Ionization Heater Electrode Groove for Compact Reliable Welding
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Solution Overview
Problem
The reduction in size of mass spectrometers has led to a corresponding need for smaller ionization heaters, but this has resulted in a higher likelihood of connection failures between electric heating wires and electrodes, degrading reliability.
Innovation Solution
A heater design featuring a bobbin with a groove for electrode fitting, where the electrode is welded to the electric heating wire and includes a leaf spring for reduced mechanical tension, allowing for slidable and deformable attachment, preventing torsion and thermal tension.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Volume of moving object
If the size of the heater is reduced, then the size of the ionization device and mass spectrometer can be reduced, but the connection portion between the electric heating wire and electrode is likely to break, degrading reliability
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode is designed to be slidable within the groove portion of the bobbin, allowing it to move dynamically in the axial direction. This dynamic capability enables the electrode to accommodate thermal expansion and mechanical stress without breaking the welded connection, thus maintaining reliability while allowing compact heater dimensions
Solution Approach 2:
The groove portion provides a degree of freedom for the electrode to change its position axially, effectively creating a buffer zone that absorbs dimensional changes due to thermal effects. This parameter change capability prevents stress concentration at the welded connection point
2Volume of moving object
If the heater size is reduced, then compact mass spectrometers can be achieved, but mechanical tension and torsion increase at the connection portion, causing breakdown
Solution Approach 1:
The slidable electrode design converts static mechanical stress into dynamic movement, allowing the connection to accommodate stress through controlled movement rather than rigid resistance. This reduces the effective stress on the welded portion while maintaining connection integrity
Solution Approach 2:
The groove portion acts as an intermediary element between the electrode and the external environment, absorbing and distributing mechanical stresses. This intermediary structure protects the welded connection from direct exposure to tensile and torsional forces
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 design enables the reduction of heater size without compromising reliability by minimizing mechanical and thermal stress on the connection points, ensuring stable operation even in compact configurations.
Implementation Method 1
An assist gas heated by the heater is supplied to a liquid sample sprayed from the ionization probe, so that an organic solvent of the liquid sample is vaporized.
Implementation Method 2
an electrode welded to the electric heating wire
Data Source
AI summary
A heater for ionization is used to produce ions from a sample. The heater for ionization has a bobbin, an electric heating wire and an electrode. The bobbin extends in one direction. The electric heating wire is wound around the bobbin. The electrode is welded to the electric heating wire. In the bobbin, a groove portion extending in the one direction is formed. The electrode is fitted into the groove portion.