Ion Source Sprayer Alignment Using Dual-View Imaging
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing ionization techniques for mass spectrometry, such as electrospray ionization (ESI), face challenges in accurately positioning the sprayer relative to the ion inlet, leading to suboptimal ion transmission and inefficient duty cycles.
Innovation Solution
An ion source with a positioning assembly and dual imaging devices providing different views of the sprayer position, allowing for precise adjustment and optimization of the sprayer's alignment with respect to the ion inlet, including a higher magnification view for fine-tuning.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If a single imaging device is used to view sprayer position, then device complexity is reduced, but positioning precision and alignment accuracy deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by introducing a second imaging device that provides a different viewing angle (e.g., top-down view versus side view). This multi-dimensional observation approach enables precise three-dimensional positioning of the sprayer relative to the ion inlet, resolving the contradiction between measurement precision and device complexity by adding spatial information rather than simply increasing magnification of a single view.
2Productivity
If the sprayer is positioned closer to the ion inlet to maximize ion transmission, then ion transmission efficiency is improved, but positioning accuracy and alignment control deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback control by using imaging devices to continuously monitor the sprayer position relative to the ion inlet and providing visual feedback to the operator. This allows real-time adjustment of the sprayer position, enabling the system to maintain optimal alignment accuracy even when positioned close to the ion inlet for maximum ion transmission efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The imaging devices serve as an intermediary between the sprayer positioning mechanism and the operator's control decisions. By providing magnified and multi-angle views of the sprayer-ion inlet interface, the imaging system acts as a mediator that enables precise alignment control without requiring the operator to physically接近 the small components, thus maintaining both proximity for ion transmission and precision for alignment.
3Productivity
If manual positioning of the sprayer is used, then device complexity is minimized, but positioning time and duty cycle efficiency deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies self-service by enabling the operator to perform precise self-positioning of the sprayer using the imaging device feedback. The system provides the operator with the information and control capability needed to rapidly and accurately position the sprayer without requiring complex automated positioning mechanisms or external assistance, thus improving duty cycle efficiency while avoiding the complexity of fully automated systems.
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
Improves the ease and accuracy of positioning the sprayer, enhancing ion transmission through the ion inlet and increasing the duty cycle of the analytical instrument.
Implementation Method 1
a first imaging device configured to provide a first view of a position of the sprayer with respect to the ion inlet; and a second imaging device configured to provide a second, different view of a position of the sprayer with respect to the ion inlet
Implementation Method 2
a positioning assembly configured to position a sprayer with respect to an ion inlet
Implementation Method 3
Electrospraying can be carried out by liquid forming an interface with air at the tip of an emitter and electrostatic stress generated by electrification of the liquid via an applied voltage causing charged droplets to be emitted from the liquid interface
Data Source
AI summary
An ion source is disclosed that comprises a positioning assembly that can position a sprayer with respect to an ion inlet. The ion source includes a first imaging device that can provide a first view of a position of the sprayer with respect to the ion inlet, and a second imaging device that can provide a second, different view of a position of the sprayer with respect to the ion inlet. The second view has a higher magnification than the first view.