Scroll Pump Carrier Plate Through-Openings for Assembly Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scroll vacuum pumps face challenges in improving suction capacity while maintaining assembly accessibility due to the limited ring gap between the carrier plate and the pump housing.

Innovation Solution

The introduction of multiple evenly distributed through openings in the carrier plate allows for improved assembly access by enabling tools to reach fasteners around the circumference, while maintaining a large diameter for enhanced suction capacity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Productivity

If the carrier plate diameter is increased to improve suction capacity, then the suction capacity is improved, but the annular gap between the carrier plate and pump housing becomes too small to allow tool access for assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction capacityVSAvoidassembly accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier plate is segmented by introducing through-openings that divide the plate into multiple sections. These through-openings create access paths through the carrier plate, allowing tools to reach fastening means located on the rear side of the plate without requiring a large annular gap between the plate and housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the annular gap is reduced to maximize carrier plate diameter, then the suction capacity is improved, but the fastening means become inaccessible to assembly tools

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction capacityVSAvoidassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The through-openings act as intermediaries that provide access paths through the carrier plate. These openings enable assembly tools to reach the fastening means on the rear side of the carrier plate, eliminating the need for a large annular gap and allowing the carrier plate to be maximized in diameter.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of operation

If multiple fastening means are distributed around the circumference of the sleeve, then the assembly accessibility is improved, but the tool access through the annular gap becomes more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly accessibilityVSAvoidfastening means distribution
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The carrier plate is segmented by introducing through-openings that divide the plate into multiple sections. These through-openings create access paths through the carrier plate, allowing tools to reach fastening means located on the rear side of the plate without requiring a large annular gap between the plate and housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

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 design enhances assembly accessibility without compromising suction capacity, allowing for easier tool access and reduced risk of tool slippage during assembly, while ensuring process gas can flow unhindered into the pump.

Implementation Method 1

surrounded by a deformable sleeve, such as a bellows, which serves both to seal the drive from the intake area and to prevent the orbiter from rotating

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical sealing:

Implementation Method 2

the other spiral, along with its support plate, can be moved along a circular path via an eccentric drive, which is why this spiral, together with its support plate, is also referred to as an orbiter. The movable spiral thus performs a so-called centrally symmetric oscillation

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric motion: Eccentric

Implementation Method 3

A scroll pump is a positive displacement pump that compresses against atmospheric pressure and can be used, among other things, as a compressor. A scroll vacuum pump can be used to create a vacuum in a chamber connected to the gas inlet

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPositive displacement compression: Compression

Data Source

PatentEP4234932B1Scroll pump with improved access to suction area for mounting purposes
Publication Date: 2025.04.09 PFEIFFER VACUUM TECH AG
  • EP4234932B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4234932B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4234932B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a scroll pump comprising a housing and an orbiter located in the housing, the orbiter having a carrier plate and a spiral extending from the carrier plate. Several through-holes are formed in the carrier plate, through which a housing area located on one side of the carrier plate facing away from the spiral of the orbiter is accessible to a tool for assembly purposes.