Vacuum Pump Assembly Control Without Pressure Sensor
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional dry vacuum pumps require a pressure sensor and signal processing circuit to determine when to start the booster pump, increasing the size and cost of the vacuum pump system.
Innovation Solution
An operation control device that omits the pressure sensor and signal processing circuit, allowing the booster pump to be started based on predetermined time and motor current conditions after the main pump has started, ensuring stable operation without the need for pressure measurement.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a pressure sensor and signal processing circuit are used to determine when to start the booster pump, then the booster pump can be started at the proper timing, but the size and cost of the vacuum pump system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent removes the pressure sensor and signal processing circuit from the system, extracting only the essential control function. The booster pump start timing is determined simply by detecting the start signal of the main pump, eliminating unnecessary components while maintaining reliable control.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system uses the main pump's start signal itself as the trigger for the booster pump, rather than requiring external pressure measurement. The system serves itself by using existing control signals for timing determination, eliminating the need for separate sensing components.
2Stability of the object's composition
If the booster pump is started only after the main pump has evacuated the pipe to a predetermined pressure, then the booster pump operates stably, but the system requires a pressure sensor and signal processing circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The main pump starts first to evacuate the pipe, creating the necessary vacuum condition before the booster pump starts. This preliminary action ensures stable booster pump operation without requiring pressure measurement, as the sequence of operations inherently guarantees proper starting conditions.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical/physical pressure measurement system with an electrical control signal-based timing system. The booster pump start timing is controlled by the main pump start signal rather than by pressure sensor feedback, substituting a simpler control mechanism.
3Device complexity
If the pressure sensor and signal processing circuit are eliminated, then the system becomes more compact and cost-effective, but the booster pump start timing must be determined by alternative means
Solution Approach 1:
The control system uses feedback from the main pump's operation (its start signal) to trigger the booster pump. This feedback mechanism ensures proper timing without requiring pressure measurement, using the main pump's control signal as the timing reference.
Solution Approach 2:
The booster pump start timing is determined by copying or replicating the main pump's start signal timing, rather than by independent pressure measurement. This approach simplifies the control system while maintaining proper operational sequencing.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum pump that is more compact and lower in cost as compared with prior arts is provided. A vacuum pump assembly 1 includes a main pump 10 and a booster pump 20. Each of the pumps has an intake port 11a, 21a and an exhaust port 11b, 21b. The intake port 1 la of the main pump 10 intercommunicates with the exhaust port 21b of the booster pump 20. A switch receives a start instruction for starting the main pump 10. When the switch receives the start instruction and the main pump 10 starts, it is determined based on the start instruction whether the booster pump 20 is started, and the booster pump 20 is started.