Vacuum Leak Detection Gas Control Paths for Flexible Test Gas Supply
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum leak detection systems lack flexibility and controllability in supplying test gas to the gas detector, requiring separate vacuum lines for connecting components.
Innovation Solution
A modular vacuum leak detection system with a gas control unit that includes separate gas conduction paths for connecting test chamber and gas detection units, allowing selective control of gas supply and evacuation, and enabling detachable module connections without additional hose lines.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If separate vacuum lines are used to connect components in existing vacuum leak detection systems, then the system structure is simple, but the flexibility and controllability of test gas supply is poor
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the vacuum pump, gas controller, and mass spectrometer into a single integrated unit with unified housing. This merging of previously separate components (vacuum pump and gas detection unit) into one modular assembly provides flexible gas supply control through the integrated gas controller while maintaining structural simplicity through the unified design.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated unit serves multiple functions: the vacuum pump provides vacuum evacuation, the gas controller manages test gas supply with adjustable flow rates, and the mass spectrometer detects leaks. This multi-functional design allows the single unit to adapt to various test conditions while reducing the need for separate connection lines.
2Ease of operation
If components are connected via separate vacuum lines, then connection is straightforward, but the amount of connection lines and system complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By integrating the vacuum pump and gas detection unit into a single modular assembly with unified housing, the patent eliminates the need for separate vacuum lines connecting these components. The integrated design maintains ease of connection through modular detachability while reducing the overall number of connection lines required in the system.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a modular design with detachable connections is used, then adaptability to test conditions is enhanced, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the vacuum leak detection system into modular units that can be detachably connected. The integrated unit itself can be detached and reconnected to different test chambers or detection units, providing adaptability to various test conditions while maintaining relatively simple connection interfaces through standardized modular designs.
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 flexible and controlled gas supply to the test chamber and detector, reducing the need for separate connections and enhancing adaptability to various test conditions.
Implementation Method 1
a vacuum pump for connection to the test chamber or the test object via a separate vacuum line
Implementation Method 2
a helium measuring device in the form of a mass spectrometer
Data Source
AI summary
A vacuum leak detection system may comprise a test chamber unit having a test chamber gas inlet and a test chamber gas outlet, a gas detection unit having a gas detection gas inlet and a gas detection gas outlet, and a gas control unit connecting the test chamber gas inlet and the test chamber gas outlet to the gas detection gas inlet and the gas detection gas outlet, which is connected to the test chamber unit and to the gas detection unit, and which has separate gas line paths for optionally connecting the gas inlets and the gas outlets of the test chamber unit and the gas detection unit, wherein the gas control unit has a third gas inlet which is open towards the atmosphere and which can be connected to the test chamber gas inlet via a gas line path running through the gas control unit.