Reflectron Lenses Using Transverse Rods for Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current reflectron designs for mass spectrometers are costly due to precise manufacturing requirements and fixed alignment mechanisms, which increase production costs and limit the use of cost-effective components.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates a reflectron with a plurality of lenses, each comprising a planar conductive body with conductors spanning an aperture, aligned using transverse rods and a conductive board with resistor networks to provide differential voltages, allowing for precise alignment and operation without the need for expensive machining.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Manufacturing precision
If traditional precise manufacturing and fixed alignment mechanisms are used, then manufacturing precision is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces complex mechanical alignment mechanisms with a simplified system using transverse rods and adjustable lenses. Instead of relying on precision-machined fixed alignment features, the invention uses mechanical rods that provide reference alignment while allowing lateral adjustment of lenses, substituting complex mechanics with simpler, more cost-effective components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces dynamic adjustability to the reflectron lens alignment system. Lenses can be laterally adjusted along the transverse rods to achieve precise alignment, transforming a static fixed-alignment system into a dynamic adjustable one. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining the ability to achieve required alignment precision during assembly.
2Reliability
If expensive precision components are used, then device performance is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the reflectron into modular components (lenses, transverse rods, mounting structures) that can be manufactured separately using cost-effective methods and then assembled. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized independently and assembled with simple alignment features, reducing the need for expensive precision machining of the entire assembly as a single unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The transverse rods serve as intermediary elements that facilitate alignment between lenses without requiring the lenses themselves to be precision-machined with alignment features. These rods act as mediators that provide reference surfaces and allow for simple, cost-effective lens mounting while maintaining proper alignment.
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 approach reduces the overall cost of reflectron production while maintaining performance by enabling the use of cheaper components and improving the alignment precision, leading to enhanced temporal focusing and resolution in time-of-flight mass spectrometry.
Implementation Method 1
a reflectron with a plurality of lenses, each comprising a planar conductive body with conductors spanning an aperture, aligned using transverse rods and a conductive board with resistor networks to provide differential voltages
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to reflectron assemblies and methods of producing them. In some configurations, a reflectron comprising a plurality of lenses each comprising a planar body and comprising a plurality of separate and individual conductors spanning a central aperture from a first side to a second side of a first surface of the planar body is described. In some instances, the plurality of conductors are each substantially parallel to each other and are positioned in the same plane.