Cold Cathode Pressure Sensor External Radiation Ignition
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Solution Overview
Problem
Cold cathode pressure sensors face challenges in igniting a discharge at low gas pressures due to the need for UV radiation sources, which are complex and difficult to cool, and require electric conduits through the housing, complicating the design and increasing costs.
Innovation Solution
A cold cathode pressure sensor with a glass housing and an external radiation source emitting wavelengths greater than 350 nm to 1400 nm, allowing for ignition without the need for UV radiation, simplifying the design and eliminating cooling and conduit issues.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a UV radiation source is used to ignite the discharge, then the discharge can be ignited at low gas pressures, but the device complexity increases and cooling becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is extracted from the housing interior and positioned externally. The housing wall is made transparent to the radiation wavelength used, allowing the radiation source to be placed outside the housing while still effectively igniting the discharge inside. This eliminates the need for complex internal arrangements and cooling systems.
Solution Approach 2:
The housing wall acts as an intermediary that transmits the radiation from the external source to the cathode inside the housing. By selecting a wavelength that the housing material is transparent to, the wall serves as an effective mediator without requiring complex modifications to the housing structure.
2Reliability
If a UV radiation source is arranged inside the housing, then the discharge can be ignited, but electric conduits must pass through the housing wall and cooling is virtually impossible
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is extracted from the housing interior and positioned externally. The housing wall is made transparent to the radiation wavelength used, allowing the radiation source to be placed outside the housing while still effectively igniting the discharge inside. This eliminates the need for complex internal arrangements and cooling systems.
3Reliability
If UV radiation is used for ignition, then the discharge can be started, but the radiation source requires complex cooling systems
Solution Approach 1:
The radiation source is extracted from the housing interior and positioned externally. The housing wall is made transparent to the radiation wavelength used, allowing the radiation source to be placed outside the housing while still effectively igniting the discharge inside. This eliminates the need for complex internal arrangements and cooling systems.
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 reliable and cost-effective ignition of the discharge at low pressures by using lower-energy radiation, reducing complexity and improving the sensor's operational efficiency and ease of manufacturing.
Implementation Method 1
The radiation source generates photons which release electrons from the metal cathode due to the photo effect
Implementation Method 2
The electron surge causes an ionization of the gas molecules and atoms such that they fly to the cathode and receive another electron there
Implementation Method 3
said housing (12) is at least partly made of glass, said radiation source (20) is arranged outside said housing (12) and irradiates said cathode (16, 17) through the housing glass
Data Source
AI summary
A cold cathode pressure sensor has gastight housing, an anode and a cathode arranged in the housing, and a radiation source directed to the cathode for igniting a cold cathode discharge. The housing has a test gas inlet and is at least partly made of glass. The radiation source is arranged outside the housing and irradiates the cathode through the housing glass. The radiation source substantially emits a radiation of a wavelength of more than 400 nm and less than 1,400 nm.