Adjustable Aperture Ring Mechanism for Ultra-High Vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing aperture arrangements in particle accelerators face challenges due to extreme environmental conditions such as ultra-high vacuum, high radiation resistance requirements, and limited space, which existing diaphragm devices cannot effectively meet.
Innovation Solution
A device with an adjustable central opening, comprising an outer and inner ring connected via a rolling bearing and solid joints, allowing for variable aperture adjustment without lubricants, designed to withstand UHV and radiation, featuring a compact, low-friction mechanism with no sliding friction to prevent particle generation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional aperture arrangements are used in particle accelerators, then the device structure is simple, but the device cannot withstand ultra-high vacuum conditions and generates particles due to sliding friction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional sliding friction-based mechanical adjustment mechanisms with a rolling bearing system. The rolling bearing eliminates sliding friction that generates particles, while the elastic deformation of solid-state joints provides the necessary mechanical coupling. This substitution maintains UHV compatibility by eliminating particle-generating friction surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the mechanical interaction mode from sliding friction to rolling contact, and from rigid connections to elastic deformable joints. The solid-state joints utilize elastic deformation to transmit motion while maintaining solid-state (lubricant-free) operation, enabling UHV compatibility without compromising adjustment functionality.
2Ease of operation
If solid lubricants are used in aperture adjustment mechanisms, then friction is reduced, but particle generation occurs which contaminates the vacuum environment
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces sliding friction mechanisms with rolling bearings that eliminate the need for solid lubricants. The rolling contact provides smooth adjustment without the particle generation associated with lubricant degradation, while the elastic solid-state joints maintain the necessary mechanical coupling without requiring lubrication.
3Volume of moving object
If the aperture adjustment mechanism is made compact, then space in the accelerator cavity is optimized, but the mechanism complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the adjustment mechanism components into a compact integrated structure where the rolling bearing and elastic solid-state joints work together in a unified assembly. The inner and outer rings with integrated lamellae and joints create a space-efficient design that achieves compact volume without excessive complexity through functional integration.
4Reliability
If conventional diaphragm devices are used, then the device is simple, but cold welding occurs in ultra-high vacuum conditions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces conventional sliding contact surfaces that are prone to cold welding with rolling bearing elements. The rolling contact geometry and elastic deformation of solid-state joints reduce contact pressure and prevent the conditions necessary for cold welding, while maintaining structural integrity in UHV environments.
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 device provides a compact, low-maintenance solution for adjusting the central opening in particle accelerators, ensuring effective radiation component absorption and compatibility with UHV environments, while minimizing particle generation and cold welding risks.
Implementation Method 1
The inner ring is rotatably mounted in the outer ring via a rolling bearing
Implementation Method 2
the rotation elastically deforms the outer solid-state joints and the inner solid-state joints, and the deformation of the inner and outer solid-state joints moves the lamellae into or out of the central opening
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3~4
AI summary
A device (1) with an adjustable central opening (3) and an outer and an inner ring (5, 7) is shown and claimed. The inner ring (7) is rotatably mounted in the outer ring (5) by means of a rolling bearing (9). The device (1) also comprises at least two lamellae (27), each of which is connected to the inner and outer rings (5, 7) via solid joints (29, 31). The central opening (3) can be adjusted by rotating the inner ring (7) and the outer ring (5) relative to each other. This causes the solid joints (29, 31) to be elastically deformed, thereby moving the lamellae (27) into or out of the central opening (3). Furthermore, the use of such a device (1) in ultra-high vacuum or in a particle-free environment is described and claimed.