Ion Transfer Switch for IMS Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current ion mobility separation devices, such as drift tube IMS and traveling wave IMS, face challenges in transferring ions between each other without loss or maintaining consistent conditions, making it difficult to integrate them into a single instrument.

Innovation Solution

A switch system is developed that couples drift tube IMS and traveling wave IMS devices, using a configuration of electrodes to generate potentials that inhibit ion motion in specific directions, allowing for lossless transmission of ions between the two devices by operating in different modes to guide ions from one device to the other.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If ions are transferred between drift tube IMS and traveling wave IMS devices, then the analytical strengths of both devices can be utilized, but ion loss occurs and consistent conditions cannot be maintained

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveanalytical capabilityVSAvoidion loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A switch device with configurable electrodes serves as an intermediary between the drift tube IMS and traveling wave IMS devices. The switch contains multiple electrodes that can generate different potential configurations to either guide ions from the drift tube to the traveling wave device or create potential barriers to prevent ion loss during transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The switch device dynamically reconfigures its electrode potentials based on operational mode. By applying different voltages to the electrodes, the system can switch between guiding ions through the device and creating potential barriers, allowing adaptive control of ion flow to minimize ion loss while maintaining versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If a switch device with multiple electrodes is used to guide ions, then ion transfer efficiency improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion transfer efficiencyVSAvoiddevice complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switch device integrates multiple functions within a single component structure. The same electrode array can generate guiding potentials for efficient ion transfer, create potential barriers to prevent ion loss, and operate in different modes (drift tube to traveling wave, traveling wave to drift tube, or ion trapping), reducing the need for separate dedicated components for each function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Loss of substance

If potential barriers are generated to inhibit ion motion, then ion loss is prevented, but energy consumption increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion loss preventionVSAvoidenergy consumption

Core Design Contradiction:

Loss of substanceVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The switch device applies voltages to electrodes in a periodic or sequential manner rather than continuously maintaining high energy states. The potential barriers are generated only when needed for specific operational transitions, allowing the system to consume energy selectively rather than continuously, thereby reducing overall energy consumption while still preventing ion loss during critical transfer operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

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

The switch system enables efficient and lossless transfer of ions between drift tube and traveling wave IMS devices, combining their analytical strengths and overcoming the limitations of each individual system, thereby enhancing the capability of ion manipulation and analysis.

Implementation Method 1

at least one first electrode coupled to each of the first and second surface and configured to receive a first voltage and generate a first potential, and at least one second electrode coupled to each of the first and second surface and configured to receive a second voltage and generate a second potential. The first potential can inhibit the motion of ions along a first direction and the second potential can inhibit the motion of ions along a second direction different from the first direction.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectric Field: Electric Field

Implementation Method 2

The first and second inner arrays of electrodes can each be configured to receive a RF voltage generating a pseudopotential that can inhibit ions from approaching either of the first and second surface.

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPseudopotential:

Data Source

PatentUS10804089B2Methods and systems for integrating ion manipulation devices

Publication Date: 2020.10.13 BATTELLE MEMORIAL INST

AI summary

A switch for coupling a first ion manipulation device to a second ion manipulation device comprises a first surface and a second surface, at least one first electrode coupled to each of the first and second surface and configured to receive a first voltage and generate a first potential, and at least one second electrode coupled to each of the first and second surface and configured to receive a second voltage and generate a second potential, wherein the first potential inhibits the motion of ions along a first direction and the second potential inhibits the motion of ions along a second direction different from the first direction.