Vacuum Pump Exhaust Flow Division for Noise Reduction

Resolve Bottlenecks,
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions

Solution Overview

Problem

Rotary vane vacuum pumps experience significant noise emission during operation due to pressure differentials between air intake and exhaust devices, which is not effectively mitigated by existing technologies.

Innovation Solution

The vacuum pump design divides exhaust air into two partial flows downstream of the discharge valve, with pipe sections arranged within the motor and pump flange, directing exhaust air from the upper region to the lower region, and incorporating check valves for noise reduction, while maintaining a compact cross-sectional dimension.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Object-affected harmful factors

If the exhaust air is discharged directly from the discharge valve into the surroundings, then the structure is simple, but the noise emission is significant

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise emissionVSAvoidexhaust air discharge structure

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The exhaust air flow is divided into two separate partial flows by providing two separate pipe sections downstream of the discharge valve. Each pipe section independently conveys exhaust air from the upper region to the lower region, effectively segmenting the single exhaust stream into multiple paths that reduce noise emission.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The pipe sections are arranged within the cross-sectional outside contour of the motor and pump, utilizing the vertical dimension by conveying exhaust air from the upper region downward to the lower region. This three-dimensional arrangement integrates noise reduction features without increasing the device's footprint.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Area of stationary object

If pipe sections are integrated within the motor and pump flange, then the cross-sectional dimension is minimized, but the manufacturing complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecross-sectional dimensionVSAvoidintegration of pipe sections

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pipe sections are integrated into the motor flange and pump flange structures, merging the exhaust air conveyance function with the existing structural components. This combination eliminates the need for separate external piping while maintaining a compact cross-sectional dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The motor flange and pump flange serve dual functions: providing structural support for the motor and pump, and simultaneously acting as conduits for exhaust air discharge. This multi-functionality reduces the overall number of components and minimizes the cross-sectional dimension.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

3Object-affected harmful factors

If the exhaust air is directed from upper region to lower region, then noise is reduced by directing away from persons, but the pipe section arrangement becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvenoise emissionVSAvoidpipe section arrangement

Core Design Contradiction:

Object-affected harmful factorsVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of discharging exhaust air upward or horizontally toward persons, the system inverts the discharge direction by conveying exhaust air downward from the upper region to the lower region. This inverted arrangement directs exhaust air away from persons in the vicinity, effectively reducing noise impact.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

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 design significantly reduces noise emission by directing exhaust air away from the vicinity and integrating noise-reducing features within the motor and pump flange, enhancing operational quietness without increasing the device's size.

Implementation Method 1

These size variations cause pressure differentials between the individual chambers and therefore between the air intake device and the air exhaust device of the pump

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure differential: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the exhaust air is downstream of the discharge valve divided into two partial flows that are respectively associated with a pipe section

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectFluid flow:

Data Source

PatentUS10113548B2Combination of motor and vacuum pump with an exhaust flow

Publication Date: 2018.10.30 GEBR BECKER GMBH

AI summary

A vacuum pump generates a vacuum, in a suction device, with an air intake device and an air exhaust device, as well as a motor for driving the vacuum pump. The air exhaust device is provided with a discharge valve. The exhaust air is downstream of the discharge valve divided into two partial flows that are respectively associated with a pipe section.