High-Voltage Power Unit Polarity Switching via Segmented Circuits
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional high-voltage power units for mass spectrometers are costly and unreliable, with high-voltage relays and semiconductor switches experiencing spike discharges and long switching times, which affect analysis accuracy and reliability.
Innovation Solution
A high-voltage power unit with parallel-connected resistors and a control circuit that rapidly switches between positive and negative high voltages using booster transformers and Cockcroft-Walton rectifier circuits, eliminating the need for reed relays and semiconductor switches, and ensuring stable voltage output.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a high-voltage reed relay is used to switch polarity, then the power unit can change polarity, but spike discharges occur that break the relay and elongate the non-detection period
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates the high-voltage relay component from the system by using separate positive and negative high-voltage generating circuits. This removes the source of spike discharges and relay breakage, while maintaining the ability to switch polarity through circuit control rather than mechanical switching.
Solution Approach 2:
The high-voltage power unit is segmented into separate positive high-voltage generating circuit and negative high-voltage generating circuit. This segmentation allows independent control of each polarity, enabling rapid switching without the need for high-voltage relays and eliminating the associated reliability and time loss problems.
2Speed
If a high-voltage semiconductor switch is used instead of relay, then switching speed increases, but the switch is weak in high-voltage discharge and highly expensive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses inexpensive resistors (10 MΩ or higher) connected in parallel with the output of each voltage generating circuit instead of expensive semiconductor switches. These resistors can withstand high-voltage discharges and provide a cost-effective solution that maintains reliability while enabling fast switching through circuit design rather than active switching components.
3Speed
If a high-voltage semiconductor switch is used, then switching operation is faster, but the cost becomes significantly high due to multiple series connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces expensive semiconductor switches with inexpensive resistors (10 MΩ or higher) connected in parallel with the output of each voltage generating circuit. This substitution dramatically reduces manufacturing cost while maintaining fast switching capability through the circuit architecture, eliminating the need for multiple series-connected semiconductor devices.
4Adaptability or versatility
If high-voltage relays are used for polarity switching, then polarity can be changed, but the relays are expensive and have short life time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the high-voltage relay component from the system by implementing separate positive and negative high-voltage generating circuits. This extraction eliminates the need for expensive high-voltage relays while preserving the polarity switching capability through circuit control, significantly reducing manufacturing cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The power unit is divided into separate positive and negative voltage generating circuits, each with its own output terminals. This segmentation enables polarity switching through circuit configuration rather than expensive high-voltage relays, maintaining versatility while reducing cost.
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 configuration reduces costs, prevents discharge-related failures, and enables rapid polarity switching, enhancing reliability and analysis efficiency by shortening non-detection periods in mass spectrometers.
Implementation Method 1
each of the positive voltage generating circuit and the negative voltage generating circuit includes a booster transformer
Implementation Method 2
a rectifier circuit using a Cockcroft-Walton circuit connected to a secondary winding of the transformer
Data Source
AI summary
The output terminal P2 of the positive voltage generating circuit 2 and the output terminal Q1 of the negative voltage generating circuit 4 are connected in series. The output terminal Q2 of the negative voltage generating circuit 4 is connected to the ground via the resistor 10. Each of the resistors 6 and 7 is respectively connected in parallel to the voltage generating circuits 2 and 4. A high voltage whose polarity is changed is taken from the output terminal P1 of the positive voltage generating circuit 2. For changing the output voltage from positive to negative one, the control circuit 1 controls each of the drive circuits 3 and 5 so that the output of the positive voltage generating circuit 2 changes from the voltage +HV to zero and the output of the negative voltage generating circuit 4 simultaneously changes from zero to −HV. Accordingly, the output voltage changes in a short period of time. Although a high-voltage-resistance resistor is required in this configuration, it is far more inexpensive and has higher reliability compared to a high-voltage relay or a semiconductor switch which has been conventionally used.