Ion Manipulation Device Using PCB Bridging Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ion manipulation devices face challenges in simplifying the application of different voltages to multiple electrodes and achieving low manufacturing costs, while also requiring a structure that can optionally be enclosed to control gas pressure within the device.
Innovation Solution
The use of printed circuit boards (PCBs) with bridging electrodes to hold the PCBs in a fixed spatial relationship, allowing for easy alignment and voltage application to multiple electrodes, and incorporating conductive elements and electronic components for efficient voltage distribution, which also enables optional gas containment within the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple individual connections are made from voltage sources to multiple electrode segments, then different voltages can be applied to each electrode segment, but the device complexity and manufacturing difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple electrode segments are merged into a single multipole device assembly, and multiple voltage connections are combined into a single circuit board that interfaces with all electrodes simultaneously. This eliminates the need for multiple individual connections while maintaining the ability to apply different voltages to different electrode segments.
Solution Approach 2:
The circuit board serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides electrical connections to all electrode segments, provides mechanical support for the electrodes, and establishes the spatial geometry of the multipole device. This multi-functionality reduces overall device complexity while maintaining voltage application capability.
2Manufacturing precision
If high accuracy ceramics and ground electrodes are used to manufacture multipole devices, then manufacturing precision is improved, but manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanical alignment and support function is replaced by a circuit board that provides both electrical and mechanical integration. The circuit board's rigid structure inherently maintains electrode spacing and alignment without requiring precision-machined mechanical supports, thereby reducing manufacturing cost while maintaining adequate precision for ion guide applications.
Solution Approach 2:
The manufacturing approach changes from precision mechanical machining of ceramic electrodes to standard PCB fabrication techniques. This parameter change in manufacturing method significantly reduces cost while the circuit board's inherent dimensional stability maintains sufficient geometric accuracy for the ion guide's intended application.
3Reliability
If the multipole device is enclosed in a can or tube to control gas pressure, then gas pressure control is improved, but device complexity and manufacturing cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The circuit board serves as both the electrical connection medium and the structural support that defines the device's internal volume. By integrating these functions, the patent eliminates the need for a separate enclosing can or tube, as the circuit board assembly itself provides the necessary structural boundaries for gas pressure control.
Solution Approach 2:
The structural support function and electrical connection function are merged into the circuit board assembly. This consolidation eliminates the need for separate enclosing structures, reducing device complexity while maintaining the ability to control gas pressure within the device's internal volume.
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 approach simplifies the assembly and manufacturing of ion manipulation devices, reduces component complexity, and allows for reliable voltage connections to multiple electrodes, while providing a cost-effective solution that can be easily enclosed to control gas pressure.
Implementation Method 1
the bridging electrode is configured to hold the first circuit board and the second circuit board apart from each other in a fixed spatial relationship
Implementation Method 2
A DC voltage is applied to the first and second outer array of electrodes. A RF voltage, with a superimposed electric field, is applied to the inner electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
An ion manipulation device for guiding or confining ions in an ion processing apparatus. The device has a first circuit board, wherein at least one first electrode for manipulating the path of ions is mounted on a mounting surface of the first circuit board; a second circuit board, wherein at least one second electrode for manipulating the path of ions is mounted on a mounting surface of the second circuit board; at least one bridging electrode for manipulating the path of ions, wherein the at least one bridging electrode is mounted to both the mounting surface of the first circuit board and the mounting surface of the second circuit board, wherein the bridging electrode is configured to hold the first circuit board and the second circuit board apart from each other in a fixed spatial relationship in which the mounting surface of the second circuit board faces towards the mounting surface of the first circuit board.