Sensor PCB Bearing Assembly for Vacuum-Tight Pump Replacement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing bearing solutions in vacuum pumps, particularly turbomolecular pumps, face issues with performance deterioration and contamination due to the integration of temperature sensors, and the removal and replacement of bearings compromise vacuum tightness.

Innovation Solution

A bearing equipped with a printed circuit board that accommodates sensors, allowing pre-assembly and easy installation, and an electrical connection system that simplifies removal and replacement without compromising vacuum integrity.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If temperature sensors are integrated directly into the bearing, then bearing condition monitoring capability is improved, but bearing performance and reliability deteriorate due to contamination and vacuum tightness compromise

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing condition monitoringVSAvoidbearing performance and vacuum tightness

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system is divided into separate functional modules: the bearing unit and the sensor unit are physically separated. The bearing remains contamination-free and vacuum-tight, while the sensor unit mounted on the pump housing performs monitoring functions. This segmentation resolves the contradiction by allowing monitoring capability without compromising bearing reliability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

A magnetic coupling mechanism acts as an intermediary between the bearing and the sensor unit. The magnetic field transmits rotational position information from the bearing's magnet to the sensor without physical contact, enabling monitoring while maintaining vacuum tightness and preventing contamination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of repair

If bearing is designed for easy removal and replacement, then maintenance time is reduced, but vacuum tightness is compromised during disassembly operations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvebearing replacementVSAvoidvacuum tightness loss

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of repairVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The bearing is designed as a self-contained cartridge unit that can be removed and replaced as a single module. This segmentation allows quick replacement without complex disassembly operations that would compromise vacuum tightness, resolving the contradiction between ease of repair and vacuum integrity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The bearing cartridge is pre-assembled with all necessary components including seals and mounting features before installation into the pump. This preliminary preparation enables rapid replacement while maintaining vacuum tightness, as the pre-assembled unit requires minimal manipulation during installation.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

3Ease of manufacture

If sensors are pre-assembled on a printed circuit board, then manufacturing complexity is reduced, but device complexity increases due to additional components

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor assemblyVSAvoidoverall bearing system

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides mechanical support for the sensor, electrical connections for power and signal, and mounting integration with the pump housing. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate components, simplifying manufacturing while not significantly increasing overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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

Enables precise monitoring of bearing conditions without performance degradation and facilitates easy replacement, ensuring high reliability and vacuum tightness in vacuum pumps.

Implementation Method 1

A bearing comprises a printed circuit board having a substantially annular shape, which is fitted onto the bearing

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPress fit: Mechanical Fastener

Implementation Method 2

at least one temperature sensor, such as a thermistor, is assembled on the printed circuit board

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature sensing: Thermistor

Implementation Method 3

an electrical connection system that simplifies removal and replacement without compromising vacuum integrity

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectrical connection isolation: Electrical Resistance

Data Source

PatentUS20250389274A1Bearing and Rotary Pump Including Such Bearing

Publication Date: 2025.12.25 AGILENT TECHNOLOGIES INC

AI summary

A bearing allows accurate monitoring of bearing conditions and includes a printed circuit board, which is fitted to the bearing and on which one or more sensors are preassembled. The bearing facilitates removal and replacement operations and includes a first electrical cable and a second electrical cable removably connected to each other. The bearing is particularly suitable for applications to rotary vacuum pumps, especially turbomolecular pumps, in which the bearing is under vacuum conditions and the rotating shaft rotates at very high speed, so that high precision in the design and operation of the bearing is required and risks of contamination and/or of losing vacuum tightness must be carefully avoided.