UHV Detector Container Non-Destructive Sealing Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing technologies for ultra-high vacuum and high-purity gas detectors are complex to assemble and maintain, requiring multiple cryostats for different measurement tasks, with high production and repair costs due to the need for destructive opening and welding processes, which can damage the detectors and introduce contamination.
Innovation Solution
A receiving container with a secure, non-destructive sealing mechanism using elastic metal seals and a safety device that maintains a defined contact pressure, allowing for easy opening and reuse, and incorporating a spiral spring surrounded by an elastic tube to ensure gas-tightness and thermal stability from -200°C to 200°C.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If welding processes are used to seal the container and insert components, then gas-tight sealing is achieved, but the production complexity increases and repair becomes destructive
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/chemical joining) with a mechanical sealing system consisting of a seal ring and locking mechanism. The seal ring with locking elements mechanically engages with grooves in the receiver section, providing gas-tight sealing without requiring welding operations. This substitution eliminates the complexity of vacuum welding processes while maintaining reliable sealing.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a seal ring as an intermediary component between the lid and receiver section. This seal ring acts as a mediator that provides the gas-tight barrier function, separating the sealing function from the structural joining function. The locking elements on the seal ring provide mechanical retention while the seal surface provides the gas barrier, eliminating the need for welding.
2Reliability
If welding is used to seal the container, then gas-tightness is achieved, but the detector can only be repaired by destructive opening
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the sealing function from the structural function by using a separate seal ring component. The lid, receiver section, and seal ring are separate components that can be independently assembled and disassembled. This segmentation allows the container to be opened without destruction by simply removing the locking mechanism, enabling non-destructive repair of the detector while maintaining gas-tight sealing capability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple cryostats are used for different measurement tasks, then detector versatility is improved, but the system complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent creates a universal container design with standardized locking and sealing mechanisms that can accommodate different detector types and configurations. The modular seal ring and locking element system allows the same basic container structure to be used for various measurement tasks by simply changing the detector insert or configuration, eliminating the need for multiple specialized cryostats and reducing overall system complexity.
4Ease of repair
If the container is opened for repair, then detector maintenance is possible, but the container must be completely replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the container into separable components (lid, receiver section, seal ring) that can be independently handled. The locking elements provide reversible retention, allowing the lid and detector assembly to be removed from the receiver section without damage. This enables the detector to be replaced or repaired while reusing the expensive receiver section, eliminating the need to replace the entire container.
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 design simplifies assembly and maintenance, reduces production and repair costs, and minimizes detector damage by allowing non-destructive access and reuse of the container, while maintaining the vacuum and purity necessary for sensitive detectors.
Implementation Method 1
A seal (19) arranged between the sealing surfaces. The locking device (23) presses the lid (5) against the receiving part (3) to provide a defined contact pressure of the seal (19).
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a spiral spring surrounded by an elastic tube to ensure gas-tightness and thermal stability from -200°C to 200°C
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 1a~2
Figure 3
AI summary
A receiving container for a detector which operates in an ultrahigh vacuum or in a protective gas atmosphere that consists of high-purity gas. The receiving container has a receiving portion which forms at least a portion of the receiving space for the detector, and a cover for hermetically sealing the receiving space. A first sealing surface is arranged at the receiving portion and a second sealing surface matching the first sealing surface is arranged at the cover. Between the sealing surfaces a gasket is arranged. A securing device presses the cover against the receiving portion to provide a defined contact pressure of the gasket.