Mass Spectrometer Rigid RF Connection Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Quadrupole mass spectrometers require large RF voltages, which are difficult to deliver efficiently due to variability in stray capacitance from flexible connection components, necessitating time-consuming tuning after each configuration change, such as during maintenance or component replacement.

Innovation Solution

A fixed conductor path is used to deliver RF signals from the RF drive circuit to the quadrupole mass filter, eliminating flexible components and utilizing rigid connectors like contact pins to minimize capacitance variability and allow for interchangeable RF drive circuits and quadrupole mass filters.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If flexible connection components (wires, cables, flex boards) are used to deliver RF signals, then the RF drive circuit can be separated from the vacuum chamber and components can be easily replaced, but the stray capacitance becomes variable and requires time-consuming tuning after each configuration change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replaceabilityVSAvoidtuning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into modular components (RF drive circuit, quadrupole mass filter, fixed connection assembly) that can be independently replaced. The fixed connection assembly acts as a pre-assembled module that maintains electrical characteristics, allowing component replacement without affecting the overall circuit tuning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The fixed connection assembly is pre-assembled with rigid conductors and connectors before integration into the system. This preliminary assembly establishes stable electrical connections with known capacitance characteristics, eliminating the need for post-replacement tuning when components are swapped.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of operation

If flexible connection components are used, then assembly and maintenance are easier, but the circuit resonance frequency becomes unstable due to variability in capacitance and inductance

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly easeVSAvoidresonance frequency stability

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of making the connection components flexible to ease assembly, the patent inverts the approach by making the connection assembly rigid and fixed. The ease of operation is achieved through modular design and standardized interfaces rather than flexible cables, thus maintaining resonance frequency stability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent replaces the mechanical flexible connection system (wires and cables that can move and deform) with a rigid fixed connection assembly. This substitution eliminates the variability in electrical characteristics while maintaining ease of operation through modular interchangeability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Reliability

If rigid fixed connection assemblies are used, then resonance frequency stability is improved and tuning is minimized, but device complexity increases due to fixed conductor paths

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveresonance frequency stabilityVSAvoidconnection assembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed connection assembly merges the RF signal transmission function with the mechanical support structure into a single integrated component. This combination eliminates the need for separate flexible cables and connectors, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining resonance frequency stability through rigid connections.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If flexible components are used for RF signal delivery, then component interchangeability is easier, but repeated tuning is required after each configuration change

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent interchangeabilityVSAvoidsystem reconfiguration efficiency

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The fixed connection assembly is pre-configured and pre-tuned as an integrated module before being installed in the system. This preliminary action ensures that when components are interchanged, the pre-assembled module maintains its electrical characteristics, eliminating the need for repeated tuning and improving reconfiguration efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8748813B2Mass spectrometer with rigid connection assemblies

Publication Date: 2014.06.10 BRUKER DALTONIK GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

In one embodiment, a mass spectrometer includes an RF drive circuit for generating RF signals, a quadrupole mass filter, and a fixed connection assembly for delivering RF signals from the RF drive circuit to the quadrupole mass filter, the fixed connection assembly representing the entire delivery path of RF signals from the RF drive circuit to the quadrupole mass filter. By avoiding flexible components such as a freestanding wires or flexible circuit boards, the need for retuning when parts are removed or disturbed for testing or servicing is reduced, and a modular instrument in which components and connections are standardized and therefore interchangeable is realized.