Getter activation under vacuum
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing getter activation systems require opening the getter packing before evacuation, limiting the installation time to 15 minutes, which restricts the placement of getters in certain locations, such as refrigerator compartments, and necessitates the use of multiple getters for extended evacuation times.
Innovation Solution
A getter assembly with a primary getter material and a cover layer, enclosed in a protective enclosure that can be opened during or after evacuation, allowing activation without changes to the getter chemistry, using materials like glass or plastic that can be broken or perforated to expose the getter to the vacuum space.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If getter packing is opened before evacuation, then getter activation is achieved, but installation time is limited to 15 minutes and placement options are restricted
Solution Approach 1:
The system is divided into two independent parts: the getter assembly (containing getter material, plate, and cover layer) and the protective enclosure. This segmentation allows the getter to be prepared and sealed in advance, then activated later by simply opening the protective enclosure, eliminating the 15-minute time constraint while ensuring proper getter activation.
Solution Approach 2:
The getter assembly is prepared in advance with the getter material deposited on the plate and covered with a cover layer, then sealed in the protective enclosure. This preliminary preparation allows the system to be installed without immediate activation, and the getter can be activated at the appropriate time by opening the enclosure, thus extending installation time flexibility without compromising activation reliability.
2Duration of action of stationary object
If multiple getters are used for extended evacuation times, then evacuation capability is improved, but device complexity and installation effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The invention changes the activation time parameter of the getter system by enabling delayed activation through the protective enclosure mechanism. A single getter assembly can provide extended evacuation capability because it can be activated at the optimal moment (after initial evacuation), allowing one getter to perform the work that previously required multiple getters installed simultaneously.
3Adaptability or versatility
If getter is sealed in protective enclosure, then activation timing is flexible, but getter cannot be activated until enclosure is opened
Solution Approach 1:
The cover layer is designed to be easily removed or broken from the protective enclosure, extracting the getter assembly from its protected state and exposing it to the vacuum environment. This simple extraction action enables activation without complex procedures, maintaining ease of operation while providing activation timing flexibility.
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 the activation of getters during or after evacuation, extending the available time for installation and allowing placement in previously restricted areas without increasing the number of getters required, effectively managing gas absorption in vacuumed spaces.
Implementation Method 1
A primary getter material is deposited on the plate
Implementation Method 2
A cover layer is deposited over the primary getter material on the plate
Data Source
AI summary
A getter assembly for a vacuumed compartment having a plate. A primary getter material is deposited on the plate. A cover layer is deposited over the primary getter material on the plate.