Vacuum Chamber Connector With Biasing O-Ring for Low-Wear Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum chamber systems face challenges in forming reliable and low-wear fluid connections between vacuum chambers, particularly in mass spectrometry systems where different components operate at varying pressures, requiring connectors that can maintain seals without metal-metal contacts to reduce wear and accommodate pressure differences.
Innovation Solution
A connector comprising a tube with a biasing O-ring that moves along a sloped portion to form a seal between vacuum chambers, allowing for easy installation and removal, and featuring a sealing O-ring to engage with the vacuum chamber, reducing wear and accommodating tolerance variations in gap sizes.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If metal-metal contacts are used to form fluid connections between vacuum chambers, then the connection strength and reliability are improved, but wear increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an O-ring as an intermediary sealing element between the connector and vacuum chamber. This elastomeric O-ring mediates the sealing function, eliminating direct metal-to-metal contact at the sealing interface. The O-ring deforms to accommodate tolerance variations while maintaining the seal, thus preventing wear on the metal surfaces and ensuring connection reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional mechanical threading system with a friction-fit insertion system combined with O-ring sealing. Instead of relying on metal threads for both connection and sealing, the system uses a simplified mechanical insertion followed by O-ring contact for sealing. This substitution eliminates the wear-prone threaded metal-to-metal interface while maintaining secure connection.
2Manufacturing precision
If a fixed seal design is used to connect vacuum chambers with different gap sizes, then manufacturing precision is improved, but adaptability to tolerance variations deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent utilizes the elastomeric properties of the O-ring to accommodate gap size variations. The O-ring's ability to deform elastically allows it to adapt to different gap sizes within a tolerance range while maintaining effective sealing. This parameter change (from rigid to flexible sealing interface) enables the connector to handle manufacturing tolerances without requiring high-precision fixed seal positioning.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs an elastomeric O-ring as a flexible sealing element. This flexible ring can deform to accommodate variations in gap size between the connector and vacuum chamber openings. The flexibility of the O-ring allows it to conform to the actual geometry within tolerance ranges, ensuring reliable sealing despite manufacturing variations in gap dimensions.
3Strength
If a complex retention mechanism is used to secure the connector, then connection strength is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent incorporates a dynamic retention mechanism featuring spring-loaded arms that can move between engaged and disengaged positions. These arms are biased by springs to automatically engage with retaining features on the vacuum chamber during insertion, providing secure retention. For removal, the arms can be manually depressed to disengage, allowing easy extraction. This dynamic mechanism provides strong retention during operation while maintaining ease of installation and removal.
4Reliability
If multiple sealing elements are used to ensure reliable sealing, then sealing reliability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs a single O-ring that performs multiple sealing functions simultaneously. This one elastomeric ring seals against both the outer surface of the vacuum chamber opening and the inner surface of the connector opening, eliminating the need for separate sealing elements for each interface. The O-ring's flexible nature allows it to effectively seal both interfaces, reducing component count while maintaining sealing reliability.
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
The connector provides a reliable, low-wear fluid connection between vacuum chambers, reducing wear compared to metal-metal contacts and accommodating pressure differences, ensuring consistent sealing performance across varying gap sizes.
Implementation Method 1
A connector (1) configurable to fluidly connect a first opening (5) formed in a first vacuum chamber (3) to a second opening (9) formed in a second vacuum chamber (7), wherein the first opening (5) of the first vacuum chamber (3) is provided within the second vacuum chamber (7). The connector (1) comprises a tube (10) and a biasing O-ring (30). The biasing O-ring (30) is configured to form a seal between the second opening (9) and the second vacuum chamber (7). The biasing O-ring (30) also biases the sealing O-ring (50) against the first vacuum chamber (3).
Data Source
AI summary
A connector for use in vacuum system is configured to fluidly connect a first opening formed in a first vacuum chamber to a second opening formed in a second vacuum chamber, the first opening of the first vacuum chamber being provided within the second vacuum chamber. The connector comprises a tube and a biasing O-ring. The tube has an outer wall to define a fluid flow path between first and second ends of the tube. Towards the first end, a sealing portion of the outer wall of the tube is provided. Towards the second end, an O-ring retaining point is provided along the tube spaced apart from the second end of the tube. The biasing O-ring is provided around and tensioned by the outer wall of the tube. The biasing O-ring is moveable along the axial direction between the O-ring retaining point and a sealing position where it seals the connector.