Vacuum Pump Collar Assembly for Adjustable Axial Positioning
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pumps lack design flexibility and axial positioning freedom, particularly in compact portable systems like point of use mass spectrometers, limiting their adaptability to different vacuum apparatus configurations.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pump design featuring adjustable axial positioning through multiple positioning elements on the housing and collar, combined with a centering ring and snap ring mechanism, allowing for various axial positions without reconstruction, and a collar with multiple through holes for versatile attachment.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a flange is directly connected to the inlet side or arranged on the opposite side of the vacuum pump, then the vacuum pump can be connected to the vacuum apparatus, but the axial position of the vacuum pump with respect to the vacuum apparatus is fixed
Solution Approach 1:
The connection structure is segmented into multiple independent components: the vacuum pump housing, a separate collar, and a positioning element (such as a snap ring). This segmentation allows the positioning element to be independently adjusted along the axial direction within the collar, enabling different axial positions of the vacuum pump relative to the vacuum apparatus without redesigning the entire pump structure.
Solution Approach 2:
The positioning element is designed to be movable along the axial direction within the collar before final engagement. This dynamic characteristic allows the axial position to be adjusted during assembly or operation, transforming the fixed position constraint into an adjustable configuration, thereby resolving the contradiction between adaptability and structural simplicity.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the vacuum pump is completely inserted into the vacuum apparatus or externally attached, then connection is achieved, but design freedom and degrees of freedom regarding the position of the vacuum pump are limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collar and positioning element structure serves multiple functions: it provides axial positioning, allows position adjustment, and enables different mounting configurations (partial insertion, complete insertion, external attachment). This multi-functional design achieves adaptability without requiring multiple specialized components for different applications, maintaining ease of manufacture.
3Adaptability or versatility
If positioning elements are arranged at the ends of the housing, then axial position is defined, but the degree of freedom in design of the axial position of the vacuum pump with respect to the vacuum apparatus is limited
Solution Approach 1:
The collar acts as an intermediary component between the vacuum pump housing and the vacuum apparatus. The positioning element engages with the collar rather than directly with the housing ends, allowing the axial position to be adjusted by changing the engagement point along the collar's length. This intermediary structure provides multiple positioning options without significantly increasing overall system 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
Enables flexible axial positioning and attachment to different vacuum apparatus configurations, facilitating compact and optimal design for portable systems without the need for redesign, enhancing adaptability and compatibility.
Implementation Method 1
the rotor element is interacting with at least one stator element connected to the housing in order to convey a gaseous medium from the inlet to an outlet
Implementation Method 2
a snap ring provided between the collar and the flange of the vacuum pump fixes the axial position of the vacuum pump relative to the vacuum apparatus
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3(a)~3(c)
AI summary
Vacuum pump for connecting to a vacuum apparatus comprising a housing having a first end defining an inlet and a second end opposite to the first end. Further, the vacuum pump comprises a collar to be connected to a vacuum apparatus wherein the housing and the collar comprise each at least one positioning element engaging with each other to define an axial position of the housing relative to the collar.