Gradual Ion Transport Channel for Stable Mass Spectrometry Detection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional mass spectrometry devices face issues with deposition of residual substances in the ion transport channel, leading to reduced sensitivity and accuracy due to blockages and difficulty in cleaning, which affects the resolution and sensitivity of detection.
Innovation Solution
A gradual ion transport channel with a decreasing internal diameter and a non-parallel electrode arrangement, where the electric field strength is gradually enhanced, allowing for increased ion aggregation and separation, and rotatable electrodes for easy cleaning and prolonged service life.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a narrow channel is used for ion transport from normal pressure to high vacuum, then the transition of compounds is enabled, but deposition and blockage of the channel occurs over time
Solution Approach 1:
The ion transport channel is divided into multiple segments with different diameters. The channel transitions from a larger diameter at the normal pressure end to a smaller diameter at the high vacuum end, creating distinct zones for different functions: ion expansion, ion acceleration, and ion detection. This segmentation prevents uniform deposition throughout the channel and allows targeted cleaning of specific segments.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of using a constant narrow diameter throughout the channel, the invention inverts the traditional approach by using a gradient diameter that is larger at the inlet and smaller at the outlet. This reverse geometry reduces deposition by allowing ions to expand in the larger inlet region before entering the narrower detection zone, preventing condensation on channel walls.
2Measurement precision
If the transport channel is cleaned frequently to remove deposited substances, then the sensitivity and accuracy are maintained, but the service life of electrodes is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The invention converts the harmful effect of deposited substances into a beneficial design feature by creating a channel geometry where deposition is concentrated in specific removable segments rather than throughout the entire channel. The segmented design allows easy removal and cleaning of affected segments without damaging the main electrode structure, thus extending electrode service life while maintaining detection accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel segments that accumulate deposited substances are designed to be easily removable and replaceable. When deposition occurs, only the affected segments need to be discarded and replaced, while the main electrode components are preserved and recovered for continued use, thereby extending the overall system service life.
3Measurement precision
If ions are transported through a long channel to increase separation distance, then resolution is improved, but ion collisions and losses increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention transitions from a traditional linear transport path to a three-dimensional gradient channel structure where the diameter varies along the length. This dimensional change allows ions to travel a longer effective path for separation while the expanding cross-sectional area compensates for ion losses by reducing wall collisions and providing more transport pathways.
Solution Approach 2:
The channel structure is designed with nested segments of different diameters, creating a series of concentric transport zones. Ions can navigate through these nested zones, effectively increasing the transport path length for separation while the larger outer zones provide backup pathways that reduce ion losses through collisions.
4Ease of manufacture
If a constant diameter channel is used for simplicity of manufacture, then manufacturing is easier, but ion aggregation and separation are insufficient
Solution Approach 1:
The channel is segmented into standardized sections with different diameters, where each segment can be manufactured using conventional techniques and then assembled. This segmentation approach maintains manufacturing ease while achieving the required diameter variations for optimal ion separation, as each segment can be produced independently with standard tolerances.
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
Improves the sensitivity and accuracy of ion detection by increasing the moving distance of ions, maintaining proper distance between ions with different masses, and reducing collisions, thereby enhancing the resolution and extending the service life of electrodes.
Implementation Method 1
the strength of an electric field formed in the channel is gradually enhanced
Implementation Method 2
allowing for increased ion aggregation and separation
Implementation Method 3
an inner diameter of the transport channel is gradual... an internal diameter of the channel is gradually reduced from an ion inlet to an ion outlet
Data Source
AI summary
The present invention relates to a mass spectrometry device containing an ion transport channel. The ion transport channel is a gradual ion transport channel, an inner diameter of the ion transport channel is gradually reduced, the strength of an electric field formed in the channel is gradually enhanced, and an area of an effective electric field is gradually reduced. Such a device allows ions to be transported stably in the transport channel and increasingly aggregated, thereby reducing the loss of ions, improving the sensitivity and resolution of later detection, and reducing the cost of the device.