Flexible Ion Transfer Interface for Low-Loss Remote Mass Spectrometry
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers are bulky and inflexible, limiting their portability and efficiency in point-of-need applications, such as medical and security scenarios, where ambient ionization techniques require efficient ion transfer from remote sources to the spectrometer without significant ion loss.
Innovation Solution
A flexible, re-configurable ion transfer device with a plurality of electrodes and an enclosure that maintains reduced pressure, allowing the device to bend and change shape while efficiently transferring ions from an ambient ion source to a mass spectrometer, utilizing RF and DC voltages to guide ions and minimize losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional mass spectrometer is used, then analytical performance is maintained, but portability and flexibility are limited due to bulky size
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometer system is divided into separate functional modules: a compact ion source that can be positioned remotely from the main analyzer body, connected via an ion transfer interface. This segmentation allows the analyzer to remain relatively compact while the ion source can be placed closer to samples, improving portability and flexibility without sacrificing analytical performance.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a spatial separation between the ion source and the mass analyzer along the ion transfer path, utilizing the third dimension (distance) to resolve the contradiction. By positioning the ion source remotely and transferring ions through a controlled interface, the system achieves both compact analyzer size and flexible sample access capability.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the ion source is placed remotely from the mass spectrometer, then flexibility in sample access is improved, but ion transfer efficiency decreases due to ion loss
Solution Approach 1:
A specialized ion transfer interface acts as an intermediary between the remotely positioned ion source and the mass analyzer. This interface includes electrostatic lenses and differential pumping stages that efficiently guide and transfer ions over the distance, minimizing ion loss while maintaining the flexibility benefits of remote source placement.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical connection between ion source and analyzer with an electromagnetic field-based ion transfer system. Electrostatic lenses and field-based ion guidance replace physical continuity, allowing efficient ion transfer across a spatial gap and enabling flexible remote positioning without significant ion loss.
3Adaptability or versatility
If the mass spectrometer is made compact for portability, then ease of deployment is improved, but vacuum maintenance and ion transfer become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum system is segmented into separate chambers: the mass analyzer operates in high vacuum, while the ion source and transfer interface operate at different pressure stages. This segmentation allows each chamber to be optimized independently, enabling compact overall design while maintaining proper vacuum conditions for analysis and facilitating easier deployment.
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
Enhances ion transfer efficiency and portability of mass spectrometers, enabling continuous analysis and increased throughput by allowing flexible placement of the ion source relative to the sample, reducing ion loss, and maintaining high analytical performance in various applications.
Implementation Method 1
an enclosure configured to maintain reduced pressure
Implementation Method 2
utilizing RF and DC voltages to guide ions and minimize losses
Data Source
AI summary
An apparatus includes a tubular connector having a longitudinal axis. The connector includes a first end that connects to a first analytical system, a second end that connects to a second analytical system, and a flexible portion between the first end and the second end that curves in a direction transverse to the axis of the connector such that the connector contains ion guides to transfer ions between the first analytical system and the second analytical system.