Mass Spectrometry Apparatus Vertical Ion Path Footprint Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers, particularly those using inductively coupled plasma, are bulky and inconvenient due to their geometry, making them difficult to use and store on laboratory workspaces.
Innovation Solution
The design rearranges the ion source and ion filter device to create a reduced footprint by redirecting the ion path from a horizontal to a vertical plane, using an ion guide to divert ions, allowing for a more compact housing configuration that minimizes the effective footprint on laboratory surfaces.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Area of stationary object
If conventional mass spectrometer geometry is used, then ion analysis function is maintained, but apparatus footprint is large and inconvenient for laboratory workspace
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensionality change by reorienting the ion path from a conventional horizontal arrangement to a vertical arrangement. The ion source, mass analyzer, and detector are configured to guide ions through a vertical path, effectively utilizing the vertical dimension to reduce the horizontal footprint of the apparatus, making it more suitable for laboratory workspaces.
2Area of stationary object
If ion path is redirected from horizontal to vertical plane, then apparatus footprint is reduced, but ion guide complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an ion guide as an intermediary component that facilitates the transition of ions from the ion source to the mass analyzer in the vertical orientation. This intermediary element manages the complexity of the ion path redirection, ensuring efficient ion transport while maintaining the reduced footprint benefit.
3Area of stationary object
If mass analyzer and detector are aligned vertically, then workspace space is increased, but component geometry constraints may affect performance
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs parameter changes by optimizing the geometric parameters of the mass analyzer and detector components for vertical alignment. This includes adjusting electrode positions, spacing, and configurations to ensure that the vertical arrangement does not compromise ion transmission efficiency or signal sensitivity, thereby maintaining reliability while reducing footprint.
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 reduces the space required for mass spectrometers, providing more workspace and easier storage by aligning the mass analyzer and detector vertically, while maintaining signal sensitivity and efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
an ion guide arranged so as to guide ions sourced from the ion source toward the ion filter device
Implementation Method 2
Mass analyzers serve to filter ions based on their mass to charge ratio
Data Source
AI summary
There is provided a mass spectrometry apparatus comprising: an ion source arranged in a substantially horizontal orientation and from which a quantity of ions may be sourced, an ion filter device arranged for receiving a stream of ions for filtering thereof; and, an ion guide arranged so as to guide ions sourced from the ion source toward the ion filter device. The ion source and the ion filter device are arranged relative to one another so that the profile of the apparatus is reduced so as to minimize the effective footprint of the apparatus.