Compact Mass Spectrometer Using Higher Pressure Operation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional mass spectrometers are large, power-hungry, and require trained operators, limiting their portability and practicality for applications like on-the-spot chemical identification, as they are designed for low gas pressures and cannot operate effectively at higher pressures without compromising resolution.

Innovation Solution

Compact mass spectrometers with a single mechanical pump operating at higher pressures (100 mTorr to 100 Torr) that use efficient ion sources and detectors, providing high enough resolution for chemical identification without the need for high-resolution mass spectra, allowing for portable, low-power operation and user-friendly interpretation.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional mass spectrometers are designed for low gas pressures to maintain high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and power consumption increase, and portability is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass spectral resolutionVSAvoidsystem complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the operating pressure parameter from conventional low pressure (vacuum) to higher pressure (100 mTorr to 100 Torr range). This parameter change allows the use of simpler, more compact components while maintaining sufficient resolution for chemical identification applications, thereby reducing device complexity and power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

2Measurement precision

If conventional mass spectrometers operate at low gas pressures to achieve high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but use of energy increases due to vacuum pump requirements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass spectral resolutionVSAvoidpower consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the operating pressure parameter to a higher range (100 mTorr to 100 Torr), the patent eliminates the need for high-power vacuum pumps while maintaining sufficient resolution for chemical identification, thereby significantly reducing power consumption

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

3Measurement precision

If conventional mass spectrometers are designed for high resolution mass spectra, then measurement precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to requirement for trained operators

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass spectral resolutionVSAvoidoperator training requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the resolution parameter to be optimized for chemical identification rather than high-resolution mass spectrometry. This produces simplified spectra that are easier to interpret, reducing the need for trained operators while maintaining sufficient precision for identifying unknown substances

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent employs a simplified detection approach that produces straightforward spectral data suitable for rapid interpretation, analogous to using simple, effective tools rather than complex, precision instruments for tasks that don't require maximum precision

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Measurement precision

If conventional mass spectrometers are designed for high resolution, then measurement precision is improved, but volume and weight increase reducing portability

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass spectral resolutionVSAvoidinstrument size

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSVolume of moving object

Solution Approach 1:

By changing the operating pressure to higher values (100 mTorr to 100 Torr), the patent enables the use of compact ion sources, ion traps, and detectors that can operate effectively at these pressures. This results in a significantly reduced instrument volume and weight, making the device portable while maintaining sufficient resolution for chemical identification

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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 enables portable, low-power operation while maintaining sufficient resolution for chemical identification, making it suitable for applications like security scanning and medical diagnostics without the need for advanced training in interpreting mass spectra.

Implementation Method 1

molecules or particles are excited or ionized, and these excited species often break down to form ions

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectIonization: Ionisation

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

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectGas compression: Gas Compressor

Data Source

PatentUS9099286B2Compact mass spectrometer

Publication Date: 2015.08.04 908 DEVICES

AI summary

Mass spectrometers and methods for measuring information about samples using mass spectrometry are disclosed.