Vacuum Gauge Assembly With Thermal Equalisation for Pressure Accuracy
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Thermal conductivity vacuum gauges face inaccuracies and inconsistencies due to slow temperature gradient equalization across the gauge body, particularly in compact designs, leading to reduced sensitivity and measurement errors.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating a thermal equalisation element made of high thermal conductivity material, such as aluminium, to quickly conduct heat across the gauge body, reducing temperature gradients and improving the accuracy of ambient temperature measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the gauge body is made of stainless steel for corrosion resistance, then corrosion protection is improved, but thermal conductivity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining stainless steel (for corrosion resistance) with a thermal equalisation element made of high thermal conductivity material such as aluminium or copper. This composite structure allows the gauge body to maintain corrosion resistance while the aluminium/copper element provides the necessary thermal conduction path to equalize temperature gradients.
2Volume of moving object
If the gauge assembly is made compact, then device size is reduced, but temperature gradient equalization time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a thermal equalisation element (aluminium or copper) as an intermediary component that facilitates rapid heat transfer across the gauge body. This mediator overcomes the limitation of compact design by providing a dedicated high-conductivity thermal pathway that equalizes temperature gradients quickly despite the reduced overall size.
3Ease of manufacture
If thermal conduction through the body is slow, then manufacturing simplicity is maintained, but measurement accuracy deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by adding a thermal equalisation element specifically at the location where thermal conduction is needed (the gauge body structure), while leaving the rest of the simple stainless steel construction intact. This localized enhancement improves temperature uniformity and measurement accuracy without complicating the overall manufacturing process.
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
Enhances the accuracy and sensitivity of pressure measurements by minimizing temperature variations within the gauge assembly, allowing for more compact and reliable vacuum gauge designs.
Implementation Method 1
the thermal equalisation element is made of a material with a second thermal conductivity that is higher than the first thermal conductivity
Implementation Method 2
The thermal compensation element is generally placed on the surfaces of a body or tube of the gauge assembly, and relies on thermal conduction through the body to determine the ambient temperature of the gauge assembly
Implementation Method 3
As gas molecules collide with the heater element they will transfer (i.e., conduct) heat away from it
Data Source
AI summary
The present disclosure relates to a thermal conductivity vacuum gauge assembly. The assembly comprises a body defining an internal chamber for receiving working gas and a heater element disposed within the chamber. The body is defined by a wall having an outer facing wall surface and an opposing inner facing wall surface. A thermal compensation element and a thermal equalisation element are in thermal communication with the body. The body is made of a material with a first thermal conductivity, and the thermal equalisation element is made of a material with a second thermal conductivity that is higher than the first thermal conductivity. The present disclosure also relates to a thermal conductivity vacuum gauge including the assembly.