Integrated Ejector Valve Layout for Compact Vacuum Generation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum suction apparatuses require separate installation of an ejector and switching valve, leading to increased installation space and effort due to the need for individual components and connecting pipes.

Innovation Solution

An integrated ejector and switching valve design where the ejector-side air-supply port and air-supply inflow port communicate through an internal passage, with the switching valve's ports connected directly to the ejector, reducing the need for separate installation and piping.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the ejector and switching valve are provided separately, then each component can be independently designed and maintained, but the installation space and installation time increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent component designVSAvoidInstallation space

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector and switching valve are merged into a single integrated unit where the switching valve is mounted directly on the ejector body. The valve body includes integrated ports that connect directly to the ejector's air supply and vacuum ports, eliminating the need for separate piping and reducing installation space while maintaining independent functional design.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

2Ease of manufacture

If the ejector and switching valve are provided separately, then each component can be independently manufactured, but the installation time and effort increase due to individual installation and pipe connection

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveIndependent component manufacturingVSAvoidInstallation time

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The switching valve is mounted directly on the ejector body with integrated port connections. The valve body includes an air-supply inflow port, first and second output ports that connect directly to the ejector's air-supply port and vacuum port respectively, eliminating the need for separate piping and reducing installation time while allowing independent manufacturing of the integrated unit.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If separate pipes are used to connect the switching valve and ejector, then flexible installation is possible, but the installation space and complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:

ImproveInstallation flexibilityVSAvoidNumber of components and connections

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The switching valve and ejector are combined into a single assembly with direct port-to-port connections. The valve body integrates the air-supply inflow port, first output port connecting to the air-supply port, second output port connecting to the vacuum port, and exhaust port, eliminating separate piping and reducing system complexity while maintaining functional versatility.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

This design minimizes the installation space and effort required for the vacuum generating device by integrating the ejector and switching valve, thus optimizing space utilization and installation time.

Implementation Method 1

a nozzle unit (23) that ejects compressed air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure-to-kinetic energy conversion: De Laval Nozzle

Implementation Method 2

a diffuser unit (24) that mixes air which is drawn in concomitantly with the ejection of the compressed air from the nozzle unit with the compressed air

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectDiffusion mixing: Diffusion

Implementation Method 3

an ejector that generates a negative pressure by allowing pressure air to pass therethrough

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure difference generation: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP4105495B1Ejector and vacuum generating device including the same

Publication Date: 2025.11.26 SMC CORP

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AI summary

[Object] To provide an ejector and a vacuum generating device that are capable of reducing an installation space for a switching valve, the ejector, and a pipe and reducing the time and effort for an assembly work. [Solution] An ejector 20 includes an ejector body 21 having an internal passage 27 and a negative-pressure generating mechanism 22 including a nozzle unit 23 that ejects compressed air and a diffuser unit 24 that generates a negative pressure by using compressed air ejected by the nozzle unit 23. The ejector body has a first attachment surface 20a to which a valve body 41 of a switching valve 40 is fixedly attached and a second attachment surface 20b to which a base body 18 of the manifold base 10 is fixedly attached. The first attachment surface has a first inflow port 28a for supplying compressed air to the negative-pressure generating mechanism by being connected to a first output port A of the switching valve, and this port communicates with the nozzle unit through a supply passage 28. The second attachment surface has a negative-pressure supply port 29c for outputting a negative pressure to the outside by being connected to a negative-pressure inflow port of the manifold base, and this port communicates with the diffuser unit through a negative-pressure communication passage 29.