Triboelectric Ion Pulse Generator for Mass Spectrometry

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing mass spectrometry technologies face challenges in controlling the number of charges used in ionization, leading to inefficient sample utilization, limited detection limits, and impractical high voltage power supplies, which are costly and pose safety concerns.

Innovation Solution

An ion pulse generator incorporating a triboelectric nanogenerator to control the number of charges used in ionization, comprising a triboelectric generator with a first and second electrode and a conductive surface, generating a predetermined amount of charge to ionize gaseous substances, and a magnetic field to deflect and detect ions based on mass.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Quantity of substance

If conventional high voltage power supplies are used for ionization, then ion generation is achieved, but cost and safety concerns increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveion generationVSAvoidsafety concerns and cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces conventional high voltage electrical power supplies with a triboelectric nanogenerator that uses mechanical motion (hand waving, body movement, or motor-driven rotation) to generate the electrical charges needed for ionization. This substitution eliminates the need for expensive, safety-risky high voltage equipment while maintaining ion generation capability through mechanical energy conversion to electrical energy.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The triboelectric nanogenerator is designed to be self-powered through user-generated mechanical motion, eliminating the need for external power sources, high voltage supplies, and complex electrical infrastructure. The device generates its own operating voltage and current through the triboelectric effect during mechanical operation, making the system portable, safe, and cost-effective.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

2Measurement precision

If pulsed ion trapping and time-of-flight experiments are used, then mass analysis is achieved, but a large portion of DC current and ions are wasted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemass analysisVSAvoidwasted DC current and ions

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The triboelectric nanogenerator inherently produces periodic charge pulses through repeated mechanical motion cycles (back-and-forth hand waving or rotation). This periodic charge generation naturally synchronizes with the pulsed nature of ion trapping and time-of-flight experiments, delivering ions in controlled bursts that match the experimental timing requirements, thereby minimizing ion and energy waste while maintaining measurement precision.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #19Periodic action

3Quantity of substance

If conventional power supplies are used, then ionization is achieved, but control over the number of charges is impractical

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveionizationVSAvoidcontrol over charge number

Core Design Contradiction:

Quantity of substanceVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The triboelectric nanogenerator enables direct control over the number of charges used in ionization by adjusting mechanical motion parameters such as amplitude, frequency, and duration of hand waving or rotation. This mechanical control mechanism provides intuitive and precise regulation of charge quantity, replacing the impractical electrical control methods of conventional power supplies with easily adjustable mechanical parameters that directly influence ionization efficiency.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #35Parameter changes

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

Enables precise control over ion generation with quantized charge output, enhancing sample utilization, sensitivity, and safety, while reducing costs and complexity, allowing for efficient and reproducible ionization of a wide range of chemical compounds.

Implementation Method 1

Based on triboelectrification and electrostatic induction, TENGs generate electric energy through a fixed number of charges that are proportional to the surface area of the functional material

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTriboelectric effect: Triboelectric Effect

Implementation Method 2

The magnetic field generator generates a magnetic through which the ions travel and deflects the ions by an amount that is a function of mass

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectMagnetic field deflection: Magnetic Field

Data Source

PatentUS11476778B2Rational nano-coulomb ionization

Publication Date: 2022.10.18 GEORGIA TECH RES CORP

AI summary

An ion pulse generator (100) includes a triboelectric generator (110), an ion emitter (132) and a conductive surface (134). The triboelectric generator (110) includes a first electrode (114), a spaced apart second electrode (120) and a first triboelectric layer (116). The triboelectric generator (110) generates a predetermined amount of charge as a result of relative movement of the first triboelectric layer (116). The ion emitter (132) is electrically coupled to the first electrode (114). The conductive surface (134) is electrically coupled to the second electrode (120) and is spaced apart from the ion emitter (132) at a predetermined distance. Generation of the predetermined amount of charge causes formation of ions between the ion emitter (132) and the conductive surface (134).