Pivoting Vacuum Flange Connection for Fast, Insulated Clamping
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum device connections, particularly flange connections, require high handling effort and can lead to electrical issues such as sparking or short circuits due to conductive clamping claws, especially in limited spaces.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum device with a pivotable connecting element that can be fastened using two fastening elements, allowing for a single movement to secure the flange, reducing manual handling and incorporating an electrically insulating material to prevent sparking and improve safety.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple clamping jaws are used to secure a flange, then the flange connection reliability is improved, but the handling effort and device complexity increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple clamping jaws into a single clamping element that can secure the flange with one movement. This single element replaces what would traditionally require multiple separate clamping jaws, reducing device complexity while maintaining the reliability of the flange connection through integrated multi-point clamping action.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed with multiple clamping arms or segments that can independently engage with the flange at different positions. This segmentation allows a single element to perform the function of multiple clamping jaws, distributing the clamping force across multiple points while requiring only one fastening operation.
2Stability of the object's composition
If conventional fastening methods are used to secure the flange, then the connection stability is improved, but the assembly time and handling effort increase
Solution Approach 1:
The clamping element is pre-configured with the correct geometry and fastening mechanism so that when it is attached to the connection section, it automatically assumes the correct positioning and orientation. The fastening elements are designed to engage with the flange in a single motion, eliminating the need for multiple adjustment and tightening steps required by conventional fastening methods.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element incorporates self-aligning features and self-locking mechanisms that allow it to automatically secure the flange without requiring precise manual positioning or multiple fastening operations. The design enables the element to service itself during assembly, reducing both time and handling effort while maintaining connection stability.
3Reliability
If clamping jaws are used for flange connection, then the mechanical fastening reliability is improved, but the electrical safety deteriorates due to conductive connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an electrically insulating material as an intermediary between the conductive clamping element and the flange or connection section. This insulating layer or coating allows the mechanical fastening function to be maintained while blocking the electrical conduction path, thereby eliminating the harmful electrical effects of sparking and short circuits.
Solution Approach 2:
The clamping element is designed as a composite structure combining conductive materials for mechanical strength and fastening reliability with electrically insulating materials for safety. This composite construction allows the element to simultaneously provide robust mechanical fastening while preventing unwanted electrical connections, resolving the contradiction between mechanical reliability and electrical safety.
Data Source
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AI summary
Vacuum device, in particular vacuum pump, vacuum gauge, leak detector and/or vacuum chamber device, with at least one connection section on which an inlet or outlet is formed for making a connection with another device, and with a connecting device for connecting a flange to the connection section, wherein the connecting device has at least one connecting element and at least two fastening elements for the connecting element arranged on the connection section, and wherein the connecting element is pivotably mounted on one of the fastening elements and can be moved into a fastening engagement with the other of the fastening elements by pivoting into a fixing position that fixes the flange to the connection section.