Check Valve Mass Element for Quieter Vacuum Pump Operation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pumps with check valves experience significant noise emissions due to frequent valve actuations caused by pressure changes, particularly when connected to the pump chamber, leading to noise pollution.
Innovation Solution
A check valve design incorporating a mass element connected to the closing element increases the overall mass and inertia, reducing the speed at which the closing element strikes the sealing seat, thereby minimizing noise emissions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Speed
If the closing element is made lightweight for easy actuation, then the valve responds quickly to pressure changes, but the closing speed increases causing higher noise emissions
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is divided into two separate components: a lightweight closing element (148) for quick response and a separate mass element (156) for noise reduction. This segmentation allows each component to optimize its function independently while working together as a unified system.
Solution Approach 2:
The closing element and mass element are connected to form a combined moving assembly that integrates the advantages of both lightweight construction and high mass. The connection allows the closing element to respond quickly to pressure changes while the attached mass element reduces closing speed and noise emission.
2Reliability
If a spring force is applied to preload the closing element against the sealing seat, then the valve closes reliably, but the frequent actuations under pressure changes cause repeated strikes and increased noise
Solution Approach 1:
The spring force is optimized to provide sufficient preload for reliable closure while allowing the valve to remain stable under normal operating pressure fluctuations. The dynamic balance between spring force, pressure differential, and mass element inertia reduces unnecessary actuations and repeated strikes.
3Object-generated harmful factors
If the closing element has high mass to reduce noise, then the striking velocity decreases, but the valve may not respond quickly enough to pressure changes
Solution Approach 1:
The closing element is segmented into a lightweight actuating portion (148) and a separate mass element (156). The lightweight closing element ensures quick response to pressure changes, while the attached mass element reduces noise during closure by lowering striking velocity.
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 additional mass element significantly reduces noise emissions during vacuum pump operation by lowering the velocity of the closing element, achieved through a simple and effective design that can be manufactured easily and with materials tailored for specific functions.
Implementation Method 1
The additional mass element increases the overall mass of the moving assembly consisting of the locking element and the mass element. Consequently, its inertia is increased. This results in the locking element assuming lower speeds under given pressure conditions and, as a result, also exhibiting a lower velocity when it strikes the sealing seat.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a check valve comprising a passage for a fluid, a movable closing element and a sealing seat, wherein the closing element and the sealing seat are designed to correspond such that the closing element blocks the passage when it is in contact with the sealing seat, and a mass element which is connected to the closing element.