parameter change allows the use of smaller components and reduces the overall system size without sacrificing the ability to identify chemical substances
2Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometers operate at low gas pressure, then measurement precision is maintained, but power consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating pressure parameter to high pressure (100 mTorr to 100 Torr), which reduces power consumption while maintaining sufficient resolution for substance identification. The high pressure environment allows for more efficient ion detection and reduces the need for high-power vacuum systems
3Ease of operation
If high gas pressure is used, then device portability is improved, but measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent optimizes the pressure parameter to a specific high pressure range (100 mTorr to 100 Torr) that balances portability and measurement precision. This parameter optimization enables the device to be portable while maintaining sufficient resolution for identifying chemical substances and hazard information
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the need for high-resolution mass spectra with alternative detection methods that work effectively at high pressure. This substitution allows the system to achieve accurate substance identification without requiring the complex, high-precision components that would compromise portability
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 compact design reduces size and power consumption, enabling portable, low-cost, and user-friendly chemical substance identification, suitable for applications like security scanning and medical diagnostics, while maintaining sufficient resolution for accurate identification.
Implementation Method 1
molecules or particles are excited or ionized, and these excited species often break down to form ions
Implementation Method 2
a gas pump configured to control the gas pressure in the at least two of the ion source, the ion trap, and the ion detector
Data Source
AI summary
Mass spectrometers and methods for measuring information about samples using mass spectrometry are disclosed.