Mechanical Resonant Pump with Voice Coil Actuator
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pumps and compressors are inefficient, loud, and vibrate due to non-linear piston pressure and partial resonant systems, which previous attempts to address have been unsuccessful.
Innovation Solution
A mechanical resonant system with multiple masses and voice coil actuators cancels forces to the frame and ground, using resilient members and voice coil actuators to achieve resonance, allowing for larger inlet ports and efficient operation by minimizing force transmission to the ground.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If traditional vacuum pumps and compressors are used, then pumping function is achieved, but noise and vibration increase and efficiency decreases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies mechanical resonance by tuning the natural frequency of the pump's mechanical components (piston, connecting rod, crankshaft) to match the operating frequency. This creates a resonant system where the inertial forces of moving parts cancel each other out, dramatically reducing vibration and noise while improving pumping efficiency through amplified mechanical motion
Solution Approach 2:
The patent employs counterbalancing masses and opposing pump configurations where one pump's downward force is cancelled by another pump's upward force. This force cancellation approach reduces net vibration transmitted to the frame and ground, simultaneously maintaining high pumping productivity
2Productivity
If larger piston is used to increase pumping rate, then inlet port size increases, but force transmission to frame and ground increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent uses multiple pumps arranged in opposing configurations with counterbalancing masses. When one pump generates large downward forces during compression, the opposing pump simultaneously generates upward forces that cancel these loads. This allows larger pistons for higher pumping rates without increasing net force transmission to the frame and ground
Solution Approach 2:
The patent combines multiple pump units into a single integrated system with shared counterbalancing mechanisms and resonant frequency tuning. By merging the operational cycles of opposing pumps, the system achieves force cancellation while maintaining high individual pumping rates, resolving the contradiction between pumping capacity and force transmission
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 system reduces vibration and energy consumption, enabling higher pumping rates and efficient power usage, achieving significant noise reduction and improved performance in vacuum and compression applications.
Implementation Method 1
at least one voice coil actuator disposed within the frame and coupled to the at least one pump or to the one or two masses
Implementation Method 2
one or two masses coupled to the frame by a first plurality of resilient members
Implementation Method 3
the system has a resonance frequency and on resonance the input force is on phase with of the velocity of the one or two masses
Data Source
AI summary
Provided herein is a mechanical resonant system, comprising a frame; at least one pump disposed on the frame; one or two masses coupled to the frame by a first plurality of resilient members; and at least one voice coil actuator disposed within the frame and coupled to the at least one pump or to the one or two masses; wherein when the system comprises two masses, a second plurality of resilient members couple the masses to each other. Also provided are methods for using these mechanical resonant systems to evacuate a chamber, to compress air, or sense changes in pressure.