Ion Mobility Filter with Multi-Temperature Channels
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion mobility spectrometers face challenges in stability and repeatability due to temperature and drift gas pressure variations, which affect ion separation and identification, especially in distinguishing specific chemicals.
Innovation Solution
An ion filter system with multiple ion channels, each at a different temperature, controlled by a temperature control region, utilizing a monolithic structure and thermal insulators to maintain distinct temperatures, and a drive signal system applying an oscillating electric field and DC voltage to selectively filter ions based on mobility differences.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If temperature is increased to enhance ion separation capability, then separation capability is improved, but peak positions in DMS spectra shift and stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The ion filter is divided into multiple independent ion channels (first ion channel, second ion channel, etc.), each operating at different temperatures. This segmentation allows simultaneous measurement at multiple temperatures, resolving the contradiction by enabling both enhanced separation capability (through temperature variation) and stability (through multiple measurements for comparison and verification).
Solution Approach 2:
The invention changes the temperature parameter across different ion channels to optimize ion separation. By maintaining distinct temperatures in different channels while controlling the differences, the system achieves improved separation capability without sacrificing spectral stability, as multiple temperature points provide redundant information for reliable identification.
2Measurement precision
If multiple ion channels at different temperatures are used to improve chemical identification, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple ion channels and their temperature control systems are merged into a single integrated ion filter device. The channels share common structural elements, support infrastructure, and control electronics, which reduces the overall device complexity compared to having separate independent measurement systems for each temperature point.
Solution Approach 2:
The ion filter device is designed with multi-functionality, where a single device performs measurements at multiple temperatures simultaneously through its multiple ion channels. This universal design improves chemical identification accuracy without requiring multiple separate devices, thereby avoiding the complexity increase that would result from having separate independent systems.
3Manufacturing precision
If thermal insulators are used to maintain distinct temperatures between ion channels, then temperature control precision is improved, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Thin film thermal insulators are used between the ion channels to maintain distinct temperatures. These thin films are easier to manufacture and integrate into the device structure compared to bulk thermal insulation materials, as they can be deposited or formed directly during the fabrication process, reducing manufacturing complexity while maintaining temperature control precision.
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 enhances chemical identification by creating distinct ion mobility conditions for target species, reducing the likelihood of overlapping graphs at different temperatures, thereby improving the accuracy and efficiency of chemical detection and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
a temperature control region in thermal contact with the first and second ion channels wherein, in use, the temperature control region controls a difference in temperature between the first and second ion channels
Implementation Method 2
the drive signal system applies an oscillating electric field known as a dispersion field together with a DC voltage which provides a compensation field to the ion filter to control ion mobility of ions in the gas sample
Implementation Method 3
The temperature control region may comprise a thermal insulator between the first and second ion channels
Data Source
AI summary
An ion filter for filtering ions in a gas sample. The ion filter has a first ion channel for filtering ions from a target chemical in the gas sample. The ion filter has a second ion channel for filtering ions from the target chemical in the gas sample. The second ion channel is separated from the first ion channel. A temperature control region is in thermal contact with the first and second ion channels for controlling a difference in temperature between the first and second ion channels. A method of filtering ions from a target chemical in a gas sample is also provided.