Stator Disk Radial Locking for Turbomolecular Pump Assembly

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Solution Overview

Problem

Turbomolecular pumps face challenges in preventing stator disks from becoming wedged during assembly, which complicates the introduction of the disk pack into the pump housing and overall assembly process.

Innovation Solution

A securing device with projections or lugs on the stator disk engages with complementary depressions or grooves on spacer rings, securing the stator disk against radial movement while allowing axial movement and rotation, thereby preventing wedging and simplifying the assembly process.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If the stator disk is assembled without a securing device, then the assembly process is simpler, but the stator disk may become wedged or displaced radially during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveAssembly simplicityVSAvoidStator disk position stability
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device (projections or lugs) is pre-formed as an integral part of the stator disk structure. These securing features engage with corresponding features on the spacer ring before final assembly, preventing radial displacement and wedging of the stator disk during the assembly process into the pump housing.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Reliability

If a securing device with projections is added to the stator disk, then radial displacement is prevented, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveStator disk position stabilityVSAvoidStator disk structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The securing device (projections or lugs) is formed as an integral part of the stator disk structure itself, merging the securing function with the stator disk structure. This eliminates the need for separate securing components, reducing overall device complexity while maintaining reliable prevention of radial displacement.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The securing device utilizes simple geometric features (projections or lugs with specific shapes) that engage with corresponding features on the spacer ring. By optimizing the geometry and dimensions of these securing features, reliable radial position control is achieved without requiring complex mechanisms.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP2894348B1Stator disc
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 PFEIFFER VACUUM GMBH
  • EP2894348B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2894348B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~3b
  • EP2894348B1 patent drawingFigure 4a~4b

AI summary

The invention relates to a stator disk for a turbomolecular pump, wherein the stator disk extends partially annularly into a plane, has an inner radius and an outer radius and comprises a locking device by means of which the stator disk can be secured at least against radial displacement in the plane relative to a neighboring spacer ring.