Vacuum Seal Assembly Using a Compressible Metal Ring
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Solution Overview
Problem
The storage of materials in vacuum vessels poses challenges due to difficulties in maintaining effective isolation and high costs associated with conventional sealing technologies.
Innovation Solution
A sealing device comprising a body, piston, and attachment elements, with a primary sealing element made of deformable metal and secondary sealing elements like O-rings, allows for a movable piston to form a vacuum seal by compressing the primary sealing element, assisted by jacking screws and compression bolts, and optionally includes a burst disc for safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional sealing technologies are used in vacuum vessels, then sealing effectiveness can be maintained, but the cost increases significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the material parameter of the sealing element from conventional rigid materials to deformable metal, allowing the sealing element to adapt to surface irregularities and maintain effective sealing contact, thereby achieving reliable sealing at lower cost
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing device combines deformable metal sealing elements with secondary sealing elements like O-rings, creating a composite sealing system that leverages the advantages of different materials to achieve both effectiveness and cost-efficiency
2Reliability
If vacuum vessels are pumped continuously to maintain vacuum, then vacuum level is maintained, but energy consumption and operational complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device performs preliminary sealing action by compressing the deformable metal sealing element against the vessel wall before vacuum pumping begins, creating an initial seal that allows the vessel to maintain vacuum without continuous pumping
Solution Approach 2:
The deformable metal sealing element automatically adapts to the vessel wall surface and maintains sealing contact through its own deformability, without requiring external control systems or continuous energy input to maintain the seal
3Reliability
If burst disc is added for safety, then safety is improved, but device complexity and number of components increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing device structure serves multiple functions: the body provides both sealing surface and structural support, the piston provides both sealing action and burst disc mounting, eliminating the need for separate components and reducing overall device complexity
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 device enables long-term maintenance of high vacuum without continuous pumping, reduces costs, and allows for higher throughput with space-efficient design, incorporating a burst disc without additional vacuum ports.
Implementation Method 1
a primary sealing element made of deformable metal
Implementation Method 2
incorporating a burst disc without additional vacuum ports
Data Source
AI summary
Methods and devices for sealing a storage vessel or other apparatus are provided. A piston moves from a first position to a second position within a body to compress a sealing element, such as a metallic ring. One or more attachment elements connect the piston to the body. A removable pipe can be used for pump-out.