Multi-Ion Guide Mounting Assembly for Precise Optical Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Aligning multiple ion guides and ion optical devices in mass or mobility spectrometers is difficult and maintaining alignment is challenging, especially when devices need to be removed and replaced.
Innovation Solution
An ion guide assembly comprising two planar mounting components with ion guides mounted between them, allowing for alignment and insertion of ion optical devices through apertures, and utilizing RF and DC voltage supplies for ion guidance and alignment, with mounting fixtures for secure attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If multiple ion guides are aligned using conventional mounting methods, then ion guiding function is achieved, but alignment difficulty and maintenance complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
A planar mounting component with aperture serves as an intermediary between ion guides and the spectrometer body. This mounting component provides reference features that facilitate precise alignment of multiple ion guides while simplifying the mounting process through a standardized interface.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar mounting component serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for ion guides, establishes alignment references, and enables easy removal and replacement of ion optical devices through its aperture design.
2Ease of repair
If ion optical devices are made removable for maintenance, then ease of repair is improved, but alignment stability deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
Alignment references are pre-established on the planar mounting component before ion optical devices are installed. This preliminary alignment framework ensures that when devices are removed and replaced, they can be quickly realigned using the pre-established references, maintaining alignment stability while enabling easy repair.
3Adaptability or versatility
If ion guides are spaced apart to accommodate ion optical devices, then device versatility is improved, but alignment precision becomes more difficult to maintain
Solution Approach 1:
The planar mounting component with aperture acts as an intermediary that accommodates the spacing between ion guides while providing alignment references. This allows ion optical devices to be interchangeably mounted in the aperture, providing versatility without compromising the alignment precision of the spaced ion guides.
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
Facilitates easy alignment and secure mounting of ion guides and optical devices, ensuring efficient ion transport and processing while maintaining vacuum conditions, enabling precise ion manipulation and analysis.
Implementation Method 1
The ion guide may comprise an RF voltage supply for applying an RF voltage to the electrodes of the first and/or second ion guide in order to radially confine the ions to the ion guiding path through the ion guide
Implementation Method 2
The one or more DC voltage supply may be configured to simultaneously apply different DC voltages to different electrodes along the ion guide so as to generate an axial electric field along the ion guide
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~6
Figure 7~9
AI summary
An ion guide assembly (2) is disclosed comprising: two planar mounting components (4); and first and second ion guides (6,8) mounted on the two planar mounting components such that the ion guides are spaced apart from each other, wherein at least one of the planar mounting components has an aperture (14) therethrough that is located between the positions on said at least one mounting component at which the first and second ion guides are mounted; and an ion optical device sized and configured to be inserted through the aperture in the planar mounting component and into the space between the first and second ion guides.