Integrated Reference Leak Device for Accurate Pressure Variation Detection

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing reference leak device is separate from the work capsule and is prone to dirt and dust contamination, leading to inaccurate pressure variations during the leak testing process, as it releases test pressure air to the atmosphere rather than simulating a pinhole leakage within the work capsule.

Innovation Solution

A method and device where a reference leak device with a known pinhole is mounted on the work, encapsulated within the work capsule, generating a reference leakage similar to a pinhole defect, allowing for accurate pressure variation detection and using filters to prevent clogging by dirt and dust.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If a separate reference leak device is used to release test pressure to the atmosphere, then the reference leak step can be performed, but the pressure variation does not accurately correspond to actual pinhole leakage in the work capsule

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvepressure variation accuracyVSAvoidreference data accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The reference leak device is integrated with the work capsule structure, merging the reference leakage function into the same enclosed space as the actual work testing. This ensures that the pressure variations generated by the reference leak device accurately simulate the conditions of actual pinhole leakage within the work capsule, resolving the discrepancy between reference and actual pressure variations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Reliability

If a separate reference leak device is used, then reference leakage can be generated, but the device is prone to dirt and dust contamination

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference leak functionVSAvoiddirt and dust contamination

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the reference leak device with the work capsule, the reference leak opening becomes part of the same sealed environment as the workpiece. This eliminates the separate external reference leak device that was exposed to external contaminants, thereby preventing dirt and dust contamination while maintaining the reference leakage function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Reliability

If a separate reference leak device is used, then reference leakage can be generated, but the device structure becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference leak functionVSAvoidreference leak device structure

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The reference leak device is merged with the work capsule structure, eliminating the need for a separate standalone reference leak device. The reference leak opening is formed directly in the work capsule or its cover, simplifying the overall device structure while maintaining the reference leakage function.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Reliability

If a separate reference leak device is used, then reference leakage can be generated, but it is difficult to keep the device clean from dirt and dust

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereference leak functionVSAvoidcleanliness maintenance

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the reference leak device with the work capsule, the reference leak opening is now part of the same enclosed environment as the workpiece. This eliminates the need to separately maintain cleanliness of an external reference leak device, as any contamination would affect both the reference and actual work testing equally, and the sealed capsule structure protects against external dirt and dust.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 approach provides reliable reference data for leak testing with high accuracy, simplifying the device structure and ensuring easy mounting and cleanliness, making it suitable for works without existing openings, such as sheets or bags.

Implementation Method 1

generating a reference leakage in the work for reference leakage via the reference leak device in a condition in which the path is shut-off

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure gradient: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

detecting a variation of pressure inside the work capsule

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDifferential pressure detection:

Data Source

PatentUS11860065B2Method for leak testing and reference leak device for leak testing

Publication Date: 2024.01.02 FUKUDA CO LTD

AI summary

A method for leak testing includes a leak testing step and a reference leak step. In the leak testing step, a hollow work 20 as a test object is encapsulated in a work capsule 11. A test pressure is supplied to the work capsule 11 through a path 2a connected to the work capsule. A variation of pressure inside the work capsule 11 is detected in a condition in which the path 2a is shut-off, and a judgment is made whether a leakage through the work is generated based on the detected output. In the reference leak step, a reference leak device 30 having a known pinhole 31a is mounted on a work 20′ for reference leakage that is same as the work 20 as the test object. The work 20′ for reference leakage is encapsulated in the work capsule 11. The test pressure is supplied to the work capsule 11 via the path 2a, and a reference leakage is generated in the work 20′ for reference leakage via the reference leak device 30 in a condition in which the path 2a is shut-off. A variation of pressure inside the work capsule 11 accompanying the reference leakage is detected.