Mass Spectrometer Drive Unit for Uniform Acceleration Pulses
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Mass spectrometers face challenges in maintaining stable high voltage pulses for acceleration electrodes, leading to variations in pulse shape and reduced mass resolution due to voltage ripple, which existing filters struggle to fully address.
Innovation Solution
A drive unit is developed that synchronizes the operation of a switching element with pulsing circuitry, allowing for the generation of high voltage pulses at a frequency corresponding to the pulsing circuitry's operating frequency, thereby improving pulse uniformity and reducing the need for extensive filtering.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of energy
If conventional power converters are operated at high frequencies to improve power conversion efficiency and reduce ripple, then the power converter performance is improved, but the pulse shape uniformity deteriorates due to frequency mismatch with pulsing circuitry
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the operating frequency parameter of the power converter to match the pulsing circuitry frequency (1-100 kHz range), transforming the frequency mismatch problem into a synchronized operation solution that maintains both efficiency and pulse uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent implements feedback control where the pulsing circuitry triggers the power converter switching element, creating a closed-loop system that ensures each output pulse is generated at the same point in the switching cycle, thereby maintaining consistent pulse shapes
2Manufacturing precision
If filters with large capacitors are added to reduce voltage ripple and improve pulse shape uniformity, then pulse uniformity is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the need for extensive filtering by addressing the root cause (frequency mismatch) through synchronization, thereby removing or reducing the requirement for large capacitor filters while maintaining pulse uniformity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary synchronization of the power converter switching with the pulsing circuitry before pulse generation, ensuring that each pulse is formed at the optimal point in the switching cycle, which pre-empts the need for post-processing filtering
3Manufacturing precision
If the power converter operating frequency is reduced to match pulsing circuitry frequency, then pulse uniformity is improved, but power conversion efficiency deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs periodic action by operating the power converter at the same frequency as the pulsing circuitry (1-100 kHz), creating synchronized periodic cycles where each switching cycle produces a consistent output pulse, thereby achieving both uniformity and acceptable efficiency
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 approach enhances the uniformity of output pulses, reduces the requirement for filtering components, and results in a more efficient and cost-effective drive unit for mass spectrometers, improving mass resolution and stability.
Implementation Method 1
the switching element is operated in synchronism with the pulsing circuitry
Data Source
AI summary
A drive unit for driving an acceleration electrode of a mass spectrometer is disclosed. The drive unit includes a power converter comprising a switching element and pulsing circuitry that can form output pulses suitable for driving an acceleration electrode of a mass spectrometer. The drive unit also includes a controller that is configured to synchronise operation of the switching element with the pulsing circuitry.