FAIMS Detection Cell With Shaped Filter Electrodes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional FAIMS devices face complexity and reliability issues due to the need for precise control of multiple filter electrodes and high-voltage circuits, leading to increased risk of short-circuits and prolonged analysis times.
Innovation Solution
A detection cell design with differently-shaped filter electrodes and a control unit that applies asymmetric alternating current and direct current voltages, allowing for reduced voltage scanning regions and simplified configuration, thereby enhancing analysis efficiency and precision.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple filter electrodes are arrayed to detect different types of ions simultaneously, then detection capability is improved, but device complexity increases due to multiple voltage control circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple filter electrode functions into a single filter electrode by forming multiple regions (first region, second region, third region) with different distances to the detection electrode on the same electrode structure. This allows different voltage conditions to be applied to different regions simultaneously, achieving multi-type ion detection without requiring multiple separate filter electrodes and their associated control circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The filter electrode is designed with non-uniform local properties: different regions (first, second, third regions) have different distances to the detection electrode, creating locally distinct electric field conditions. This local differentiation enables each region to selectively detect different ion types while using a single unified electrode structure, thereby reducing overall device complexity.
2Volume of moving object
If thin wiring and multi-layer structures are used in FAIMS devices, then device size is reduced, but reliability deteriorates due to short-circuiting and line breakage under high voltage
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the voltage control function from multiple separate circuits and consolidates it into a single voltage control unit that applies different voltages to different regions of the same filter electrode. This eliminates the need for multiple thin wiring paths and multi-layer structures, thereby improving reliability by removing the sources of short-circuiting and line breakage while maintaining a compact device design.
3Measurement precision
If voltage conditions are scanned across multiple filter electrodes, then analysis precision is improved, but measurement time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables continuous ion detection across multiple voltage conditions by having different regions of the filter electrode operate simultaneously under different voltages. As ions flow through the detection cell, they are continuously detected by the appropriate region based on their mobility characteristics, eliminating the need for sequential voltage scanning and thereby reducing measurement time while maintaining high analysis precision.
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 solution reduces measurement time and improves analysis precision by minimizing the number of voltage conditions required, while maintaining high-resolution FAIMS analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a field asymmetric ion mobility spectrometry (FAIMS) system, in which a plurality of detection cells including a pair of filter electrodes and a pair of detection electrodes are arrayed along a channel
Implementation Method 2
voltage applied to each electrode has to be respectively controlled... voltage applied across the pair of filter electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A detection cell includes a pair of filter electrodes, disposed separated from and opposing each other. One of the pair of filter electrodes includes a first region provided following a flow direction of an object of measurement introduced between the filter electrodes, and a second region that is provided arrayed with the first region regrading an intersecting direction intersecting the flow direction, and that protrudes to a position at which a distance of separation as to another of the pair of filter electrodes is smaller than that of the first region. First and second downstream-side electrodes are respectively disposed on downstream sides of the first and second regions, in the flow direction, and are separated from each other regarding the intersecting direction. First and second opposing electrodes are disposed on the downstream side from the other of the pair of filter electrodes, and oppose the first and second downstream-side electrodes.