Cold Cathode Ionization Gauge Trigger Plate Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional cold cathode ionization vacuum gauges face a time lag in discharge initiation due to sputtering and contamination of internal components, leading to reduced photoelectron emission and inefficient discharge induction, especially after prolonged use.
Innovation Solution
A cold cathode ionization vacuum gauge design featuring a rod-like first electrode and a pipe-like second electrode with a disc-like discharge trigger electrode plate having projections that direct tips towards the rod-like electrode, creating a discharge space for efficient electron emission and reduced discharge initiation time.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If conventional discharge inducing means (glow lamp, ultraviolet irradiation lamp) are provided on the cathode to reduce discharge induction time, then the discharge induction time is reduced, but the structure becomes complicated and requires additional driving circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the discharge induction function from separate external lamps (glow lamp, ultraviolet lamp) and integrates it directly into the cathode structure by forming protrusions on the cathode surface. This eliminates the need for separate discharge inducing means and their driving circuits, thereby reducing structural complexity while maintaining fast discharge induction.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the discharge induction function with the cathode electrode itself by forming protrusions on the cathode surface. These protrusions serve dual purposes: they are part of the cathode structure and simultaneously act as photoelectron emission sites for discharge induction. This integration eliminates the need for separate discharge inducing components.
2Loss of time
If conventional discharge inducing means are provided to reduce discharge induction time, then discharge induction is improved, but sputtering and contamination of the vessel wall increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the need for external discharge inducing lamps that cause sputtering and contamination of the vessel wall. By using protrusions formed directly on the cathode, the discharge induction function is achieved without introducing additional harmful factors into the vacuum environment.
Solution Approach 2:
The protrusions on the cathode are designed to be replaced along with the cathode itself when worn or contaminated, rather than attempting to protect them from sputtering. This approach is more practical than trying to prevent sputtering, as the protrusions are integral to the cathode structure and can be easily replaced as a unit.
3Duration of action of stationary object
If the cold cathode ionization vacuum gauge is used for a long time, then measurement experience is gained, but sputtered film forms on the lamp surface reducing photoelectron emission
Solution Approach 1:
The protrusions on the cathode are designed to be replaced along with the cathode when worn or contaminated by sputtered films. This is a practical solution for long-term operation, as the protrusions are integral to the cathode structure and can be easily replaced as a unit, maintaining reliable discharge induction over extended usage periods.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent accepts that the protrusions will become contaminated with sputtered films during long-term use and plans to replace them (along with the cathode) when performance degrades. This approach prioritizes maintaining reliable operation over preventing contamination, as the protrusions are easily replaceable components.
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
This design allows for rapid discharge induction and avoids structural complexity, maintaining effective operation even after long-term use by minimizing sputtering effects and ensuring consistent discharge, even when a sputtered film forms or contaminants adhere to the internal surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
discharge inducing means that directly applies a sufficient amount of electromagnetic radiation to cause a cathode to emit photoelectrons
Implementation Method 2
measures the pressure of a gas by inducing ionization of the gas by self-discharge at the anode and the cathode
Implementation Method 3
the wall of the vessel of the vacuum gauge is susceptible to sputtering, and thus, the interior of the vessel of the vacuum gauge can be contaminated
Data Source
AI summary
To provide a cold cathode ionization vacuum gauge that does not have a complicated structure and can induce discharge in a short time even after the cold cathode ionization vacuum gauge is used for a long time. A cold cathode ionization vacuum gauge has a rod-like anode 2, a measuring element enclosure (cathode) 1 arranged to surround the anode, and a magnet 3 disposed on the outer periphery of the cathode 1. A discharge trigger supporting electrode 5 having a projection 21 directed toward the center axis of the anode 2 is disposed in a discharge space 9 of the cathode 1. The discharge trigger supporting electrode 5 is removably disposed on the cathode 1, and the distance between the tip of the projection 21 of the discharge trigger supporting electrode 5 and the anode 2 is equal to or more than 0.3 mm.