Atomic Oven Cartridge Access for Vacuum-Safe Source Refilling

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional atomic beam generation devices require disassembly of vacuum components for refilling the atom source, complicating the replacement and refilling process.

Innovation Solution

An atomic beam generation device with a cartridge system that allows for easy insertion and removal of the atom source through an access port on the atmosphere side, eliminating the need to disassemble vacuum components, and incorporating a temperature adjustment mechanism to manage the atom source.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the atomic oven is designed with a conventional structure requiring vacuum component disassembly for refilling, then the vacuum seal and structural integrity are maintained, but the operation complexity and maintenance difficulty increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveease of refillingVSAvoidcomplexity of disassembly

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The atomic oven is divided into separable modules: a cartridge containing the atom source and a flange assembly containing vacuum components. The cartridge can be independently removed and replaced without disassembling the flange or breaking vacuum seals, thus simplifying refilling operations while maintaining vacuum integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The atom source is extracted into a separate removable cartridge that can be accessed and replaced from the atmosphere side through a dedicated access port. This extraction allows refilling operations to be performed without disturbing the vacuum chamber components, resolving the contradiction between ease of operation and device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the atom source is made replaceable through access on the atmosphere side, then the refilling process is simplified, but the vacuum seal integrity may be compromised

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesimplicity of refillingVSAvoidvacuum seal integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into an atmosphere-accessible cartridge assembly and a vacuum-sealed flange assembly. The cartridge can be replaced from the atmosphere side without compromising the vacuum seal, as the flange assembly with its O-ring seal remains intact and connected to the vacuum chamber.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The flange assembly acts as an intermediary component that provides a vacuum-tight interface between the atmosphere side (where cartridge replacement occurs) and the vacuum chamber. The O-ring seal on the flange maintains vacuum integrity while allowing cartridge access and replacement from the atmosphere side.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Productivity

If the cartridge is designed for easy removal and replacement, then maintenance efficiency is improved, but the mechanical connection strength may be reduced

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidconnection strength

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSStrength

Solution Approach 1:

The mechanical connection is segmented into a cartridge portion and a flange assembly portion with separate engagement features. The cartridge has an outer peripheral surface that fits into a recess in the flange, with engagement protrusions and grooves that provide sufficient connection strength for operational use while allowing straightforward installation and removal for maintenance.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 simple and efficient replacement and refilling of the atom source without disassembling vacuum components, facilitating miniaturization and maintenance of optical lattice clocks and other devices.

Implementation Method 1

a temperature adjustment mechanism that adjusts a temperature of the atom source

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectHeating: Heating

Data Source

PatentUS20240126215A1Atom Beam Generation Device, Physical Package, Optical Lattice Clock Physical Package, Atomic Clock Physical Package, Atomic Interferometer Physical Package, Quantum Information Processing Device Physical Package, and Physical Package System

Publication Date: 2024.04.18 JEOL LTD

AI summary

An atomic oven includes a cartridge and a main body. The cartridge includes a holder that accommodates an atom source; and a capillary nozzle. The main body includes: a housing in which the cartridge is installed; a button heater; an access opening for removing the cartridge from the main body and placing the cartridge into the main body, the access opening being provided on the atmosphere side, which is outside the main body; and a passage from the access opening to the housing. The cartridge is inserted into the main body through the access opening and is installed in the housing. The atom source is heated by the button heater, whereby atomic gas generated from the atom source is emitted as an atom beam to the vacuum side, which is outside the main body.