Flexible Ion Conduit RF Electrode Phase Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current technologies face challenges in achieving lossless or low-loss ion transport and manipulation over significant distances, particularly between ion sources and analyzers, requiring specific device designs for electric field generation and optimization for various applications.
Innovation Solution
A flexible ion conduit with RF electrodes, where each RF electrode is out of phase with its nearest neighbor, and optionally combined with DC or traveling wave electrodes, is used to direct ions away from the inner surface, enabling efficient ion transport and separation based on mobility and charge.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If specific device designs with particular structures are used to generate required electric fields, then ion mobility separations can be achieved, but device complexity increases and adaptability decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies universality by designing a flexible ion conduit that can perform multiple ion manipulation functions (transport, separation, steering) through a single integrated structure. The conduit uses RF electrodes and traveling wave electrodes that can be configured for different applications, eliminating the need for multiple specialized devices and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining separation performance
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements dynamics by using flexible substrates and dynamic electrode control. The conduit can be bent and repositioned, and the electrodes can generate various electric field configurations (RF for confinement, traveling waves for propulsion) to adapt to different operational requirements, allowing one device to replace multiple rigid, application-specific structures
2Productivity
If RF electrodes are placed close to the inner surface to direct ions away, then ion transport efficiency improves, but risk of electrical breakdown increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses flexible substrates to mount the RF electrodes close to the ion passageway while maintaining electrical insulation. The flexible material allows precise positioning of electrodes for optimal ion confinement without requiring large gaps that would reduce efficiency, and the material properties prevent electrical breakdown by providing consistent insulation even at small distances
Solution Approach 2:
The patent optimizes the gap distance between RF electrodes and the inner surface to a specific parameter range that balances ion confinement effectiveness with electrical breakdown prevention. By carefully controlling this geometric parameter and the electrical parameters (RF voltage amplitude and frequency), the system achieves high ion transport efficiency while maintaining safe operating margins against breakdown
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 solution allows for lossless or low-loss ion transport and separation over a wide range of pressures and ion mobilities, enhancing ion manipulation and analysis in devices like mass spectrometers without the need for complex device redesigns.
Implementation Method 1
a plurality of RF electrodes situated to receive RF voltages wherein each RF voltage is out of phase with respect to the RF voltage applied to a nearest RF electrode of the RF electrodes to direct the received ions away from the inner surface of the ion passageway
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of traveling wave electrodes positioned between the RF electrodes and forming a set that extends along the inner surface for at least a portion of the length of the flexible ion conduit and that is situated to receive traveling wave voltages to form a traveling wave
Implementation Method 3
The flexible ion conduit is situated to move ions along the ion passageway between the input end and the output end over a range of pressures based on a conduit length, cross-section, and gas flow
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a flexible ion conduit extending between an input end situated to receive ions and an output end to define an ion passageway having an axis, the flexible ion conduit including an inner conduit portion having an inner surface facing the interior ion passageway and having a plurality of RF electrodes adjacently situated to receive RF voltages that are out of phase with respect to each other to direct the received ions away from the inner surface and into the ion passageway.