Vacuum Pump Connector With Mass Isolation for Compact Vibration Damping
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vibration damping connector systems for vacuum pumps are not compact and can increase the time to establish vacuum conditions due to their non-compact design and long flow path, which is a challenge when space is confined, such as when connecting a vacuum pump to the underside of equipment.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damping connector system comprising a first and second cylindrical member with a large mass isolator disposed between them, providing effective vibration isolation without significantly increasing the system's length, and using resilient and sealing members to maintain a secure connection during vacuum operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible steel bellows are used for vibration damping, then vibration isolation is improved, but system length increases and compactness deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple vibration damping mechanisms (flexible bellows and damping mass) into a single integrated connector system, merging the isolation function with the connection function to achieve effective vibration damping without proportionally increasing system length
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a damping mass as an intermediary element between the vacuum pump and the connector, which absorbs and dissipates vibration energy, thereby reducing vibration transmission to the equipment while maintaining a compact overall structure
2Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible bellows are incorporated for vibration damping, then vibration isolation is improved, but vacuum establishment time increases due to long flow path
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a linear axial arrangement of components to a configuration where the damping mass is positioned radially outward from the flow path, allowing vibration damping functionality to be added without extending the axial flow path length, thus maintaining quick vacuum establishment
3Object-affected harmful factors
If a large damping mass is added for vibration isolation, then vibration damping is improved, but device complexity and space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The damping mass structure serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides vibration damping, acts as a structural support element, and can be integrated with the connector mounting features, thereby reducing the need for separate components and simplifying the overall device complexity
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 effectively reduces vibrations transmitted from the vacuum pump to the equipment while maintaining a secure and gas-tight connection, ensuring efficient vacuum establishment and compactness, even in confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
a large mass isolator disposed at least partially between the first and second cylindrical members
Implementation Method 2
resilient members to maintain a secure connection during vacuum operation
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2~3
Figure 4
AI summary
A vibration damping connector (10) system to connect between a vacuum chamber and a vacuum pump such that the vacuum pump is supported by the vibration damping connector system includes a first cylindrical member (12) and a second cylindrical member (16) that provide a flow passage (14, 18) through which gas can flow from the vacuum chamber to the vacuum pump. At least one sealing member (22, 24) is disposed intermediate the first and second cylindrical members to provide a gas seal and a securing system (26) securely connect the first and second cylindrical members. At least one resilient member (28, 30) disposed intermediate the securing system and a cylindrical member (12, 16) so that when the at least one sealing member (22, 24) is compressed by a pressure reduction caused in use by operation of the vacuum pump, the at least one resilient member can expand to enable the securing system to maintain a secure connection.