Detachable Ion Source for Mass Spectrometer with Airtight Sealing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mass spectrometers require quick and safe switching between different ionization techniques, and existing systems lack easy detachability and leak-proofing, leading to potential contamination and downtime due to pressure issues and interference in results.

Innovation Solution

A detachable and replaceable ion source with a housing that provides airtight sealing, pressure monitoring, and automatic leak testing, along with a pressure check valve and exhaust isolation to prevent over-pressurization and contamination.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a detachable ion source is used to enable quick switching between ionization techniques, then ease of operation and adaptability are improved, but reliability and risk of contamination worsen due to potential leaks and improper sealing

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of switching ion sourcesVSAvoidrisk of contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system performs preliminary leak testing by pressurizing the ion source chamber with nitrogen gas and monitoring pressure decay before allowing the ion source to be used. This advance detection ensures the seal is intact, preventing contamination while maintaining ease of source replacement.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A sealing means (gasket or O-ring) is introduced as an intermediary element between the ion source housing and the mass spectrometer inlet. This intermediary component creates a reliable seal that prevents contamination while allowing the ion source to be easily detached and reattached.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If continuous pressure monitoring is implemented to detect exhaust blockages, then reliability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection of exhaust blockagesVSAvoidcomplexity of pressure monitoring system

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure monitoring system automatically detects exhaust blockages by monitoring pressure changes in the ion source chamber and provides visual warnings to the user. The system serves itself by using the existing chamber pressure as the monitoring parameter, eliminating the need for separate sensors in the exhaust line and reducing overall complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system provides feedback to the user through visual indicators (LED lights or display messages) when pressure changes indicate an exhaust blockage. This feedback mechanism allows continuous monitoring without requiring complex control systems, maintaining simplicity while ensuring reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

3Object-affected harmful factors

If a pressure check valve is added to prevent over-pressurization, then safety is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of over-pressurizationVSAvoidcomplexity of safety mechanisms

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A simple pressure check valve or pressure relief mechanism is incorporated into the exhaust system that passively opens at a predetermined pressure threshold to prevent over-pressurization. This simple, inexpensive component provides safety without adding complex active control systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #27Cheap short-living objects (Disposable)

4Object-affected harmful factors

If air tight sealing is implemented to prevent chemical leakage, then safety is improved, but ease of operation worsens due to difficulty in detaching and reattaching sources

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprevention of chemical leakageVSAvoidease of source replacement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The system automatically performs a leak test by pressurizing the chamber and monitoring pressure decay before allowing source operation. This preliminary action ensures the seal is adequate without requiring the user to manually tighten or adjust sealing components, maintaining ease of operation while ensuring safety.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing mechanism uses material selection and design that allows the seal to deform and conform to mating surfaces under compression, creating an airtight seal. The sealing means is designed to provide adequate sealing with minimal clamping force, allowing easy attachment and detachment while preventing chemical leakage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentUS8536522B2Mass spectrometer

Publication Date: 2013.09.17 MICROMASS UK LTD

AI summary

A detachable and replaceable ion source for a mass spectrometer. The ion source comprises a housing which defines an ion source chamber, an ion source mounting means complementary to mounting means on the mass spectrometer to detachably couple with the mass spectrometer. This allows movement of the housing to bring the ion source chamber into a position of use at the inlet of said mass spectrometer and to take the ion source chamber from said position of use into a retracted position. Sealing means is provided to create an air tight seal between the housing and the mass spectrometer when the ion source chamber is in its position of use. A release mechanism is provided which cooperates with the mass spectrometer to allow the said movement of said housing.