Flexible Modular Getter Assembly for Tight Geometric Constraints
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing getter devices face challenges in maintaining high absorption performance while adhering to geometric constraints and minimizing bulkiness, particularly in applications with specific shapes like tubular systems, and there is a need for flexible structures that can be customized and easily integrated into various apparatus geometries without increasing the volume-to-surface ratio.
Innovation Solution
A modular getter assembly with a flexible metallic base carrying interconnected units, each filled with non-evaporable getter powder, allowing for customizable configurations and easy integration into different apparatus geometries, while minimizing particle loss and handling operations.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the amount of getter material is increased to improve absorption performance, then the absorbing capacity is improved, but the volume and bulkiness of the getter device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The getter device is divided into multiple interconnected sorbing units (at least two units) that can be arranged in a modular fashion. Each unit contains getter material in separate compartments or chambers, allowing the total absorption capacity to be increased by adding more units rather than enlarging a single unit. This segmentation maintains a favorable volume-to-surface ratio while achieving the required absorption performance.
2Reliability
If the external surface of the getter device is increased to improve gas purification, then the absorption performance is improved, but the geometric constraints of the final apparatus are violated
Solution Approach 1:
The getter device incorporates a flexible base that can be deformed or adapted to fit various geometric constraints of the final apparatus. The flexible base allows the modular sorbing units to be arranged in different configurations (linear, clustered, or distributed) depending on the available space and geometric requirements of the host apparatus, thereby maintaining high external surface area while adapting to tight geometric constraints.
3Speed
If the getter structure is stretched to maintain high-symmetry geometry, then the gas diffusivity is improved, but the volume-to-surface ratio increases
Solution Approach 1:
The getter structure is segmented into multiple small sorbing units rather than using a single large stretched structure. Each unit maintains a compact geometry with favorable volume-to-surface ratio, while the collection of units provides sufficient external surface area for high gas purification performance. The modular segmentation allows gas to access getter material through multiple nearby units rather than requiring long diffusion paths through a single large volume.
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 flexible modular getter assembly maintains high absorption performance, reduces particle loss, and simplifies integration and handling, making it suitable for diverse applications and reducing transport encumbrances.
Implementation Method 1
the sorbing properties of the getter materials have to be excellent as regards the removal of gas species such as oxygen, hydrogen, nitrogen, water, carbon oxide and Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs)
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a getter assembly comprising a flexible metallic base (1) for a plurality of interconnected units formed by a frame (3) filled with powders of non-evaporable getter material (2), said flexible metallic base (1) having a thickness comprised between 0.1 and 0.8 mm and being made of a material having specific ranges of Young's modulus, yield strength and ductility.