Ion Guide Electrode Layout Using Reusable Subunit Patterns
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Solution Overview
Problem
The complexity and laboriousness of generating electrode layouts for ion guides result in frequent flaws, leading to improper functionality due to the large number of electrodes involved.
Innovation Solution
A method is developed to generate electrode layouts by defining layout subunits with type information, including voltage patterns and positions, allowing for a systematic and efficient arrangement along a layout path, which simplifies the process and ensures correct placement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a large number of electrodes are employed in ion guides to achieve proper ion transport functionality, then the functionality and effectiveness of ion guide is improved, but the complexity and laboriousness of generating the layout of electrodes increases, leading to frequent flaws and incorrect arrangements
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode layout is divided into multiple layout subunits arranged in succession along a layout path. Each layout subunit represents a manageable segment of the overall electrode arrangement, allowing complex layouts to be constructed from simpler, reusable components. This segmentation reduces errors by enabling systematic verification of each subunit rather than attempting to verify the entire layout at once.
Solution Approach 2:
Layout subunits can be defined once with type information and then copied and reused multiple times along the layout path. This copying mechanism ensures consistency across repeated electrode patterns and eliminates manual re-entry errors. The type information serves as a template that is replicated throughout the layout, maintaining uniformity while simplifying the generation process.
2Adaptability or versatility
If manual methods are used to generate electrode layouts, then flexibility in customization is maintained, but the laboriousness and time consumption increase significantly, resulting in frequent human errors
Solution Approach 1:
Layout subunit types are defined in advance with complete type information including electrode configurations, positions, and reference systems. This preliminary definition allows for rapid assembly of complete layouts by simply referencing pre-defined subunits rather than creating each electrode arrangement from scratch. The type information serves as a reusable library that speeds up the layout generation process while maintaining customization options.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses parameter-based control through type information that defines layout subunits. By changing parameters such as the sequence of subunits, their positions along the layout path, or their orientation, diverse electrode layouts can be generated systematically. This parameter-driven approach enables customization without manual intervention for each specific configuration.
3Area of stationary object
If complex electrode layouts are generated without systematic methods, then complete coverage of ion path is achieved, but flaws like incorrectly arranged electrodes are easily incorporated
Solution Approach 1:
The system provides a structured framework where layout subunits are positioned along a defined layout path with reference to a global reference system. This structured approach enables systematic verification of electrode positions and arrangements. The type information and layout path serve as reference frameworks that allow for checking and validating the correctness of electrode placements, reducing undetected errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces a layout path dimension that sequences layout subunits in a systematic order along the ion path. By organizing electrodes along this additional dimensional framework rather than treating them as a two-dimensional array, the system enables more efficient verification and positioning. The layout path acts as a guide that ensures complete coverage while maintaining precision through systematic placement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a method for generating a layout of electrodes for an ion guide for transporting ions along an ion path, the ion guide comprising electrodes arranged in the layout of electrodes along the ion path for transporting the ions along the ion path. For generating the layout of electrodes, a layout path corresponding to said the path is assumed and the layout of electrodes is generated along the layout path. The layout of electrodes and the layout path are in reference to a global reference system, wherein the layout of electrodes includes at least two layout subunits which are arranged in succession along the layout path, wherein each one of the at least two layout subunits is of one of at least one layout subunit type. The method includes defining the at least one layout subunit type, wherein each one of the at least one layout subunit type includes type information, the type information being adopted by each layout subunit of the respective one of the at least one layout subunit type. The type information includes a subunit electrode layout of at least one subunit electrode, the subunit electrode layout being in reference to a subunit reference system, wherein in the subunit electrode layout, each one of the at least one subunit electrode has a local position in the subunit reference system and is assigned to a class of electrodes, wherein the respective class of electrodes is associated with a type of voltage pattern to be applied to the electrodes belonging to the respective the class of electrodes. Furthermore, the type information includes a layout subunit position identifier for identifying a position of the subunit electrode layout in the global reference system. The method includes building up at least one segment of the layout of electrodes by assigning to each one of the at least two layout subunits one of the at least one layout subunit type and positioning each one of the at least two layout subunits at a respective position along the layout path.