Vacuum Pump Suction Check Valve Latching Mechanism
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum pumps require an additional work step and tools to fix the suction check valve, and the pump housing must be made of a plastically deformable material to accommodate this process, which is inefficient and potentially brittle.
Innovation Solution
The suction check valve is designed with a latching mechanism that allows for secure locking within the pump housing opening without deformation or additional tools, using undercuts and latching hooks to prevent removal, eliminating the need for adhesives or separate work steps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If the suction check valve is fixed using a separate work step with deformation or bonding agents, then the suction check valve can be securely attached to the pump housing, but the mounting process becomes more complex, time-consuming, and requires additional tools
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing opening is segmented into an insertion portion and a retention portion with an undercut geometry. This segmentation allows the suction check valve to be inserted easily while automatically locking into place, eliminating the need for separate fixing work steps, bonding agents, or deformation processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The suction check valve performs self-fixing by utilizing its own structural features (latching hooks or elastic elements) to engage with the undercut in the pump housing opening. The component serves both as the functional element and its own mounting mechanism, eliminating dependency on external tools, adhesives, or additional fastening operations.
2Reliability
If the pump housing is made of plastically deformable material to accommodate flanging or caulking, then the suction check valve can be fixed to the housing, but the housing material selection becomes restricted and the housing structure becomes more complex
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing opening is designed with a segmented structure consisting of an insertion portion and a retention portion featuring an undercut. This geometric segmentation enables the housing to be made from brittle materials like cast iron or aluminum alloys, as the locking mechanism relies on the undercut geometry rather than plastic deformation of the housing material.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of deforming the housing material to secure the suction check valve, the invention inverts the approach by designing the housing opening with an undercut that passively locks the valve. The housing remains rigid and undeformed, while the undercut geometry provides the securing function, enabling use of brittle materials that were previously unsuitable.
3Productivity
If the suction check valve is inserted without locking mechanism, then the mounting process is simple and fast, but the suction check valve can be accidentally pulled out or disengaged
Solution Approach 1:
The pump housing opening is pre-formed with an undercut geometry during manufacturing. This preliminary structural preparation allows the suction check valve to be quickly inserted and automatically locked into place without requiring additional locking operations, tools, or time-consuming processes, while ensuring reliable prevention of accidental disengagement.
Data Source
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum pump, in particular a vane cell pump, having a housing in which a suction space is provided, and a housing passage opening into the suction space, wherein a suction non-return valve opening to the outside or into an external vacuum space is arranged in the housing passage, said valve being accommodated in a crucible-shaped housing and the crucible-shaped housing having a housing jacket, wherein the suction non-return valve can be latched in the pump housing passage.