Bellows RF Shield Finger Reset Using an Inflatable Pipe Plug
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current methods for resetting dislocated RF shield fingers in high-vacuum beam line assemblies are cumbersome, expose maintenance personnel to radiation, and require costly replacement of bellows assemblies, limiting the effectiveness and safety of repairs.
Innovation Solution
A method using an inflatable pipe plug with a nitrile balloon and delivery hose to apply radial pressure, allowing the bellows to be bent and reposition dislocated RF shield fingers without cutting or replacing the assembly, combined with a kit for cleaning and disposal of contaminated components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of repair
If the bellows assembly is cut out of the beam line to reset RF shield fingers, then the fingers can be reset with tools, but the repair process becomes more complex and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The repair process is segmented into two distinct phases: a positioning phase where the bellows is bent to create access space, and a repair phase where fingers are reset. This segmentation allows the complex repair operation to be performed without permanently disrupting the beam line assembly.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows is bent into a positioned state before the actual finger reset operation begins. This preliminary action creates the necessary access space and positions the RF shield fingers for easy manipulation, eliminating the need to cut the bellows assembly during the repair process.
2Reliability
If maintenance personnel manually reset RF shield fingers with the bellows intact, then the beam line remains assembled, but radiation exposure to personnel increases
Solution Approach 1:
The repair process separates the high-radiation exposure period (when the bellows is bent and fingers are accessible) from the actual finger reset operation. By positioning the bellows first, the system creates a controlled access window that minimizes cumulative radiation exposure while maintaining beam line integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The bent bellows structure serves as an intermediary mechanism that provides access to the RF shield fingers without requiring permanent disassembly of the beam line. This intermediary positioning state allows safe manipulation of fingers while maintaining the overall assembly integrity.
3Reliability
If the bellows assembly is replaced entirely due to extensive damage, then the beam line is restored to full function, but cost and downtime increase
Solution Approach 1:
The bellows is bent into the repair position before any finger reset operation begins. This preliminary positioning action enables the repair to be performed in-place, eliminating the need for complete assembly replacement and significantly reducing downtime.
Solution Approach 2:
The bellows assembly is designed to be self-positioning through its inherent flexibility. The bellows can be bent and positioned without external tools or disassembly, allowing the system to service itself and eliminating the need for costly replacement.
4Ease of repair
If tools are used to reset RF shield fingers, then the fingers can be repositioned, but contamination spread and cleaning requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The repair operation extracts the finger reset function from the need for external tools. By positioning the bellows to allow manual manipulation, the system eliminates tool contamination and associated cleaning requirements while maintaining ease of repair.
Solution Approach 2:
The system uses the bellows itself as a disposable positioning element that can be bent and discarded after use, eliminating the need for reusable tools that would require cleaning and maintenance.
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
Facilitates safe, efficient, and cost-effective repositioning of RF shield fingers, reducing radiation exposure and minimizing contamination, while avoiding the need for full assembly replacement.
Implementation Method 1
inflating the balloon proximate the axial gap to exert a substantially uniform pressure (e.g., approximately 10 pounds per square inch (psi)) radially outward from the nominal axis along the plurality of fingers
Implementation Method 2
a plurality of fingers distributed azimuthally along a respective outer surface of each of the two beam tubes and configured to span the axial gap; 2) inflating the balloon proximate the axial gap to exert a substantially uniform pressure (e.g., approximately 10 pounds per square inch (psi)) radially outward from the nominal axis along the plurality of fingers
Data Source
AI summary
A method comprising: 1) positioning an inflatable pipe plug inside a high-vacuum beam line assembly proximate an axial gap between two beam tubes mechanically connected by a bellows-encased radio frequency (RF) shield; 2) inflating a balloon of the pipe plug proximate the axial gap to exert a uniform pressure along dislocated fingers of the RF shield; 3) angularly bending the bellows to enlarge a repair portion of the axial gap to a width larger than the dislocated finger(s); and 4) returning the dislocated finger(s) to the operation-ready RF shield position under the uniform pressure before 5) deflating and removing the inflatable pipe plug. A corrector system kit may comprise a set of custom-sized balloon(s) of a nitrile material type, a fixed-length or tailorable delivery hose, and a connector(s). A fluid (e.g., gas, liquid) pump delivers pressured fluid to the selected/tailored connector, through the delivery hose, and into the balloon.