Piezoelectric Actuator Alignment for Mass Spectrometer Multipole Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The precision of electric fields in multipole assemblies within mass spectrometers is challenging due to electrode misalignment and manufacturing tolerances, leading to ion loss, poor resolution, and sensitivity issues.
Innovation Solution
A multipole assembly with piezoelectric actuators that adjust the position of electrodes to achieve precise alignment and uniformity of the electric field, allowing for finer adjustments and improved alignment, even with larger manufacturing tolerances.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If electrodes are machined and aligned with small tolerances to generate a precise electric field, then the precision of the electric field is improved, but the manufacturing difficulty and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies piezoelectric actuators to make the electrode positioning system dynamic and adjustable. The actuators enable real-time adjustment of electrode positions and alignment, allowing the system to compensate for manufacturing tolerances and maintain precise electric fields without requiring extremely tight manufacturing tolerances initially.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and position parameters of electrodes through piezoelectric actuation. By applying voltage to the piezoelectric actuators, the electrodes can be precisely positioned and aligned, transforming the electric field characteristics dynamically to achieve desired precision.
2Measurement precision
If electrodes are machined and aligned with small tolerances to generate a precise electric field, then the resolution and sensitivity of the mass spectrometer are improved, but the manufacturing cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuators provide dynamic adjustment capability that maintains high measurement precision without requiring prohibitively tight manufacturing tolerances. The system can be manufactured with standard tolerances and then adjusted to achieve the required precision during installation or operation.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces purely mechanical precision machining with a combination of standard machining plus piezoelectric actuation. This substitution allows for more relaxed manufacturing tolerances while achieving the same level of measurement precision through active control.
3Reliability
If electrodes are precisely aligned to maintain stable ion trajectories, then ion loss is reduced, but the alignment complexity and adjustment difficulty increase
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuators enable dynamic alignment adjustment, allowing the system to achieve and maintain precise electrode alignment. The actuators can be controlled to position electrodes accurately, and the system can adapt to changes in alignment over time.
Solution Approach 2:
The system can perform self-alignment or automated alignment using the piezoelectric actuators. Control systems can automatically adjust electrode positions to maintain optimal alignment, reducing the need for manual intervention and complex alignment procedures.
4Stability of the object's composition
If the multipole assembly is designed to maintain precise electrode positioning, then the electric field uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The piezoelectric actuators add dynamic adjustment capability that maintains electric field uniformity without requiring overly complex mechanical constraints. The actuators compensate for positioning errors and maintain field uniformity through active control rather than purely passive mechanical design.
Solution Approach 2:
The piezoelectric actuators serve multiple functions: positioning electrodes, maintaining alignment, compensating for thermal expansion, and adjusting for manufacturing tolerances. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate systems for each function, potentially simplifying the overall design.
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 enhances the resolution and sensitivity of mass spectrometers by maintaining high precision in the electric field, reducing ion loss, and accommodating thermal expansion, thereby improving the overall performance and cost-effectiveness of the instrument.
Implementation Method 1
a piezoelectric actuator configured to adjust a position of a first electrode included in the plurality of elongate electrodes
Data Source
AI summary
A multipole assembly configured to be disposed in a mass spectrometer includes a plurality of elongate electrodes arranged about an axis extending along a longitudinal trajectory of the plurality of elongate electrodes and configured to confine ions radially about the axis, and a piezoelectric actuator configured to adjust a position of a first electrode included in the plurality of elongate electrodes.