Vacuum Source Assembly Coupling with Axial Cam Locking
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for coupling ion or electron sources to instruments often result in damage during insertion and require cumbersome mechanical fasteners, leading to inaccurate positioning and increased downtime for maintenance.
Innovation Solution
A source assembly with a moveable component that provides axial force upon rotation or depression, creating a fluid-tight seal with the vacuum chamber without external fasteners, using cam locking mechanisms and spring-loaded shafts to ensure precise alignment and easy removal.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If mechanical fasteners are used to retain the source within the device, then the source can be securely retained, but the source is susceptible to damage upon reinsertion and requires cumbersome installation and removal procedures
Solution Approach 1:
The coupling device uses a moveable component that transitions between retracted and extended positions to dynamically provide retention force. The moveable component can be moved between a retracted position and an extended position, where the extended position provides the retention force to retain the source within the device, enabling secure retention while facilitating easy insertion and removal
Solution Approach 2:
The device employs a spring mechanism that automatically extends the moveable component to engage with the source, providing self-retention without requiring external fasteners. The spring-loaded mechanism automatically provides retention force when the source is inserted, eliminating the need for manual fastening operations
2Ease of repair
If the source is removed for cleaning, then maintenance can be performed, but the source may be damaged during reinsertion and the process increases downtime
Solution Approach 1:
The moveable component dynamically transitions between extended and retracted states, allowing the source to be easily inserted and removed without damage. This dynamic mechanism reduces the time required for maintenance operations while ensuring secure retention during operation
Solution Approach 2:
The spring mechanism is pre-loaded to automatically engage with the source upon insertion, eliminating the need for manual fastening steps during reinsertion. This preliminary preparation of the retention mechanism reduces the time required for maintenance cycles
3Reliability
If external fasteners are used to couple the source assembly, then the connection is secure, but the coupling process requires tools and multiple steps increasing complexity
Solution Approach 1:
External fasteners are completely removed from the coupling mechanism. The retention function is achieved through the moveable component that extends to engage with the source, eliminating the need for separate fastening elements and reducing overall device complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The retention function is merged with the positioning mechanism. The moveable component simultaneously provides both the retention force and the coupling action, combining multiple functions into a single integrated mechanism rather than requiring separate fasteners
4Reliability
If the moveable component provides axial force through rotation, then the seal is reliably formed, but the component requires circumferential movement space
Solution Approach 1:
The mechanism transitions from rotational movement in the circumferential direction to axial movement in the linear direction. The moveable component is actuated axially to provide the retention force, eliminating the need for circumferential rotation space while maintaining reliable seal formation through the axial engagement
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 solution enables secure, precise, and tool-free coupling of sources to vacuum chambers, reducing the risk of damage and facilitating rapid maintenance by providing a reliable fluid-tight seal and allowing for easy insertion and removal without external fasteners.
Implementation Method 1
A source assembly with a moveable component that provides axial force upon rotation or depression, creating a fluid-tight seal with the vacuum chamber without external fasteners, using cam locking mechanisms
Implementation Method 2
using cam locking mechanisms and spring-loaded shafts to ensure precise alignment and easy removal
Data Source
AI summary
Certain embodiments described herein are directed to methods of using couplers to provide a seal between a source assembly and a vacuum chamber. In certain examples, the source assembly can be inserted into a vacuum chamber. In some examples, the source assembly can be sealed to the vacuum chamber by rotation of a moveable component in a first direction to provide an axial force to seal the source assembly to the vacuum chamber. Rotation of the moveable component in a second direction can release the provided axial force to permit removal of the source assembly from the vacuum chamber.