Vacuum Generator Ejector Integration for High Vacuum

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum handling devices with electrically driven primary vacuum generators face challenges in achieving high vacuum levels and energy efficiency, particularly in systems without pneumatic infrastructure, as improving vacuum levels often requires complex and expensive solutions.

Innovation Solution

The integration of an ejector device using the suction jet pump principle, where the suction connection of the electrically driven primary vacuum generator is flow-connected to the outlet opening of the ejector device, allowing for improved vacuum levels with high energy efficiency and the ability to handle large volume flows, and multiple ejector devices can be connected in parallel to enhance the vacuum level.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Stress or pressure

If higher rotational speeds or improved sealing of fan impellers are used to improve vacuum level in electrically driven vacuum generators, then vacuum level is improved, but device complexity and cost increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum levelVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an ejector device as an intermediary component between the primary vacuum generator and the vacuum handling device. The ejector uses the primary suction flow to generate enhanced vacuum at its suction opening, acting as a mediator that transforms the primary vacuum into improved vacuum without requiring complex modifications to the primary generator itself

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention utilizes pneumatic principles through the ejector device, which operates based on the suction jet pump principle. The ejector converts the kinetic energy of the primary suction flow into a vacuum effect at the suction opening, leveraging fluid dynamics to achieve the desired vacuum enhancement without mechanical complexity

Inventive Principle:
Principle #29Pneumatics and hydraulics

2Stress or pressure

If higher rotational speeds or improved sealing of fan impellers are used to improve vacuum level, then vacuum level is improved, but manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum levelVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector device serves as a cost-effective intermediary that achieves vacuum enhancement through simple pneumatic design rather than expensive modifications to the primary vacuum generator, such as higher rotational speeds or improved sealing mechanisms

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The invention changes the operational parameters by using the primary suction flow itself as the driving force for the ejector, rather than increasing the rotational speed or improving sealing of the primary generator. This parameter change approach achieves vacuum improvement through flow utilization rather than generator enhancement

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Stress or pressure

If multi-stage ejectors with several ejectors connected in series are used to improve vacuum, then vacuum level is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvevacuum levelVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Stress or pressureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The ejector device is segmented into functional components (jet nozzle, collection nozzle, suction opening) that work together within a single unit. This segmentation allows complex vacuum enhancement functionality to be achieved through modular component arrangement rather than multiple separate ejectors connected in series

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges the jet nozzle, collection nozzle, and suction opening into a single integrated ejector device that is connected to the primary vacuum generator. This merging achieves multi-stage vacuum enhancement效果 within one compact unit, avoiding the complexity of multiple separate ejectors connected in series

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 allows for a cost-effective and technically less complex solution to achieve improved vacuum levels and high volume flows, reducing the complexity and material requirements of the overall system while minimizing leakage losses and increasing service life.

Implementation Method 1

at least one ejector device (22) is provided, which has an inlet opening (24) open to the environment, an outlet opening (26), and a suction opening (28), and in which a suction effect can be generated at the suction opening (28) by utilizing the principle of a suction jet pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectSuction jet pump principle: Venturi Effect

Implementation Method 2

an electrically driven primary vacuum generator (16) with a suction port (20) for drawing in a primary suction flow

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure difference driven flow: Pressure Gradient

Data Source

PatentEP3056745B1Vacuum generator device and hose lifter with a vacuum generator device
Publication Date: 2019.07.10 J SCHMALZ GMBH
  • EP3056745B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3056745B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP3056745B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vacuum generator device with an electrically driven primary vacuum generator having a suction port for drawing in a primary suction flow, and with at least one ejector device which has an inlet opening open to the environment, an outlet opening and a suction opening and is permeable to a suction flow from the inlet opening to the outlet opening, causing a suction effect at the suction opening, wherein the suction port of the electrically driven primary vacuum generator is flow-connected to the outlet opening of the ejector device.