Ion Guide Electrode Assembly with Post-Alignment Frame Separation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional methods for manufacturing ion guides face challenges in achieving high accuracy and consistency in alignment, which is crucial for reliable operation in analytical instruments like mass spectrometers.
Innovation Solution
A method involving initial machining of a part-machined electrode set attached to a frame, followed by precise alignment and further machining to separate the electrode set from the frame, using techniques like wire-erosion to ensure high accuracy and consistency, with optional gluing to printed circuit boards for enhanced alignment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If conventional machining methods (milling or erosion) are used to manufacture ion guides, then the manufacturing process is simple and straightforward, but the alignment accuracy and consistency of electrode sets deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies preliminary action by performing the alignment of electrode sets before the final machining step. The electrode sets are temporarily attached to the frame part in their correct aligned positions, and then the frame part is machined to its final shape. This ensures that the alignment is established beforehand and maintained throughout the manufacturing process, achieving high alignment accuracy without requiring complex post-alignment procedures.
2Manufacturing precision
If electrode sets are aligned using conventional alignment elements (dowels), then the manufacturing process is straightforward, but the alignment accuracy and consistency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the alignment function with the frame part itself by incorporating alignment features directly into the frame part's structure. Instead of using separate dowel elements, the frame part includes integrated alignment surfaces and positioning features that guide the electrode sets into their correct positions during assembly. This integration maintains ease of manufacture while significantly improving alignment consistency.
3Adaptability or versatility
If complex components with greater number of electrode sets are manufactured, then the functionality and versatility of the ion guide is improved, but the alignment accuracy and consistency becomes difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the electrode sets into modular units that can be independently manufactured and then assembled. Each electrode set or group of electrode sets can be prepared separately with their own alignment features, and then combined with the frame part and other electrode sets in a systematic assembly process. This modular approach maintains high alignment accuracy even as the overall component complexity increases.
Data Source
AI summary
A component of an ion optical device is manufactured. The component comprises aligned first and second electrode sets. A first material is machined to provide a part-machined first electrode set that comprises the first electrode set attached to a frame part of the first material. A second material is machined to provide a part-machined second electrode set that comprises the second electrode set attached to a frame part of the second material. The component of the ion optical device is assembled by aligning the part-machined first and second electrode sets. Subsequent to aligning the part-machined first and second electrode sets, the part-machined first electrode set is further machined to separate the first electrode set from the frame part of the first material and the part-machined second electrode set is further machined to separate the second electrode set from the frame part of the second material.