Mass Spectrometer Voltage Stabilization via Auxiliary Charging
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing high-voltage power supply devices for mass spectrometers face challenges in quickly stabilizing voltage when starting from a halted state or switching polarity, while maintaining stability and controlling costs, especially when dealing with capacitive loads of high capacitance.
Innovation Solution
A high-voltage power supply device with a main voltage generating unit, a switch unit, and an auxiliary power supply unit that rapidly charges the load's capacitance with a larger current before or immediately after the switch is closed, allowing the main unit to connect and stabilize the voltage efficiently, using an auxiliary capacitor and switch units to supply a large current briefly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the main voltage generating unit supplies a larger current to quickly charge the capacitive load, then the voltage stabilization speed improves, but the device cost and complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power supply system is segmented into two independent units: a main voltage generating unit for stable voltage output and an auxiliary power supply unit for rapid charging. This segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific function, with the auxiliary unit providing large current only when needed during voltage transitions, thereby achieving fast stabilization without requiring the main unit to be overly complex or expensive.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power supply unit performs preliminary action by pre-charging the capacitive load before the main voltage generating unit takes over. This preliminary charging action reduces the initial current burden on the main unit and accelerates the overall voltage stabilization process, allowing the system to reach stable operation faster without requiring the main unit to have excessive current capacity.
2Loss of time
If the main voltage generating unit is designed with high current supply capacity, then the voltage rise time decreases, but the device cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The system divides the current supply function between two units: the auxiliary power supply unit handles the high-current, short-duration charging task during voltage transitions, while the main voltage generating unit provides stable, lower-current operation during normal operation. This segmentation allows the auxiliary unit to be designed specifically for cost-effective high-current delivery only when needed, rather than requiring the entire system to be over-engineered for continuous high current.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power supply unit operates periodically or intermittently only during voltage transitions or startup phases, rather than continuously. This periodic operation allows the auxiliary unit to be sized appropriately for brief high-current bursts, reducing overall device cost compared to designing the main unit for continuous high current capacity that would never be fully utilized.
3Duration of action of moving object
If the main voltage generating unit increases its current supply capacity, then the stabilization time shortens, but the output stability may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The system separates the transient response function from the steady-state regulation function. The auxiliary power supply unit handles transient charging during voltage transitions, while the main voltage generating unit focuses on maintaining stable output during normal operation. This functional segmentation allows each unit to be optimized for its specific role, ensuring that the main unit's stability is not compromised by the transient high-current requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
The auxiliary power supply unit performs preliminary charging action before the main unit needs to stabilize the voltage. By pre-charging the capacitive load with large current during the transition phase, the auxiliary unit reduces the burden on the main unit, allowing the main unit to focus on precise voltage regulation without being overwhelmed by large transient currents that would compromise its stability.
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 configuration enables quick stabilization of the load's potential when starting or switching voltage polarity, reducing the need for increased current supply capacity in the main unit, thus maintaining high voltage stability and cost-effectiveness.
Implementation Method 1
an auxiliary power supply unit configured to charge a capacitance of the load by supplying the load with a larger current than a current being able to be supplied by the main voltage generating unit
Data Source
AI summary
A switch circuit is turned ON and switch circuits are turned OFF to apply a negative direct-current voltage from a negative voltage generating unit to a flight tube, and while a measurement is conducted, a switch circuit is turned ON, and a capacitor is charged by an auxiliary positive voltage generating unit. When the polarity of the applied voltage is switched from negative to positive, the switch circuit is turned OFF and the switch circuit is turned ON to supply a large current from the capacitor to the flight tube, thus the capacitance of the flight tube is charged to a positive potential quickly. After that, the switch circuit is turned OFF and the switch circuit is turned ON to apply a stable positive direct-current voltage from a positive voltage generating unit to the flight tube.