Vacuum Feed-Through Assembly Threaded Epoxy Seal
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current vacuum feed-through assemblies, which rely on brazing ceramic components, are expensive, time-consuming, and prone to failure under shock or vibration, leading to leaks and vacuum loss.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum feed-through assembly featuring a conductor with a threaded outer diameter, bonded to a plastic or epoxy-glass composite seal with matching threads, providing a robust and flexible joint that withstands mechanical loads without leaks, using epoxy bonding instead of brazing.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If brazing is used to join ceramic ring to copper rod and stainless steel tube, then vacuum tight joint is achieved, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the thermal brazing process with a mechanical threading and sealing system. The conductor and bellows are threaded into the seal assembly, eliminating the need for complex brazing operations while maintaining vacuum integrity through mechanical engagement and sealing surfaces.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent removes the ceramic ring component entirely from the assembly, extracting the problematic element that required brazing. The functional requirements are met through alternative materials (metal seal) and methods (threading) that eliminate the complex brazing process.
2Reliability
If brazing process is used to create vacuum tight joint, then sealing is achieved, but manufacturing time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The thermal brazing process is replaced with mechanical threading operations that can be performed rapidly using standard machining equipment. The conductor and bellows are simply threaded into the seal assembly, dramatically reducing manufacturing cycle time while maintaining sealing integrity.
3Reliability
If ceramic ring is used in the assembly, then electrical insulation is provided, but shock and vibration resistance decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses a metal seal assembly with integrated threading and sealing features that combines structural strength with electrical insulation properties. The metal components provide shock and vibration resistance while maintaining the necessary electrical isolation in the vacuum feedthrough application.
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 solution offers a cost-effective, reliable, and shock-resistant vacuum feed-through assembly capable of transferring high electrical currents in a vacuum environment, reducing the risk of failure and maintaining vacuum integrity.
Implementation Method 1
a plastic seal having a threaded inner diameter matching the threaded outer diameter end of the conductor where the matching threads are bonded with epoxy
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum feed-through assembly and a method for manufacturing the same including a conductor having a threaded outer diameter end, a plastic seal having a threaded inner diameter matching the threaded outer diameter end of the conductor, and an epoxy to epoxy bond the threaded inner diameter of the plastic seal to the threaded outer diameter end of the conductor.