Vacuum Chamber Suction Device for Gas Extraction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative Solutions
Generate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

The existing methods for removing protective gases from gas-tight containers in high-voltage systems are complex and costly, particularly due to the use of stud welding for attaching suction heads, which complicates the process of exchanging or removing shielding gases during maintenance or dismantling.

Innovation Solution

A device with a contact flange and penetration means that creates a vacuum chamber between the container wall and the contact flange, using a suction nozzle and sealing elements to extract the gas safely and efficiently, preventing uncontrolled gas escape by generating a negative pressure and using a blunt object or screwing motion to drive the penetration bolt through the container wall.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If stud welding is used to attach the suction head to the container wall, then the connection is strong and reliable, but the process becomes complex and costly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection reliabilityVSAvoidattachment process complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the welding process (thermal/mechanical system) with a mechanical fastening system using a fastening element that has a first end for attachment to the container wall and a second end for connection to the suction head. This substitution eliminates the complexity of welding operations while maintaining reliable connection through mechanical means.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

2Reliability

If the suction head is designed with threaded bolts welded onto the container wall, then secure attachment is achieved, but the maintenance and dismantling process becomes time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveattachment securityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element is segmented into two distinct ends: a first end configured for attachment to the container wall and a second end configured for connection to the suction head. This segmentation allows the fastening element to function as an intermediary component that simplifies both installation and removal operations, reducing maintenance time while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Productivity

If penetration means are used to create a gas outlet opening in the container wall, then gas extraction is enabled, but the risk of uncontrolled gas escape increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvegas extraction efficiencyVSAvoiduncontrolled gas escape
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The sealing element acts as an intermediary component between the penetration means and the external environment. It is configured to seal the gas outlet opening created by the penetration means, thereby enabling controlled gas extraction while preventing uncontrolled gas escape into the environment. The sealing element mediates between the need for gas removal and the need for environmental protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Reliability

If the contact flange is designed to be flat against the container wall, then sealing surface area is maximized, but the fastening system becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesealing effectivenessVSAvoidfastening system complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening element serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical attachment to the container wall, supports the suction head, and works in conjunction with the sealing element to ensure gas-tight sealing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, thereby simplifying the overall fastening system while maintaining effective sealing through the flat contact flange design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 easy, quick, and cost-effective removal of protective gases from gas-insulated systems by creating a sealed vacuum chamber that ensures a tight seal and controlled gas extraction, reducing environmental impact and simplifying maintenance processes.

Implementation Method 1

the fastening means are set up to generate a negative pressure in a vacuum chamber delimited by the container wall and the contact flange

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectNegative pressure (Vacuum): Vacuum

Data Source

PatentEP2666178B1Device for extracting by suction protective gas from a container
Publication Date: 2014.11.12 SIEMENS AG
  • EP2666178B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2666178B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP2666178B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

An apparatus for removing protective gas by suction from a container. In order to provide an apparatus (1) for removing a protective gas by suction from a gas-tight container, having an attachment flange (3) which is formed on its attachment side so as to complement the shape of a container wall (16) of the container, having penetration means (5) which are surrounded by the attachment flange (3) in a circumferentially closed manner and are designed to generate a gas outlet opening (18) in the container wall (16), having a suction-removal nozzle (7) which is open to the penetration means (5) and can be connected to a suction-removal pump by way of its end which is remote from the penetration means, and having fastening means (6, 12, 13, 14) for fastening the attachment flange (3) to the container wall (16) in a gas-tight manner, said apparatus removing the protective gas by suction from the interior of the container in a simple, quick, reliable and cost-effective manner, the invention proposes that the fastening means (6, 12, 13, 14) are designed for generating a vacuum in a vacuum chamber (17) which is delimited by the container wall (16) and the attachment flange (3).