Multi-Stage Vacuum Ejector Monolithic Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Multi-stage vacuum ejectors have a complex configuration with many separate parts, leading to a high risk of malfunction and production errors, resulting in a high rejection rate and a need for a simpler, more reliable, and cost-effective design suitable for industrial and miniaturized applications.

Innovation Solution

A multi-stage ejector design with fewer components, featuring axially arranged ejector units with parallel hollow feed-throughs for compressed air and vacuum flows, utilizing longitudinal grooves and spring-pretensioned guide lugs for positioning and locking, and a cylindrical housing with sleeve couplings for easy assembly and miniaturization.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If traditional multi-stage ejectors use multiple separate parts including transverse partition walls and separate ejector nozzles, then the ejector can be assembled with standard components, but the device complexity increases and reliability decreases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveassembly with standard componentsVSAvoidnumber of separate parts

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent integrates the partition wall and ejector nozzle into a single monolithic component. The nozzle is directly formed as an integral part of the partition wall structure, eliminating the need for separate nozzle components and their associated mounting fixtures. This merging reduces the total part count while maintaining the functional separation between stages.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The partition wall serves multiple functions simultaneously: it acts as a structural divider between stages, provides mounting support for the nozzle, and forms the nozzle itself as an integral feature. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-stage ejectors use many separate components including separate ejector nozzles and mounting fixtures, then component replacement is possible, but the risk of malfunction increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecomponent replacementVSAvoidrisk of malfunction

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By combining the partition wall and nozzle into a single integrated component, the patent eliminates multiple potential failure interfaces such as nozzle mounting fixtures, seals, and fasteners. The integrated design reduces the number of assembly points where malfunctions could occur.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-stage ejectors use multiple separate parts and mounting fixtures, then design flexibility is maintained, but production errors increase leading to high rejection rate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedesign flexibilityVSAvoidproduction error rate

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSManufacturing precision

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated partition wall-nozzle component reduces the number of assembly operations and reduces cumulative tolerance stacking errors. With fewer parts to assemble and align, the production error rate decreases while the monolithic structure maintains design flexibility through geometric optimization.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

4Adaptability or versatility

If traditional multi-stage ejectors use complex configuration with transverse and horizontal planes, then the ejector can handle various flow configurations, but the device complexity and production cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveflow configuration handlingVSAvoidconfiguration complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent transitions from complex multi-planar configurations to a simplified axial arrangement where all ejector units are aligned in series along the compression air flow path. This dimensional simplification reduces the number of transverse and horizontal planes while maintaining flow control capabilities through axial positioning.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design simplifies production, enhances reliability, allows for miniaturization, and reduces costs, while maintaining high performance, making it suitable for industrial processes and microelectromechanical systems (MEMS).

Implementation Method 1

In each of the ejector units there is arranged a compressed air duct comprising an ejector nozzle for producing the vacuum flow of the ejector

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVenturi effect: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

the ejector units are lockable via spring-pretensioned guide lugs on the inner side of the ejector housing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElastic force: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentUS10408234B2Multi-stage vacuum ejector

Publication Date: 2019.09.10 ONISHIVACUUM AB

AI summary

A multi-stage ejector is provided for producing vacuums in an industrial process and includes at least two ejector units axially arranged at a predetermined distance apart in an ejector housing. Each of the at least two ejector units includes at least two parallelly arranged hollow feed-throughs for compressed air, including inlet and outlet nozzles and at least one hollow feed-through for vacuum. Each of the at least two ejector units is configured as a part produced from one piece.