Polymeric Membrane Fluid Evacuation Apparatus
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional helium leak testing apparatuses require large chambers, resulting in high capital and running costs, limited test output, and the need for frequent chamber replacements due to inflexible chamber designs that cannot accommodate components of varying sizes and shapes.
Innovation Solution
A fluid evacuation apparatus utilizing a polymeric membrane that can be shaped to complement the component's form, reducing chamber volume and eliminating the need for large chambers, along with a permeable spacer to prevent leak path blocking and a shield to protect sensitive components from vacuum pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If conventional rigid chambers are used for helium leak testing, then the chamber structure is stable and easy to manufacture, but the chamber volume is large and cannot accommodate components of varying sizes and shapes
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a flexible membrane made of elastomeric material to form the chamber wall. This membrane can be deformed and adapted to surround components of different sizes and shapes, eliminating the need for large rigid chambers. The flexible nature allows the chamber volume to be minimized while still accommodating various test specimens effectively.
2Adaptability or versatility
If large chambers are used to accommodate various components, then all component sizes can be tested, but the capital cost and running costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane enables the creation of a minimally sized chamber that closely conforms to the test component. This reduces the chamber volume to the absolute minimum required for testing, thereby reducing the amount of gas that needs to be evacuated and the energy consumption of the vacuum pump, leading to lower running costs.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the physical state and properties of the chamber material from rigid to flexible elastomeric. This allows the chamber geometry to dynamically adapt to different component sizes, maintaining optimal chamber volume for each test scenario and minimizing energy requirements for vacuum evacuation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If rigid chambers with fixed geometry are used, then the chamber structure is simple, but frequent chamber replacements are needed for different component types
Solution Approach 1:
The flexible membrane replaces complex rigid chamber structures with a simple, adaptable elastomeric barrier. This single flexible component can be configured for different test scenarios without requiring chamber replacement, simplifying the overall device design while maximizing versatility.
Solution Approach 2:
The flexible membrane serves multiple functions: it forms the chamber boundary, adapts to different component geometries, maintains vacuum sealing, and can be configured for various test types. This universal component eliminates the need for multiple specialized chambers, reducing device complexity while enhancing adaptability.
4Volume of stationary object
If the membrane is placed directly against the component, then the chamber volume is minimized, but leak paths may be blocked
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a porous spacer as an intermediary layer between the flexible membrane and the test component. This spacer maintains a small gap that prevents leak path blocking while minimizing the chamber volume. The porous structure allows gas flow through it, ensuring that potential leaks from the component can still reach the vacuum pump for detection.
5Productivity
If vacuum pressure is applied directly to the component, then the evacuation is effective, but sensitive components may be damaged
Solution Approach 1:
The porous spacer acts as a protective intermediary between the vacuum environment and sensitive test components. It distributes the vacuum pressure uniformly and prevents direct exposure of delicate components to extreme pressure differentials, thereby protecting them from damage while maintaining effective evacuation of the chamber.
Solution Approach 2:
The porous spacer material allows gas permeation while providing mechanical protection. Its porous structure enables vacuum evacuation to proceed effectively through the material, while the physical presence of the spacer cushions and distributes vacuum pressure, protecting sensitive components from direct exposure to harmful pressure differentials.
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
Reduces capital and running costs, allows for testing of components of various sizes and shapes without needing new chambers, and minimizes the risk of leak path blocking, thereby enhancing the efficiency and versatility of leak testing.
Implementation Method 1
a porous spacer configured to prevent contact between the component and the polymeric membrane
Implementation Method 2
a pump configured to remove fluid from the chamber volume such that a vacuum is formed in the chamber volume
Data Source
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AI summary
A fluid evacuation apparatus comprising a platform which is configured to receive at least one component. The fluid evacuation apparatus further comprising a cover comprising a polymeric membrane, the cover configured to be placed over the at least one component and configured to sealingly engage the platform, thereby forming a chamber which defines a chamber volume. The fluid evacuation apparatus further comprising a pump connected to the apparatus and configured to pump fluid out of the chamber volume.