Integrated Mass Spectrometry Module Thermal Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers are large, power-hungry, and inflexible, making them impractical for portable or high-pressure applications, as they require low gas pressures to operate effectively, which limits their ability to identify chemical substances efficiently in various environments.
Innovation Solution
The development of compact mass spectrometry systems that operate at higher pressures (100 mTorr to 100 Torr) using a single mechanical pump, incorporating modular designs with integrated ion sources, traps, and detectors, and efficient power management to reduce size, weight, and power consumption, allowing for portable and low-cost operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometers are used, then accurate identification of chemical substances is achieved, but the systems are large, power-hungry, and require low gas pressures
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometer is divided into separate functional modules (ion source module, mass analysis module, detection module) that can be independently optimized and configured. This segmentation allows each module to be designed for specific pressure ranges and power consumption levels, enabling the system to operate at higher pressures while maintaining identification accuracy.
Solution Approach 2:
The system employs variable pressure operation capability, transitioning from conventional low-pressure operation to high-pressure operation (up to atmospheric pressure). This parameter change is achieved through specialized ion sources and mass analyzers designed for high-pressure environments, reducing power consumption while maintaining measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometers are used, then accurate identification of chemical substances is achieved, but the systems are large in size
Solution Approach 1:
Components are nested within each other to minimize overall system volume. The ion source, mass analyzer, and detector are arranged in a compact nested configuration where smaller components are positioned within or adjacent to larger ones, reducing the total instrument footprint while preserving the functional pathways needed for accurate mass spectrometry.
Solution Approach 2:
The system transitions from linear arrangement of components to three-dimensional spatial optimization. By utilizing vertical stacking and radial arrangements, the mass spectrometer achieves compact size in all dimensions while maintaining the necessary path lengths for ion manipulation and detection, thereby preserving identification accuracy in a reduced volume.
3Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometers are used, then accurate identification of chemical substances is achieved, but the systems require low gas pressures which limits portability
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometer is designed with universal operation capability across a wide pressure range from high vacuum to atmospheric pressure. This is achieved through multi-functional ion sources and mass analyzers that can operate effectively under different pressure conditions, allowing the system to be deployed in diverse environments including portable field applications while maintaining identification accuracy.
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
These systems provide accurate identification of chemical substances with reduced power consumption and size, enabling applications in security scanning, medical diagnostics, and laboratory analysis without the need for advanced training, while maintaining sufficient resolution for practical use.
Implementation Method 1
the first thermal transfer surface contacts the second thermal transfer surface to transfer heat from the vacuum pump to the module
Data Source
AI summary
The disclosure features mass spectrometry systems that include: an ion source; a module featuring an ion trap, an ion detector, and a module housing that at least partially surrounds the ion trap and the ion detector; and a vacuum pump featuring a housing having a recess dimensioned to receive the module, so that when the module is positioned within the recess of the vacuum pump housing, a portion of the module is surrounded by the vacuum pump housing, and during operation of the system, the ion source, ion trap, ion detector, and vacuum pump are connected along a common gas flow path and heat is transferred from the vacuum pump to the module.