Ionization Vacuum Measuring Cell Flake Retention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Ionization vacuum measuring cells with cold cathodes face frequent failures and short downtimes due to the formation of flakes that cause short circuits, especially in environments with chemically aggressive gases, leading to high replacement costs and sensitivity losses.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating magnetic materials like nickel or cobalt into the measuring chamber, which retains magnetic flakes on the pole disks, reducing their mobility and preventing short circuits, combined with a shield to protect the vacuum-tight feedthrough from contamination.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If non-magnetic material (e.g., stainless steel) is used for the measuring chamber, then the magnetic field homogeneity is maintained, but the measuring chamber is frequently damaged by flakes causing short circuits
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful effect of magnetic flakes (which cause short circuits) into a beneficial effect by using magnetic materials in the measuring chamber. The magnetic flakes are attracted to and retained on the pole disks, preventing them from causing short circuits. This transforms the previously harmful magnetic flakes into a harmless or even useful phenomenon that extends measuring chamber lifespan.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the magnetic property parameter of the measuring chamber material from non-magnetic to magnetic. By incorporating magnetic materials such as nickel or cobalt into the measuring chamber, the patent fundamentally alters the magnetic characteristics of the system to enable flake retention on pole disks, thereby solving the short circuit problem.
2Reliability
If magnetic material is used in the measuring chamber, then flake retention is improved, but the magnetic field distribution may be affected
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies magnetic material specifically to the measuring chamber walls and pole disks, creating local magnetic zones where flakes need to be retained. The magnetic properties are concentrated in specific locations (measuring chamber and pole disks) rather than uniformly distributed, allowing flake retention where needed while minimizing interference with the overall magnetic field distribution in the ionization space.
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 use of magnetic materials significantly extends the life of the measuring chamber by a factor of 2.5 and reduces contamination, ensuring reliable and prolonged operation with fewer leakage currents and extended sensor lifespan.
Implementation Method 1
a magnetization arrangement which is designed to generate a magnetic field in the ionization space
Implementation Method 2
In the magnetic field, the electrons are forced on circular paths
Implementation Method 3
an electric field is applied. A first gas particle is spontaneously ionized by cosmic radiation
Implementation Method 4
the gas is ionized
Implementation Method 5
The resulting ion flies against the cathode. When hitting the cathode secondary electrons are knocked out
Implementation Method 6
Incorporating magnetic materials like nickel or cobalt into the measuring chamber, which retains magnetic flakes on the pole disks
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to an ionization vacuum measuring cell (10) comprising an evacuable housing (12) with a measurement connection for a vacuum to be measured at an end portion; a measurement chamber (14) in the housing (12), said measurement chamber being fluidically connected to the measurement connection, wherein the measurement chamber (14) is designed as a replaceable component; and a first and a second electrode (16, 18) in the measurement chamber (14), said electrodes being substantially coaxial to an axis and being arranged at a distance from each other. The measuring cell further comprises an electrically insulating and vacuum-tight feedthrough (20) for an electric supply to the second electrode (18) and a magnetization assembly which is designed to generate a magnetic field in the ionization chamber. According to the invention, the measurement chamber (14), in particular at least one of the electrodes (16, 18), comprises a magnetic material.