Mass Spectrometer Fault Detection via Temperature Rate Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mass spectrometers are at risk of damage due to powerful heaters that can overheat the ion source block if the temperature sensor fails, leading to incorrect temperature readings and potential instrument damage.

Innovation Solution

A fault detection system that monitors the rate of temperature change in the ion source block, using a control system to disable the heater if the rate of change is below a threshold, preventing overheating and allowing for safe cooling and potential reactivation once the fault is resolved.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Speed

If a powerful heater is used to quickly raise the temperature in the ion source, then the heating speed is improved, but the risk of overheating and damage increases if the temperature sensor fails

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveheating speedVSAvoidoverheating damage risk

Core Design Contradiction:

SpeedVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system continuously monitors the temperature sensor readings and compares the actual temperature change rate against the expected rate based on heater power output. When a discrepancy is detected (indicating sensor failure), the system provides feedback to adjust heater power accordingly, preventing overheating while maintaining fast heating when the sensor is functioning properly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary diagnostics by monitoring the relationship between heater power output and temperature change rate before allowing full-power operation. This preliminary action identifies potential sensor failures early, preventing the harmful effect of overheating before it can occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If the temperature sensor fails and gives incorrect readings, then the control system cannot detect the fault, but the heater continues to heat causing severe damage

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetemperature measurement reliabilityVSAvoidinstrument damage

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system uses feedback control by continuously comparing the expected temperature change (based on known heater power and thermal characteristics) with the actual temperature change reported by the sensor. This feedback mechanism detects sensor failures and triggers appropriate protective actions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The control system acts as an intermediary between the heater and temperature sensor, monitoring their interaction. By analyzing the relationship between heater power output and temperature change rate, the intermediary control system can detect when the sensor is providing incorrect information and prevent harmful effects.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a simple temperature monitoring system is used, then the device complexity is reduced, but the ability to detect sensor faults and prevent overheating is insufficient

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidfault detection capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback control by monitoring the relationship between heater power output and temperature change rate. This approach enhances fault detection capability without requiring complex additional hardware, as it utilizes existing sensors and controllers in a more sophisticated manner.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs self-diagnosis by analyzing its own operational parameters (heater power output and temperature change rate). This self-service capability allows the system to detect sensor faults and prevent overheating using its existing components, avoiding the need for additional complex diagnostic equipment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

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

Prevents overheating and potential damage to the mass spectrometer by identifying and responding to faults in the temperature sensor, ensuring safe operation and reducing the need for costly repairs.

Implementation Method 1

a heater is required within the ion source block... a thermal source for providing thermal energy to said ion source block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectJoule heating: Joule Heating

Implementation Method 2

a sensor is also placed in the ion source block so as to measure the temperature... a temperature sensor providing a reading for the temperature of said ion source block

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectThermal conduction: Conduction (thermal)

Data Source

PatentUS8119981B2Mass spectrometer

Publication Date: 2012.02.21 MICROMASS UK LTD

AI summary

A fault detection system for protecting a mass spectrometer from the effects of temperature extremes. The system comprises an ion block, a thermal source for providing thermal energy to the ion source block, a temperature sensor providing a reading for the temperature of the ion source block, a temperature regulation means for controlling the thermal source in dependence of the reading and a control system for monitoring the temperature change produced by the energy source. The control system is adapted to monitor the rate of change of the reading provided by the temperature sensor relative to the thermal energy provided to the ion block.