Mass Spectrometer Inner Source Assembly for Error-Proof Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers require regular maintenance and assembly, which can be complex and prone to errors, leading to downtime and operational inefficiencies, especially when performed by lab technicians using conventional tools.
Innovation Solution
The inner source assembly for mass spectrometers features a base and volume housing with dissimilar protrusions and slots for secure alignment, a repeller assembly with keying features to prevent rotational movement, and an ionisation arrangement with unique aperture configurations to ensure correct orientation, along with electrical terminals and a handle assembly for easy assembly and disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional assembly methods are used for mass spectrometer maintenance, then assembly can be performed with standard tools, but assembly complexity increases and error risk rises
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric bayonet-style protrusions and slots where each protrusion has a unique shape, length, and threading configuration that corresponds to a specific slot. This asymmetric design ensures that components can only be assembled in the correct orientation, eliminating assembly errors while maintaining simplicity for trained technicians.
Solution Approach 2:
The inner source assembly is divided into discrete modular components including the volume housing, base, repeller assembly, and ionisation arrangement. Each module can be independently maintained and reassembled using the standardized dissimilar protrusion-slot interface, simplifying maintenance procedures while reducing overall system complexity through modular design.
2Manufacturing precision
If dissimilar protrusions and slots are used for alignment, then alignment precision improves, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The dissimilar protrusions and slots are designed with asymmetric geometries including varying lengths, diameters, and threading patterns. This asymmetry provides inherent alignment precision by ensuring only one correct mating configuration, while the features remain simple enough to manufacture using conventional machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions and slots are pre-configured during manufacturing with precise dimensional tolerances and geometric relationships. This preliminary precision work is done once during production, allowing for quick and error-free assembly during maintenance without requiring complex alignment procedures at the time of assembly.
3Reliability
If secure connections are implemented through multiple protrusions and slots, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple dissimilar protrusions and corresponding slots are distributed around the circumference of the volume housing and base. Each protrusion-slot pair provides a secure mechanical connection with unique geometric constraints, ensuring reliable assembly while the repeating pattern maintains manufacturing simplicity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple alignment and securing functions into a single integrated protrusion-slot mechanism. Each feature simultaneously provides mechanical support, alignment reference, and rotational positioning, reducing the need for separate fasteners and alignment features that would increase structural complexity.
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
These features simplify maintenance and assembly, reducing the risk of errors and downtime by ensuring correct alignment and secure connections, allowing for straightforward on-site maintenance by lab technicians and minimizing the complexity of mass spectrometer operations.
Implementation Method 1
A charged repeller then repels the positive ions towards the lens stack of the outer source assembly
Implementation Method 2
They are ionised by an ion source, upon colliding with electrons emitted by one or more filaments
Data Source
AI summary
An inner source assembly for a mass spectrometer, the assembly comprising: a base; and a volume housing removably connectable to the base for retaining a repeller assembly therebetween, wherein one of the base and volume housing comprises at least two protrusions and the other of the volume housing and base comprises at least two corresponding slots to receive and retain said protrusions, wherein the protrusions are dissimilar to one another and/or the slots are dissimilar to one another.