Mass Spectrometer Sampler Cone Sealing for Vacuum Leak Prevention

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Solution Overview

Problem

Mass spectrometer systems face inaccuracies and reduced precision due to leaks between components operating at pressures significantly below atmospheric pressure, which existing technologies fail to adequately address.

Innovation Solution

A mass spectrometer assembly comprising a sampler cone, a mass analyzer interface, and a metal gasket that provides a fluid-tight seal by crushing the gasket between surface features on the sampler cone and the interface, using projections and recesses to compress the gasket and maintain vacuum integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If conventional sealing methods are used between sampler cone and mass analyzer interface, then the device complexity is low, but leaks develop between components leading to reduced measurement precision

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass measurement precisionVSAvoidsealing structure complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A gasket is introduced as an intermediary sealing element between the sampler cone and mass analyzer interface. The gasket includes a first portion engaging with a first surface feature on the sampler cone and a second portion engaging with a second surface feature on the mass analyzer interface, creating a dedicated sealing pathway that prevents leaks without complicating the overall device structure.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sealing system is segmented into distinct components: the gasket is divided into a first portion and a second portion, each engaging with different surface features. This segmentation allows each component to be optimized for its specific function while maintaining simplicity in the overall assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Reliability

If a gasket is introduced to seal between sampler cone and interface, then leak prevention is improved, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal integrityVSAvoidassembly complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The gasket combines multiple sealing functions into a single integrated component. The first portion and second portion of the gasket work together as one element to seal between the sampler cone and mass analyzer interface, improving reliability without proportionally increasing device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket serves as a mediator that simplifies the sealing process by providing a pre-formed sealing element that engages with existing surface features, rather than requiring complex machining or assembly procedures to achieve reliable seals.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Reliability

If surface features are added to the sampler cone and interface, then sealing effectiveness is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveseal effectivenessVSAvoidsurface feature precision

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

Surface features are added only at specific locations where sealing is required, rather than requiring high precision across entire surfaces. The first surface feature on the sampler cone and the second surface feature on the mass analyzer interface are localized geometries that engage with corresponding portions of the gasket, reducing overall manufacturing precision requirements.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The gasket is designed with predetermined geometries that complement the surface features, allowing these components to be manufactured with standard tolerances. The first portion and second portion of the gasket are pre-formed to engage with the surface features, ensuring effective sealing without requiring ultra-precise manufacturing.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

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 solution effectively seals the sampler cone to the mass analyzer interface, preventing leaks and enhancing the precision and accuracy of mass measurements by maintaining reduced pressures within the vacuum stages.

Implementation Method 1

the first surface feature provides a force to a first surface of the gasket and the second surface feature provides a force to a second surface of the gasket to provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the sampler cone and the interface when the sampler cone is coupled to the interface

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectCompression: Compression

Data Source

PatentUS20240055248A1Mass Spectrometer Sampler Cones and Interfaces and Methods of Sealing Them to Each Other

Publication Date: 2024.02.15 PERKINELMER SCIENTIFIC CANADA ULC

AI summary

Certain configurations of a sampler cone and its use with a metal gasket to seal the sampler cone to a mass spectrometer interface are described. The sampler cone, interface or both may comprise one or more surface features. Coupling of the sampler cone to the interface can compress or crush the metal gasket to provide a seal between the sampler cone and the interface. For example, a crushing force provided by surface features of the sampler cone and interface can crush the gasket and provide a substantially fluid tight seal between the sampler cone and the interface.