Compact Piston Drive Device with Nested Vacuum and Compression Pistons
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Solution Overview
Problem
Piston drive devices with varying piston diameters connected to a rotational shaft tend to increase in size in the axial direction, posing a challenge in maintaining compactness and efficient operation.
Innovation Solution
The design incorporates first and second compression pistons with smaller piston head diameters sandwiching first and second vacuum pistons, arranged to reciprocate within respective cylinders, with a short rotational shaft and a motor configuration that includes a fan for enhanced cooling, reducing the device's axial thickness and weight.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If compression pistons and vacuum pistons with different diameters are connected to the rotational shaft, then the device can perform both compression and vacuum functions, but the axial size of the device increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies the nesting principle by arranging the compression pistons and vacuum pistons in a nested configuration where smaller diameter compression pistons are positioned within the axial space occupied by larger diameter vacuum pistons. This allows both types of pistons to share the same rotational shaft and axial space, enabling dual compression and vacuum functions without increasing the overall axial size of the device.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent resolves the axial size issue by transitioning from a sequential axial arrangement to a radial arrangement around the rotational shaft. By organizing pistons in different radial positions rather than stacking them axially, the device achieves multi-functionality while maintaining a compact axial profile through dimensional reorganization of the piston layout.
2Productivity
If larger diameter vacuum pistons are used, then vacuum pumping capability is improved, but the device weight increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by assigning different piston diameters to different functional requirements: larger diameter vacuum pistons are used specifically where vacuum pumping capability is needed, while smaller diameter compression pistons are used for compression functions. This localized optimization ensures that larger pistons are only used where necessary for vacuum performance, minimizing overall device weight while maintaining required vacuum pumping capability.
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 configuration maintains a compact axial size, improves cooling efficiency, and reduces the need for large bearings, thereby enhancing the overall performance and reducing the weight of the piston drive device.
Implementation Method 1
a fan for enhanced cooling
Data Source
AI summary
A piston drive device includes: a crankcase; first and second compression cylinders fixed to the crankcase; first and second vacuum cylinders fixed to the crankcase; a rotational shaft rotatably supported within the crankcase; first and second compression pistons connected to the rotational shaft and reciprocating respectively within the first and second compression cylinders; and first and second vacuum pistons connected to the rotational shaft and reciprocating respectively within the first and second vacuum cylinders; wherein each diameter of piston heads of the first and second compression pistons is smaller than each diameter of piston heads of the first and second vacuum pistons, and the first and second compression pistons are connected to the rotational shaft so as to sandwich the first and second vacuum pistons in an axial direction of the rotational shaft.