Planar PCB Ion Guide With Selective Multi-Path Routing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional mass spectrometers are complex and expensive to fabricate and maintain, with challenges remaining in reducing their fabrication and maintenance costs.
Innovation Solution
A low-cost mass spectrometer design utilizing two printed circuit boards (PCBs) with ion guiding electrodes and an ion-routing device that allows for selective ion path transmission, enabling efficient ion guidance and analysis while providing structural support and cost-effective operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional mass spectrometer designs are used, then reliable ion analysis is achieved, but device complexity and fabrication cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The mass spectrometer is segmented into modular functional units (ion source, ion guide, mass analyzer, detector) that can be independently designed, fabricated, and assembled. Each unit operates on the same planar PCB platform, allowing standardized manufacturing while maintaining functional reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The planar PCB platform serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, electrical connectivity, ion guiding surfaces, and mass analysis functionality. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed, thereby reducing overall device complexity while maintaining analysis capability.
2Measurement precision
If conventional mass spectrometer designs are used, then accurate mass analysis is achieved, but fabrication and maintenance costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses standardized PCB copying and replication techniques to manufacture mass spectrometer components. PCBs can be mass-produced using standard fabrication processes, allowing precise electrode patterns to be replicated consistently across multiple units at low cost, while maintaining the electrical precision needed for accurate mass analysis.
Solution Approach 2:
The design allows easy modification of operational parameters (voltages, frequencies, electrode geometries) by changing PCB trace patterns and electrode configurations rather than redesigning entire components. This enables cost-effective optimization of mass analysis accuracy through parameter tuning during the PCB design phase.
3Productivity
If multiple ion paths are provided for ion routing, then ion transmission efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The invention uses the third dimension (vertical spacing between PCB layers) to create multiple ion transmission paths without increasing the planar footprint. Ions can travel through different vertical channels or layers, effectively multiplying transmission pathways while maintaining a compact two-dimensional device layout.
Solution Approach 2:
The PCB structure itself acts as an intermediary that guides and routes ions through multiple predefined paths. By incorporating conductive traces and electrodes that form multiple channel configurations, the PCB mediates ion transport efficiently without requiring complex external routing mechanisms.
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
The design achieves a compact, cost-effective mass spectrometer with efficient ion transmission and analysis capabilities, addressing the complexity and cost challenges of conventional systems.
Implementation Method 1
A plurality of ion guiding electrodes is disposed on the surfaces of the PCBs to which RF and/or DC voltages can be applied for guiding the ions from the inlet to the outlet
Implementation Method 2
the ion-routing device comprises a plurality of ion-routing electrodes disposed on the surfaces of the PCBs to which RF and/or DC voltages can be applied for diverting the ions from one of said ion paths to the other ion path
Data Source
AI summary
In one aspect, an ion guide for use in a mass spectrometer is disclosed, which comprises a pair of printed circuit boards (PCBs) having an inlet for receiving a plurality of ions from an upstream ion source and outlet through which the ions exit the ion guide. The ion guide includes at least two ion paths provided in the space between the two PCBs for transmission of ions from the inlet to the outlet. The ion guide can further include at least one ion-routing device that can be coupled to the ions paths for selecting a propagation path of the ions between those ion paths. In some embodiments, the two ion paths can have at least one segment in common.