Movable Magnet Assembly for Vent-Free Ion Source Maintenance
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometry ion sources require periodic maintenance, such as cleaning and replacement of consumable components, which can be time-consuming and often necessitates venting the vacuum chamber, disrupting operation.
Innovation Solution
A magnet positioning system that allows for the adjustable alignment and movement of a magnet assembly relative to the ion source, enabling the removal and replacement of the ion source without venting the vacuum chamber, and fine-tuning of the magnet position for optimization.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the ion source is removed for maintenance, then the consumable components can be replaced and cleaned, but the vacuum chamber must be vented which causes downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into separate functional modules: the ion source assembly can be independently removed and maintained without affecting the vacuum chamber, while the magnet assembly remains in place. This segmentation allows maintenance of consumable components without venting the entire system.
Solution Approach 2:
The magnet assembly acts as an intermediary component that remains positioned during ion source removal. It serves as a stable reference point and magnetic field source that continues to function while the ion source is being maintained, enabling quick reassembly without full system venting.
2Device complexity
If the magnet assembly is fixed in position, then the structure is simple, but the ionization process cannot be optimized
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is designed with movable mounting features that allow positional adjustment along the beam axis. This dynamic positioning capability enables optimization of the magnetic field alignment with the ion beam for maximum ionization efficiency, while maintaining a relatively simple overall structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system allows changing the positional parameter of the magnet assembly to optimize performance. By adjusting the distance and alignment between the magnet and ion source, the magnetic field strength and configuration can be optimized for different operating conditions without redesigning the entire system.
3Ease of repair
If the ion source is removed and reinstalled, then maintenance can be performed, but alignment precision may be compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The magnet assembly is positioned and secured before ion source removal. This preliminary positioning establishes a stable reference framework that guides the reinstallation process, ensuring that the ion source can be quickly realigned with the beam axis without requiring complex alignment procedures.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses magnetic field alignment rather than purely mechanical alignment features. The magnetic field provides a natural alignment reference that guides the ion source positioning, replacing complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a more robust field-based alignment system.
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 solution reduces downtime by allowing maintenance without venting the mass spectrometer, optimizing ionization processes, and ensuring continuous operation with minimized disruption.
Implementation Method 1
a magnet assembly including a magnet. The electron source can be configured to provide an electron beam parallel to the primary axis
Implementation Method 2
an electron source aligned along the primary axis of the ionization assembly... The electron source can be configured to provide an electron beam parallel to the primary axis
Data Source
AI summary
A mass spectrometer includes an ionization assembly including an ionization chamber and at least one ion lens. The removable ionization assembly has a primary axis defined by the direction of an ion beam exiting the ionization assembly, and the ionization chamber and the at least one ion lens arranged along the primary axis. The mass spectrometer further includes an electron source aligned along the primary axis of the ionization assembly and a magnet assembly including a magnet. The electron source configured to provide an electron beam parallel to the primary axis. The magnet assembly movable between a first position in which the magnet is positioned to allow removal of the ion source and a second position in which the magnet is aligned with the electron source.