Ion Mobility Spectrometer Charge Extraction Stability
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ion mobility spectrometers using corona discharge face instability due to high charge concentration, which affects the device's stability and ionization performance.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a redundant charge extraction electrode and circuit connected to the ground, which uses voltage dividers and direct current blocking capacitors to absorb excess charges generated by the corona discharge, ensuring they do not interfere with the ion migration circuit and migration zone.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If corona discharge is used for ionization, then sensitivity and dynamic range are improved, but device stability deteriorates due to high charge concentration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the harmful redundant charges from the ionization system by introducing a dedicated charge extraction electrode and circuit. The corona discharge structure generates ions while the separate extraction system removes excess charges before they can interfere with the ion mobility measurement, thus maintaining sensitivity while improving stability.
Solution Approach 2:
The charge extraction electrode acts as an intermediary element between the corona discharge ionization source and the ion mobility measurement system. It mediates the charge flow by providing a controlled path for excess charges to be extracted through the extraction circuit, preventing direct interference with the ion migration and detection processes.
2Productivity
If corona discharge generates high charge concentration, then ionization performance is improved, but ion mobility spectrum stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of high charge concentration into a beneficial outcome by using the extracted charges to improve overall system performance. The redundant charge extraction circuit transforms the previously harmful charge accumulation into a controlled extraction process, stabilizing the ion mobility spectrum while preserving the high ionization performance.
3Ease of manufacture
If simple corona discharge structure is used, then cost is reduced, but charge management complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the charge management function from the ionization function by introducing a separate charge extraction electrode and dedicated extraction circuit. This segmentation allows the corona discharge structure to remain simple while the charge management is handled by a specialized subsystem, reducing overall system complexity despite added charge management capabilities.
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 configuration stabilizes the ion mobility spectrum by eliminating the adverse effects of redundant charges, resulting in a more accurate and stable ion mobility measurement.
Implementation Method 1
Corona discharge refers to a phenomenon in which ionization of gas molecules is caused by a local strong electric field in a spatial non-uniform electric field
Implementation Method 2
Ion mobility spectrometers realize differentiation of ions according to different drift speeds of different ions in a uniform weak electric field
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure provides an ion mobility spectrometer, which comprises: a power supply circuit, configured to provide a power supply voltage; a corona discharge configured to generate ions to be subjected to measurement, through corona discharge; an ion migration circuit configured to control migration of the ions; a migration zone structure configured to realize, under control of the ion migration circuit, mobility spectrum measurement of the ions which pass through the migration zone structure; a redundant charge extraction electrode arranged between the corona discharge structure and the migration zone structure, so that the ions which are generated by the corona discharge structure can pass therethrough to reach the migration zone structure; and a redundant charge extraction circuit, wherein the redundant charge extraction electrode is connected to the ground through the redundant charge extraction circuit.