Modular Holweck Stator Geometry for Tunable Vacuum Pump Capacity
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pumps lack design flexibility in adjusting parameters such as suction and compression capacity and power consumption due to fixed Holweck geometry across the axial extent of the stator sleeve.
Innovation Solution
The stator sleeve is composed of multiple sleeve sections with varying thread geometries that can be interchanged to modify the suction and compression capacity, allowing for greater design flexibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If the Holweck geometry is kept fixed across the axial extent of the stator sleeve, then the manufacturing process is simplified, but the design flexibility regarding suction and compression capacity is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The stator sleeve is divided into multiple sleeve sections that can be manufactured separately and then assembled together. Each sleeve section can have different thread geometries optimized for specific pumping stages, allowing the system to achieve both manufacturing simplicity (through modular production) and design flexibility (through configurable geometry combinations).
Solution Approach 2:
Different axial regions of the stator sleeve are assigned different thread geometries according to local requirements. The first sleeve section may have a thread geometry optimized for suction capacity while the second sleeve section has a geometry optimized for compression capacity, allowing each region to have the quality needed for its specific function.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple sleeve sections with varying thread geometries are used, then the design flexibility for adjusting suction and compression capacity is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
By segmenting the stator sleeve into standardized sections with standardized connection interfaces, the complexity is managed through modularity. The standardized interfaces allow for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the operational complexity despite having multiple sections with different geometries.
Solution Approach 2:
The sleeve sections are designed with universal connection features that allow them to be assembled in different configurations. The same connection interface can accommodate different sleeve sections with different thread geometries, making the system versatile while keeping the connection mechanism simple and standardized.
3Productivity
If the thread geometry is optimized for high suction capacity, then the suction performance is improved, but the compression capacity and power consumption characteristics change
Solution Approach 1:
The pumping system is divided into multiple stages with dedicated sleeve sections for each stage. The first sleeve section can be optimized for suction capacity with appropriate thread geometry, while the second sleeve section is optimized for compression capacity. This segmentation allows each stage to be independently optimized for its specific function rather than compromising for overall system requirements.
Solution Approach 2:
Different thread geometries are applied to different sleeve sections based on local functional requirements. The first sleeve section has thread geometry optimized for maximizing suction capacity, while the second sleeve section has thread geometry optimized for compression efficiency, allowing each region to have the optimal properties for its specific pumping function.
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
Enables precise adjustment of suction and compression capacity and power consumption by combining sleeve sections with different thread geometries, enhancing the pump's performance characteristics.
Implementation Method 1
generate a molecular flow by rotating a Holweck rotor relative to a stationary Holweck stator
Implementation Method 2
A thread comprises a spiral Holweck channel in the form of a thread groove, defined by the walls of a web, in which the gas molecules are conveyed when the rotor sleeve rotates relative to the stator sleeve
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vacuum pump with at least one Holweck pumping stage, comprising a Holweck stator and a Holweck rotor. The Holweck stator comprises a stator sleeve having a fixed end attached to a stationary housing section of the vacuum pump and a free end axially opposite the fixed end. The Holweck rotor comprises a rotor sleeve that surrounds the stator sleeve, forming a Holweck gap. According to the invention, the stator sleeve is formed in multiple parts.