Integrated Directional Valve Layout for Compact Vacuum Pumps
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum systems are costly and space-consuming due to the need for numerous components, particularly valve devices, which are not optimized for vacuum applications and suffer from leakiness and larger cross-sections.
Innovation Solution
Integration of directional control valves into the vacuum pump housing, utilizing 3/2-way, 3/3-way, 4/3-way, or 5/3-way valves with integrated throttle devices, allowing for compact design and efficient gas supply and venting functions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If conventional valve devices are used in vacuum systems, then gas supply and venting functions can be achieved, but the system becomes costly and space-consuming due to the large number of components required
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple valve functions (gas supply valve and venting valve) into a single integrated valve device mounted on the vacuum pump housing. This single valve device has multiple switching positions that enable different gas flow paths, thereby reducing the total number of separate valve components needed in the system and lowering overall system cost.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated valve device serves multiple functions simultaneously - it can supply process gas to the pump interior, vent the pump interior to the environment, and provide sealing gas to the motor compartment. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate dedicated valves for each function, reducing component count and system complexity.
2Ease of operation
If conventional valve devices are used in vacuum systems, then gas management functions can be performed, but installation space increases due to larger cross-sections of traditional valves
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple gas management functions are merged into a single compact valve device with integrated flow paths. The valve's multiple switching positions enable different gas flow configurations within a single compact housing, achieving the same gas management capabilities as multiple separate valves would provide, but with significantly reduced installation space.
3Ease of operation
If conventional valve devices are used in vacuum applications, then gas flow control is possible, but leak-tightness deteriorates due to the inherent leakiness of traditional valves
Solution Approach 1:
The valve device is specifically designed with vacuum-compatible sealing characteristics for its critical interfaces. The connection between the valve device and the pump housing incorporates vacuum-tight sealing, and the internal flow paths are designed to maintain vacuum integrity. This localized optimization of sealing quality at critical interfaces ensures leak-tightness is maintained where it matters most for vacuum performance.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum system comprises at least one vacuum pump and at least one valve device. The vacuum pump comprises a pump housing that defines a pump interior. The valve device comprises a directional control valve that has at least three separate connections and can be brought into at least two different switching positions. In at least one of the switching positions of the directional control valve, at least one channel is formed from the pump interior of the vacuum pump via at least one of the connections of the directional control valve to at least one other of the connections of the directional control valve.