Ion Guide Construction Using Segmented Plates on Spine Member
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion guide technologies face challenges in constructing a simple and effective method for locking plates in place on a spine member, which affects the assembly and functionality of ion guides in mass spectrometers.
Innovation Solution
The method involves using different sized or shaped apertures on plates that are translated and locked at various axial positions on a spine member with varying sizes or shapes, or through recesses, channels, and rotating plates to secure them, allowing for various configurations such as annular ion guides and electrical interconnections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If traditional methods of locking plates on spine members are used, then the ion guide can be constructed, but the assembly process becomes complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The ion guide is divided into modular plates that can be independently manufactured and then assembled by sliding onto the spine member. Each plate is a separate component with standardized features (apertures, locking features) that simplify the overall assembly process while maintaining functional integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The plates are pre-configured with apertures and locking features during manufacturing. The spine member is pre-formed with corresponding recesses and channels. This preliminary preparation eliminates the need for complex assembly operations, as the components simply need to be slid together and locked into place.
2Reliability
If multiple locking methods are implemented for different plates, then reliable positioning is achieved, but the manufacturing process becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
Different locking mechanisms are applied to different plates based on their specific positioning requirements. Some plates use interference fits in recesses, others use channel-based locking with locating members, and some use rotational locking. This localized approach ensures each plate is secured reliably while avoiding unnecessary complexity in plates that don't require such measures.
Solution Approach 2:
The locking mechanism parameters are varied across different plates - some use interference fits (dimensional parameter), others use geometric channel constraints (shape parameter), and some use rotational positioning (angular parameter). This allows optimization of each plate's locking reliability without requiring all plates to use the same complex mechanism.
3Adaptability or versatility
If plates with different sized apertures are used, then ion guide functionality is improved, but the manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The ion guide is segmented into multiple plates, each with specifically sized apertures for different functional regions. This allows optimization of aperture dimensions for each section without requiring the entire guide to be manufactured as a single precision component. Each plate can be manufactured to its specific aperture tolerances independently.
Solution Approach 2:
Despite having different aperture sizes, all plates share common locking features and interface geometries with the spine member. This universal interface design allows plates with varying aperture specifications to be manufactured using similar processes and then assembled using the same locking mechanisms, reducing the impact of aperture diversity on manufacturing precision requirements.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method of constructing an ion guide is disclosed comprising providing an elongated spine member (4) and a plurality of plates (2). Each plate (2) comprises an aperture therethrough for receiving the spine member (4) and at least one electrode (3) for use in guiding ions. The apertures (5) of the plates (2) are arranged around the spine member (4) and the plates (2) are arranged along the spine member (4). The plates (2) are then locked in position on the spine member such that the plates (2) are fixed axially with respect to the spine member (4) and so that the electrodes 3 of the plates (2) are arranged so as to form an array of electrodes (1) for use in guiding ions.