Vacuum Valve Coupling With Steinmetz Joint for Two-Axis Alignment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing connecting apparatuses for vacuum valves do not allow for adequate adjustment of the closure member with respect to the valve rod about two perpendicular axes, limiting the ability to achieve homogeneous contact pressure and movement capability.
Innovation Solution
A connecting apparatus featuring a Steinmetz body with primary and secondary bearing faces and grooves, allowing for movement about two perpendicular axes, secured by pin-shaped clamping elements that provide a positively locking connection and prevent unwanted particle production in the vacuum.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a conventional connecting apparatus with limited movement capability is used, then the structure is simple, but the closure member cannot be adjusted about two perpendicular axes, limiting homogeneous contact pressure
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting apparatus employs a dynamic linkage mechanism that allows the closure member to adjust its position dynamically about two perpendicular axes (x and y axes) while maintaining connection to the valve rod. This dynamic capability enables the closure member to adapt to tolerances and achieve homogeneous contact pressure with the valve seat, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Manufacturing precision
If the closure member is made movable with respect to the valve rod to achieve homogeneous contact pressure, then contact pressure homogeneity is improved, but the risk of particle production in vacuum increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting apparatus incorporates a flexible membrane or diaphragm structure that allows controlled movement of the closure member about two axes while maintaining a sealed, particle-free environment. This flexible element enables the closure member to adjust for homogeneous contact pressure without creating particles that would contaminate the vacuum, thus resolving the contradiction between precision and harmful factor generation.
3Reliability
If a Steinmetz body with clamping elements is used to secure the connection, then positive locking and particle prevention are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The Steinmetz body integrates multiple functions into a single compact component: it provides the structural connection between the closure member and valve rod, incorporates clamping elements for positive locking, and includes grooves for securing the linkage. This merging of functions achieves reliable positive locking and particle prevention while minimizing the overall device complexity, resolving the contradiction between reliability and structural simplicity.
Data Source
AI summary
A connecting apparatus for the connection of a valve rod (4) to a closure member (1) of a vacuum valve, with a connecting body (12) which is arranged between a first connecting part (10) and a second connecting part (11). The connecting body (12) has a basic shape of a Steinmetz body which is formed by way of a intersection of two circular cylinders. The connecting body (12) is arranged in an intermediate space between arm projections (24, 25) of the first connecting part (10) and in an intermediate space between arm projections (26, 27) of the second connecting part (11). Corresponding bearing faces (28, 29, 30, 31) of the arm projections (24, 25, 26, 27) bear against bearing faces (13, 14, 15, 16) of the connecting body (12). The two arm projections (24, 25, 26, 27) of the respective connecting part (10, 11) approach one another towards their free ends.