PCB Base Plate for Mass Spectrometer Ion Optics
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing mass spectrometer systems face challenges with cumbersome and noisy conducting leads that introduce inaccuracies and require frequent recalibration, particularly in integrating power and control signals to ion optic elements, affecting the precision of ionic charge-to-mass ratio measurements.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer system utilizing a PCB base plate with integrated signal-processing electronics and a minimal number of conducting leads, where ion optic elements are securely mounted on a stable optical platform, reducing electromagnetic noise and simplifying the integration of power and control signals through conductive traces, vias, and metallic pads on the PCB base plate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional conducting leads are used to integrate power and control signals to ion optic elements, then electrical connections can be established, but electromagnetic noise increases and measurement precision deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple conducting leads into a single integrated PCB base plate structure. The PCB integrates power delivery, control signal routing, and grounding functions into one unified platform, eliminating the need for separate conducting leads. This merging reduces electromagnetic noise by consolidating signal paths and improving shielding effectiveness, thereby maintaining reliability while enhancing measurement precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces traditional mechanical conducting leads with an integrated PCB electrical system. The PCB uses trace-based electrical connections instead of discrete wire leads, reducing mechanical complexity and electromagnetic interference. This substitution maintains reliable electrical connections while significantly reducing the noise that degrades measurement precision.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple conducting leads are used for power and control signals, then all necessary electrical connections can be made, but system complexity and recalibration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple separate conducting leads into a single integrated PCB base plate. The PCB consolidates power delivery networks, control signal routing, and grounding paths into one unified structure, reducing the number of discrete components and simplifying assembly. This integration maintains full signal capability while reducing system complexity and recalibration needs.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB base plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support for ion optic elements, delivers power through integrated traces, routes control signals, and provides grounding. This multi-functionality replaces what would otherwise require separate conducting leads for each function, reducing complexity while maintaining adaptability.
3Measurement precision
If ion optic elements are mounted on a stable optical platform, then positioning precision improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the mechanical mounting platform with the electrical PCB into a single integrated structure. The PCB base plate simultaneously provides mechanical support for precise positioning and electrical connections for power and control signals. This integration achieves stable ion optic element positioning without requiring a separate complex optical platform structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB base plate performs dual functions as both a mechanical support structure and an electrical connection system. It provides a stable mounting surface for precise ion optic element positioning while also delivering power and control signals through its trace network. This multi-functionality achieves positioning precision without increasing overall device complexity.
Data Source
AI summary
Mass spectrometer systems for measuring mass/charge ratios of analytes are described. A mass spectrometer system includes a vacuum flange, a PCB base plate coupled to the vacuum flange, and an ion optic assembly coupled to the PCB base plate. The PCB base plate may include signal-processing electronics. The system may include an electrical cable coupled to the PCB base plate for supplying power, control, and I/O to the ion optic assembly and the signal processing electronics. Alternatively, a mass spectrometer system includes a PCB base plate and an ion optic assembly. The PCB base plate has a sealant portion and an electrical portion. The ion optic assembly is coupled to the electrical portion. The system may include a vacuum housing for enclosing the ion optic assembly. The vacuum housing is coupled to the sealant portion of the PCB base plate for sustaining a vacuum while the system is in operation.