Precision Segmented Ion Trap Assembly
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Solution Overview
Problem
The manufacturing of segmented linear ion traps is challenging due to their sensitivity to mechanical imperfections and the high costs associated with prior art methods, which are expensive in terms of parts and labor, especially when producing traps with a larger number of segments.
Innovation Solution
A segmented linear ion trap assembly is created using a conductive workpiece mounted on rigidly connected insulators with a bonding material, where the workpiece is cut into rods using wire electrical discharge machining (EDM), eliminating the need for precision spacers and reducing systematic errors.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If prior art methods using precision spacers and screws are used to mount rods onto insulators, then assembly precision can be achieved, but manufacturing cost and assembly time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple functions into the bonding material: it simultaneously bonds the rod to the insulator, provides spacing, and ensures precise alignment. This eliminates the need for separate precision spacers and screws, reducing part count and assembly complexity while maintaining manufacturing precision.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical assembly system (screws and precision spacers) with a chemical bonding system. The bonding material cures to form a rigid structure that provides both attachment and precise positioning, substituting mechanical fastening with chemical bonding to reduce assembly time and cost.
2Reliability
If segmented ion traps with larger number of segments are manufactured using prior art methods, then trapping efficiency improves, but systematic errors accumulate and costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies segmentation by dividing the ion trap into multiple segments (3-12 segments) that can be manufactured and assembled separately. Each segment contains rods mounted on insulators using the bonding material method, allowing modular manufacturing that reduces cumulative alignment errors while maintaining trapping efficiency.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the bonding parameter from mechanical (screws with fixed pitch) to chemical (bonding material with controlled cure). This allows precise control of rod positioning and spacing during the bonding process, maintaining alignment tolerance even as the number of segments increases.
3Device complexity
If non-segmented ion traps are used, then device complexity is reduced, but ions are exposed to significant non-linear fringe fields causing ion loss
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the ion trap into multiple segments with RF electrodes arranged to create a more uniform electric field distribution. This segmentation reduces the non-linear fringe fields at the ends of each segment, minimizing ion loss while maintaining a relatively simple overall device structure.
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 method achieves precise alignment and parallelism of rods, reducing manufacturing costs and assembly time while maintaining high resolution and trapping efficiency, with small and consistent gaps between rods, making it suitable for mass spectrometry applications.
Implementation Method 1
cutting the elongated conductive workpiece into a plurality of rods using wire electrical discharge machining
Data Source
AI summary
The invention provides an ion trap assembly. In general terms, the ion trap assembly contains: a) a segmented linear ion trap; b) an insulator disposed around the segmented linear ion trap; and c) a bonding material for attaching and spacing the insulator and said segmented linear ion trap. The ion trap assembly is generally made by mounting an elongated conductive workpiece to a set of rigidly connected insulators using a bonding material, and cutting the elongated conductive workpiece into a plurality of rods using wire electrical discharge machining. Also provided is a mass spectrometry system containing the precision segmented linear ion trap.