Vacuum Sealing Disc With Rotating Metal Sealing Surfaces
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Solution Overview
Problem
Traditional vacuum valves face challenges in achieving high sealability and durability, especially in ultra-high vacuum systems and high-temperature environments, due to limitations in existing sealing materials and mechanisms.
Innovation Solution
A sealing disc designed for vacuum closure, featuring a base and a sealing plate that can withstand both internal closing forces and external atmospheric pressures, allowing the first sealing surface to rotate relative to the second sealing surface for continuous vacuum sealability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If rubber O-ring sealing elements are used in vacuum valves, then the sealing mechanism is simple and easy to manufacture, but the sealability is insufficient for ultra-high vacuum systems and high-temperature environments
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the sealing mechanism from elastic deformation (rubber O-ring) to rigid surface contact (metallic sealing surfaces), fundamentally altering the sealing parameter from material elasticity to surface geometry and contact pressure distribution
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs composite sealing structure combining metallic sealing surfaces with flexible sealing elements, where the metallic surfaces provide rigid contact for ultra-high vacuum sealing while the flexible element maintains consistent contact pressure
2Reliability
If all-metal valve with abutting metal layers is used to achieve high vacuum sealing, then the sealability for ultra-high vacuum is improved, but the service life is shortened due to shear deformation from thermal expansion and contraction
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible sealing element that can dynamically adapt to dimensional changes from thermal expansion and contraction, maintaining sealing contact through elastic deformation rather than rigid metal-to-metal contact
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses a flexible sealing element (such as a metallic bellows or flexible membrane) that can accommodate thermal dimensional changes while maintaining sealing integrity, replacing the rigid metal-to-metal abutting structure
3Strength
If rigid metal sealing surfaces are used to withstand high closing forces and atmospheric pressure, then the structural strength is improved, but the friction and wear between sealing surfaces increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a flexible sealing element as an intermediary between the rigid metal sealing surfaces, which absorbs the friction and wear while maintaining the structural strength of the metal components
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces direct mechanical contact between rigid metal surfaces with a flexible element that provides sealing through elastic deformation, reducing dry friction and wear between metal surfaces
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 sealing disc effectively maintains vacuum closure in ultra-high vacuum systems, withstands high closing forces and atmospheric pressures, and extends the service life by providing lubrication and compensating movement between metallic sealing surfaces.
Implementation Method 1
the first sealing surface is capable of simultaneously rotating relative to the second sealing surface with the applied closing force and the atmospheric pressure to maintain vacuum closure of the valve port
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3~5
AI summary
A sealing disc (10) for vacuum closure suitable for using in reciprocating movement to an open position or a closed position to open or seal a valve port of an all-metal valve is disclosed. A sealing plate (30) of the sealing disc (10) is formed with a first sealing surface (32). When the sealing disc (10) is in the closed position, the first sealing surface (32) directly abuts against the valve port of the all-metal vacuum valve. A vacuum sealability can be improved and a service lifetime can be prolonged through compensating movement and adjusting movement between two metallic sealing surfaces abutting each other.