Scroll Vacuum Pump Shaft Layout for Easier Motor Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing scroll vacuum pumps face challenges in assembly and maintenance, particularly with the positioning and replacement of drive motors and balancing weights, and require multiple components for different designs, leading to increased complexity and costs.

Innovation Solution

The design features at least two bearing points for the drive shaft on the side of the drive motor, with the motor positioned within the pump housing, and uses balancing weights that can perform multiple functions, such as clamping the rotor and creating air turbulence for cooling, allowing for simplified assembly and reduced component diversity across different pump designs.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the drive motor is positioned between the bearings, then the motor can be securely supported, but the assembly and replacement of the motor becomes more complex and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and replacement of drive motorVSAvoidpositioning of drive motor
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent inverts the conventional motor positioning by placing the drive motor at the rear end of the drive shaft, behind the bearings, rather than between them. This inversion simplifies assembly and replacement procedures while maintaining secure support through the bearing structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple components are used for different pump designs, then each design can be optimized, but the complexity and manufacturing costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent compatibility across designsVSAvoidnumber of different components
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent creates universal components that can be used across multiple pump designs. The drive shaft with integrated balancing weights and the rear-mounted motor configuration serve as standardized elements that can be applied to different pump variations, reducing component diversity and manufacturing complexity while maintaining design adaptability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Reliability

If additional installation space is required for motor and balancing weight positioning, then proper support and balancing can be achieved, but the pump housing size increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesupport and balancing of drive shaftVSAvoidpump housing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the balancing weight function with the motor support structure by positioning the motor at the rear end of the drive shaft where it also serves as a balancing weight. This integration eliminates the need for separate balancing weights and reduces the overall housing volume while maintaining reliable support and balancing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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 simplifies assembly and maintenance, reduces the need for additional installation space, and allows for the use of a single drive shaft across various pump designs, thereby lowering manufacturing costs and optimizing material usage.

Implementation Method 1

The balancing weight creates air turbulence in the engine compartment, which can have a cooling effect

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectAir turbulence: Turbulence

Implementation Method 2

The eccentric drive, i.e., the drive shaft with the eccentric section, is located inside the scroll vacuum pump housing

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectEccentric motion: Eccentric

Data Source

PatentEP4506536B1Scroll vacuum pump and scroll vacuum pump system
Publication Date: 2025.12.17 PFEIFFER VACUUM TECH AG
  • EP4506536B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP4506536B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP4506536B1 patent drawingFigure 2a

AI summary

The invention relates, among other things, to a scroll vacuum pump with a pumping system, a drive shaft having an eccentric section for driving the pumping system, and an electric drive motor for the drive shaft, wherein at least two bearing points spaced apart from each other along the axis of rotation of the drive shaft are provided for the rotary bearing of the drive shaft, and wherein all bearing points are located on the side of the drive motor facing the eccentric section of the drive shaft and/or between a front balancing weight and a rear balancing weight of the drive shaft.