Optical Fiber Vacuum Feedthrough Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for feeding optical fibers through vacuum chambers often result in leaks over time or during bake-out processes, and they can cause transmission losses due to high radial pressure on the fibers.
Innovation Solution
An optical fiber feedthrough system with a mounting flange and compression device that uses sealing elements and interposed sleeves to securely and pressure-tightly accommodate multiple optical fibers, minimizing mechanical stress and leakage.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Strength
If epoxy resin adhesives are used to firmly connect fiber optic cables to vacuum flange, then connection strength is improved, but sealing reliability deteriorates over time and during bake-out processes
Solution Approach 1:
The invention extracts the harmful epoxy resin adhesive from the vacuum chamber environment and replaces it with a mechanical compression system using elastomeric seals. The fiber optic cables are no longer chemically bonded but mechanically retained through the compression of elastomeric seals in receptacles, eliminating the source of outgassing and seal failure during bake-out processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The invention introduces elastomeric seals as intermediary elements between the fiber optic cables and the vacuum flange. These seals serve as mediators that provide both mechanical retention and vacuum sealing without the drawbacks of epoxy adhesives. The elastomeric material deforms under compression to create reliable seals while allowing for thermal expansion and contraction.
2Reliability
If radially compressed elastomer gasket is used to seal optical fiber, then sealing effect is achieved, but transmission loss increases due to high radial pressure on fiber
Solution Approach 1:
The invention applies local quality by providing individual sealing receptacles for each fiber optic cable rather than a single compressed gasket. Each receptacle contains an elastomeric seal that locally adapts to the specific fiber cable dimensions and applies only the necessary compression for sealing, avoiding excessive radial pressure that would cause transmission loss while maintaining effective sealing.
3Stability of the object's composition
If fixed and inflexible connections are used for fiber optic cables, then structural stability is improved, but adaptability deteriorates leading to leaks over time
Solution Approach 1:
The invention introduces dynamics by using elastomeric seals that can deform and adapt to thermal expansion and contraction of the fiber optic cables and flange. The elastomeric material maintains sealing contact through its elastic properties, allowing the connection to dynamically adjust to dimensional changes during bake-out processes and thermal cycling while maintaining structural stability.
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 system provides a tight, pressure-resistant feedthrough for optical fibers with low transmission losses, allowing for reliable and long-lasting connections while reducing maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The compression device (15a, 15b) is configured to compress the sealing elements (14a, 14b) axially along the passage openings (12a, 12b) in order to thereby cause a radial expansion and/or a, relative to the passage openings (12a, 12b), transverse expansion of the sealing elements (14a, 14b)
Implementation Method 2
each of the passage openings (12a, 12b) is provided with a sealing receptacle (13a, 13b) and at least one sealing element (14a, 14b), wherein the at least one sealing element (14a, 14b) is arranged in the sealing receptacle (13a, 13b) for pressure-tightly receiving the optical fiber (1)
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed is an optical fiber feedthrough (10) configured to feed through optical fibers (1) between an interior and exterior of evacuable vacuum chamber (30). The feedthrough includes at least one mounting flange (11a, 11b) configured for pressure-tight fastening to vacuum chamber and includes passage openings (12a, 12b) configured for pressure-tightly receiving a respective optical fiber. The passage openings are each provided with a sealing receptacle (13a, 13b) and a sealing element (14a, 14b) arranged therein for pressure-tightly receiving the respective optical fiber. A compression device (15a, 15b) is connected to each mounting flange, which is configured to compress the respective sealing elements axially along the respective passage openings. Also disclosed is an optical fiber assembly (20) including the feedthrough and optical fibers, and a method for passing a plurality of optical fibers between an interior and exterior of an evacuable vacuum chamber using the aforementioned feedthrough.