Vacuum Chamber Buffer Shutter for Soil Testing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional thermal vacuum chambers struggle to maintain a reliable vacuum state when simulating a space environment with soil, leading to prolonged test preparation times, contamination of test specimens, and decreased efficiency due to out-gas generation and the need for repeated pre-conditioning.

Innovation Solution

A testing apparatus with a buffer chamber and a shutter unit that separates the vacuum chamber from the testing chamber, allowing for the maintenance of a vacuum state during specimen insertion and replacement, reducing out-gas exposure and eliminating the need for re-pre-conditioning the soil.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a great deal of ground is included in a thermal vacuum chamber, then the ground test reliability is improved, but the vacuum state cannot be reached and maintained due to out-gas generation

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveground test reliabilityVSAvoidvacuum state

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

The thermal vacuum chamber is divided into multiple vacuum chambers (first vacuum chamber and second vacuum chamber) that can be independently sealed and evacuated. This segmentation allows the ground to be present in one chamber while maintaining vacuum in another, resolving the conflict between having sufficient ground for reliable testing and maintaining a vacuum state.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The ground is extracted from the main vacuum chamber and placed in a separate ground storage chamber. This extraction removes the source of out-gas from the vacuum environment, allowing the vacuum chamber to maintain its vacuum state while the ground remains available for testing through controlled access.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

2Ease of operation

If the chamber including ground is opened for replacement of test specimen, then the test specimen can be replaced, but the pre-conditioning operation must be re-performed due to air contact

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvetest specimen replacementVSAvoidpre-conditioning time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The chamber is segmented into a vacuum chamber and a ground storage chamber with separate sealing mechanisms. The ground storage chamber can be opened for specimen replacement while the vacuum chamber maintains its vacuum state, eliminating the need to re-perform pre-conditioning and reducing time loss.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A transfer chamber serves as an intermediary between the ground storage chamber and the vacuum chamber. This intermediary allows test specimens to be transferred without exposing the ground to air, maintaining the vacuum state and avoiding the need for repeated pre-conditioning operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If the vacuum chamber is opened for specimen insertion, then the specimen can be inserted, but external air is introduced and out-gas is generated from the soil

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvespecimen insertionVSAvoidout-gas generation

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSObject-generated harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The system is segmented into multiple sealed chambers where the ground is isolated in a dedicated storage chamber. Specimens can be inserted into the vacuum chamber without opening the ground storage chamber, preventing air contact with the ground and eliminating out-gas generation while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

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 solution significantly reduces test time and increases efficiency by maintaining the vacuum state during specimen handling and testing, preventing contamination and minimizing the pre-conditioning process.

Implementation Method 1

a vacuum chamber for a ground test which includes a buffer chamber that includes an entrance through which an object to be inspected is inserted and a first door that opens or closes the entrance, a testing chamber that is separated from one side of the buffer chamber and includes a connection passage communicating with the buffer chamber

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVacuum: Vacuum

Implementation Method 2

a shutter unit configured to open or close the connection passage

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Implementation Method 3

a soil storage part which is disposed in the testing chamber and in which soil is accommodated for testing the object to be inspected on the ground

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPhysical containment: Physical Containment

Data Source

PatentUS11014694B2Testing apparatus having vacuum chamber, capable of ground testing, and testing method using same

Publication Date: 2021.05.25 KOREA INST OF CIVIL ENG & BUILDING TECH

AI summary

Disclosed is a testing apparatus and a testing method using the same, the apparatus having soil in a vacuum chamber includes: a buffer chamber having an entrance/exit opening through which an object to be inspected is inserted, and a first door for opening and closing the entrance/exit opening; a testing chamber divided at one side of the buffer chamber so as to be separated therefrom, and having a connection passage communicating with the buffer chamber; a shutter unit for opening and closing the connection passage; a soil storage part disposed inside the testing chamber, and accommodating soil for testing the object to be inspected; and a vacuum generation means for suctioning air inside the buffer chamber and the testing chamber so as to create a vacuum state.