Ion Mobility Filter Charge Dissipation and Field Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional DMS systems face issues with response time delays and reduced sensitivity due to charge buildup and fringe fields, which affect the stability and speed of ion detection, especially in multiple sample detections, and are influenced by environmental conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of control structures and materials along the ion flow path to dissipate charge and control electric fields, including partially conducting materials and control electrodes to redirect fringe fields, and scanning compensation voltages to distribute ion flow evenly and reduce charge accumulation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If compensation voltage is applied to filter electrodes in conventional DMS systems, then ion species can be filtered and detected, but charge buildup occurs along the flow path which counteracts fringe fields and causes response time delays
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the charge buildup problem from the main detection path by providing dedicated charge dissipation paths through conductive surfaces and electrodes. These surfaces are specifically designed to collect and dissipate charges away from the ion flow path, preventing charge accumulation that would otherwise counteract fringe fields and cause detection delays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces conductive surfaces and charge dissipation electrodes as intermediary elements between the ion source and detector. These intermediaries actively manage charge distribution by providing controlled pathways for charge dissipation, thereby maintaining stable fringe fields without requiring long charge buildup periods.
2Reliability
If compensation voltage is applied to filter electrodes, then ion filtering is achieved, but fringe fields force ions to impact and deposit charge along the flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful charge buildup effect into a beneficial controlled charge management system. By intentionally providing conductive surfaces and dissipation paths, the system controls where charges deposit (on designated surfaces) rather than allowing uncontrolled deposition along the flow path. This maintains stable fringe fields while preventing the harmful counteracting effects.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent separates the charge dissipation function from the ion detection function by introducing dedicated conductive surfaces and charge dissipation electrodes. These extracted components specifically handle charge management, allowing the main detection path to remain free from charge buildup interference.
3Measurement precision
If charge buildup is dependent on environmental conditions, then stable ion detection is achieved, but system stability and sensitivity are adversely affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements self-service charge management through conductive surfaces and dissipation electrodes that automatically regulate charge distribution. These components continuously active manage charge dissipation without requiring external intervention or adjustment for environmental changes, making the system self-regulating and less sensitive to environmental variations.
Solution Approach 2:
The conductive surfaces and charge dissipation electrodes create a feedback mechanism where charge accumulation is continuously monitored and dissipated. This active feedback control maintains stable fringe fields regardless of environmental conditions, preventing the system from becoming dependent on external factors for stability.
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 the sensitivity, stability, and responsiveness of DMS systems by minimizing charge buildup and fringe field impacts, leading to improved ion filtering and detection capabilities.
Implementation Method 1
Ions are displaced transversely by the DMS filter field, with a given species being displaced a characteristic amount transversely toward the electrodes per cycle
Implementation Method 2
the compensation voltage applied to the filter electrodes typically generates fringe fields that force ions to impact and deposit charge along the flow path of the system adjacent to the filter
Implementation Method 3
The implementation of control structures and materials along the ion flow path to dissipate charge and control electric fields
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides, in various embodiments, systems and methods relating to enhancing the filtering and detection capability of ion mobility based systems by various techniques to counteract a charge buildup in the ion mobility based system.