Planar Mass Spectrometer Stack for Portable Field Analysis
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers are unsuitable for portable, field-based chemical monitoring due to their large size, weight, and high power consumption, making them impractical for rapid in situ measurements.
Innovation Solution
The configuration of mass spectrometry components into compact, lightweight packages, including a compact stacked assembly with a planar ionizer, mass analyzer, and detector, which can be integrated into a portable device with a housing that operates at high pressures and is handheld, weighing between 1-15 pounds.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Weight of moving object
If conventional mass spectrometers are used, then measurement precision and reliability are maintained, but device size, weight, and power consumption become excessively large for portable applications
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from conventional three-dimensional cylindrical mass spectrometer geometry to a planar two-dimensional stacked configuration. The ion source, mass analyzer, and detector are arranged in flat layers that can be stacked together, reducing the device footprint from volumetric to planar dimensions. This dimensional change enables portable applications while maintaining measurement reliability through preserved functional integrity of each component.
Solution Approach 2:
The mass spectrometer is divided into separate functional modules (ion source, mass analyzer, detector) that can be independently fabricated and then stacked together. Each module is miniaturized and planarized, allowing the components to be assembled in a compact configuration. This segmentation enables weight reduction while maintaining the reliability of each functional unit through optimized individual design.
2Volume of moving object
If conventional mass spectrometers are used, then functional performance is maintained, but device complexity and size increase
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple functional components (ion source electrodes, mass analyzer electrodes, detector electrodes) are merged into a single stacked assembly where each layer serves multiple purposes. The planar electrodes are positioned in specific sequences to simultaneously achieve ionization, mass filtering, and detection functions. This merging reduces overall device volume while managing complexity through integrated design rather than separate discrete components.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar electrode structure serves multiple functions: it acts as both an ion source electrode and a mass analyzer electrode, and also functions as the detector. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing device volume and simplifying the overall system architecture while maintaining full functional performance.
3Ease of operation
If conventional mass spectrometers are used, then measurement accuracy is maintained, but portability and ease of operation are compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the geometric parameters of the mass spectrometer components from conventional three-dimensional shapes to planar two-dimensional structures. The electrode thickness, spacing, and surface areas are optimized for the planar configuration while maintaining the electric field distributions necessary for accurate mass analysis. This parameter transformation enables portability without sacrificing measurement precision.
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 configuration enables the development of portable, compact, and lightweight high-pressure mass spectrometers suitable for field use, allowing for efficient chemical monitoring and analysis in various environments.
Implementation Method 1
an ionizer including at least one planar conductor
Implementation Method 2
a mass analyzer including a planar electrode assembly
Implementation Method 3
a detector including at least one planar conductor. The detector at least one planar conductor can include a Faraday cup electrode
Data Source
AI summary
Mass spectrometry systems or assemblies therefore include an ionizer that includes at least one planar conductor, a mass analyzer with a planar electrode assembly, and a detector comprising at least one planar conductor. The ionizer, the mass analyzer and the detector are attached together in a compact stack assembly. The stack assembly has a perimeter that bounds an area that is between about 0.01 mm2 to about 25 cm2 and the stack assembly has a thickness that is between about 0.1 mm to about 25 mm.