Segmented Mass Spectrometer Rod Electrodes
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing mass spectrometer configurations for ion dissociation units face challenges in reducing ion time of flight, leading to low throughput and increased costs due to complex electrode configurations and assembly complexities.
Innovation Solution
A mass spectrometer configuration where quadrupole rod electrodes are divided into segments at different axial positions, allowing for a continuous electric field without the need for numerous electrodes, simplifying assembly and reducing costs while maintaining efficient ion acceleration.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the multipole rod electrode is divided into shorter segments to form a continuous electric field for ion acceleration, then the ion time of flight is shortened and throughput is improved, but the number of electrodes increases, making wiring and assembly more complicated and increasing cost
Solution Approach 1:
The multipole rod electrode is divided into multiple segments along the axial direction, with each segment independently controllable. This segmentation enables formation of a continuous electric field for ion acceleration while maintaining manageable complexity through modular design. The segments are arranged to create overlapping electric fields that collectively accelerate ions efficiently through the collision cell.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces axial dimension control by applying different DC offset voltages to segments positioned at different axial locations. This dimensional approach creates an electric field gradient along the axial direction, enabling continuous ion acceleration without requiring excessive segmentation in the radial direction, thus balancing throughput improvement with assembly complexity.
2Speed
If more electrodes are used to form a continuous electric field, then ion acceleration efficiency is improved, but wiring becomes troublesome and assembly is complicated
Solution Approach 1:
The electrode structure is segmented into manageable sections that can be manufactured and assembled independently. Each segment contains fewer elements, reducing the wiring complexity within each module while achieving the overall continuous electric field effect through proper segmentation and positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The segmented electrode design allows each segment to serve multiple functions: maintaining the multipole field configuration for ion guidance while simultaneously providing independent DC offset control for acceleration. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying both manufacturing and assembly.
3Speed
If tapered rod electrodes are used to form an axial electric field, then ion acceleration is achieved, but the manufacture method and component shapes become complicated
Solution Approach 1:
Rather than using complex tapered shapes, the patent divides the rod electrode into straight cylindrical segments. This segmentation allows each segment to be manufactured using simple, standard processes while the collective arrangement of segments creates the desired axial electric field through voltage control, avoiding the manufacturing complexity of tapered geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the control parameter from geometric shape (tapered vs. cylindrical) to electrical parameter (DC offset voltage applied to each segment). This allows ion acceleration to be achieved through electrical control of simple cylindrical segments rather than through complex geometric shaping, significantly simplifying manufacturing.
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 significantly shortens ion time of flight, enhancing analysis throughput while minimizing costs and assembly complexity.
Implementation Method 1
By applying a radio frequency (RF) voltage to the multipole rod electrode of Q0, ions generated in an ion source are efficiently passed through Q0
Implementation Method 2
different DC offset voltages are applied to the divided electrodes to form an axial electric field, and then ions are accelerated and passed in the axial direction with the electric field
Implementation Method 3
Q2 is called a collision cell because Q2 includes a function (CID: Collision Induced Dissociation) that dissociates ions by causing ions to collide against a neutral gas
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3A~3C
AI summary
This mass spectrometer is provided with an ion guide (37) having a multipole rod electrode (1), a power source unit (5) for applying voltage to the multipole rod electrode, and a control unit for controlling the power source unit, said mass spectrometer being characterised by the multipole rod electrode having a rod electrode divided into a plurality of segmented rods (2A-1, 2A-2, 2B-1, 2B-2, 2C-1, 2C-2, 2D-1, 2D-2) at mutually different positions in the axial direction. Thus enabled is low-cost, high-throughput analysis.