Multipole Electrode Assembly Alignment via Segmented Casting
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for producing multipole electrode devices with pre- and/or post-filters are inefficient due to the high precision required for electrode alignment, which leads to increased costs and effort, and the risk of ion neutralization at the electrode edges, causing defocusing and reduced measurement accuracy.
Innovation Solution
A manufacturing method that involves separating electrode blanks into sections using insulators and carrier elements to maintain precise alignment, allowing independent voltage application to each section, thereby reducing the need for realignment and minimizing ion contact with insulators, ensuring stable ion trajectories and improved focusing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If high-precision alignment methods are used for electrode assembly, then alignment precision is improved, but manufacturing cost and effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by pre-aligning electrodes during the casting process itself. The mold is designed with precise positioning features that automatically align electrode blanks in the correct spatial relationships before the concrete sets. This eliminates the need for subsequent complex alignment operations, as the alignment is established in advance during manufacturing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements self-service through self-aligning features built into the mold and electrode assembly. The mold includes positioning elements that automatically guide electrode blanks into correct positions during insertion. The system serves itself by using the mold structure to enforce alignment rather than requiring external alignment tools or operations.
2Adaptability or versatility
If electrode blanks are cut into sections after assembly, then voltage application flexibility is improved, but the cutting tool damages the insulator and alignment precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by designing the electrode as multiple separate electrode blanks that are cast in distinct sections within the mold. Each electrode blank can be independently positioned and electrically isolated. This allows different voltage patterns to be applied to different sections while maintaining precise spatial alignment, as the segmentation is established during the casting process rather than through subsequent cutting.
3Measurement precision
If pre- and post-filters are added to improve ion focusing, then measurement accuracy is improved, but the number of components and alignment requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the pre-filter and post-filter functions into the main electrode structure itself. By casting all filter sections as integrated electrode blanks in a single mold operation, the patent combines multiple functional components into a unified structure. This reduces the number of separate assemblies and simplifies alignment requirements while maintaining the ion-focusing benefits of having both pre- and post-filters.
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 method enhances the precision and accuracy of electrode alignment, reduces ion neutralization, and improves ion focusing, resulting in higher transmission rates and resolution in mass spectrometry measurements.
Implementation Method 1
The voltage at the electrodes is made up of a high-frequency alternating voltage and a direct voltage... The applied AC and DC voltages move the ions through the mass filter on defined trajectories
Implementation Method 2
The applied AC and DC voltages move the ions through the mass filter on defined trajectories
Implementation Method 3
only a weakened AC voltage is applied. As a result, the field does not begin or end abruptly for the ions, but rather the ions are slowly guided into or out of the field
Data Source
Figure 1~10
Figure 2
Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for manufacturing a multipole electrode assembly (35), in particular a multipole, for use in a mass spectrometer, wherein the electrode assembly (35) comprises at least one main filter (3) and at least one pre- and/or post-filter (5, 7). The objective of improving known manufacturing methods for electrode assemblies with pre- and/or post-filters is achieved by separating the electrode blanks (9) for manufacturing the pre- and/or post-filters (5, 7) into several sections (13, 15), which are held in a constant relative position to one another by retaining means (17, 25). The invention further relates to such an electrode assembly (35) and to a mass spectrometer with such a multipole electrode assembly (35).