Vacuum Pump Connector Layout for Compact Vibration Isolation
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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 length, which is a problem when space is confined, and they often require additional components like flexible bellows and damping masses to effectively reduce vibrations.
Innovation Solution
A vibration damping connector system that includes a cylindrical member with a through-passage and an isolator mass with a large mass, positioned radially outwardly, to provide vibration isolation without significantly increasing the length, using resilient members and sealing members to maintain a secure connection during vacuum operation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Object-affected harmful factors
If flexible bellows are used for vibration damping, then vibration isolation is improved, but the connector system becomes longer and less compact
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator mass is positioned radially outwardly within the cylindrical member, nesting the vibration damping function inside the existing connector structure without extending the axial length. This allows vibration isolation to be achieved while maintaining a compact overall dimensions.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of adding vibration damping components axially (which would increase length), the isolator mass is positioned radially outwardly, utilizing the radial dimension for vibration isolation functionality while keeping the axial length compact.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If the connector system is made longer to accommodate vibration damping components, then vibration isolation is improved, but the time to establish vacuum conditions increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator mass is nested within the cylindrical member structure, allowing vibration damping functionality to be integrated without extending the flow path length, thus maintaining quick vacuum establishment while achieving vibration isolation.
3Object-affected harmful factors
If additional components like flexible bellows and damping masses are added, then vibration damping is improved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The isolator mass is integrated with the cylindrical member structure, merging the vibration damping function with the existing connector components rather than adding separate bellows and damping masses, thereby reducing overall system complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The isolator mass positioned radially outwardly serves multiple functions: it provides vibration isolation, maintains structural integrity, and allows secure connection between components, replacing the need for multiple separate vibration damping components.
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 isolates vibrations from the vacuum pump to the equipment, maintaining a secure connection and reducing the time to establish vacuum conditions while being compact enough for confined spaces.
Implementation Method 1
an isolator mass with a large mass, positioned radially outwardly, to provide vibration isolation
Implementation Method 2
using resilient members and sealing members to maintain a secure connection during vacuum operation
Data Source
AI summary
A vibration damping connector 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 and a second cylindrical member that provide a flow passage through which gas can flow from the vacuum chamber to the vacuum pump. At least one sealing member is disposed intermediate the first and second cylindrical members to provide a gas seal and a securing system securely connect the first and second cylindrical members. At least one resilient member disposed intermediate the securing system and a cylindrical member so that when the at least one sealing member 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.