Vacuum Pump Lubricant Reservoir Structure to Limit Fiber Contamination
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pumps face challenges in minimizing material from the operating resource reservoir entering the operating fluid circuit, leading to potential contamination and operational issues due to the limitations of single storage materials.
Innovation Solution
A hybrid storage device using at least two different materials, such as felt materials with varying fiber detachment tendencies, is employed to combine advantageous properties while minimizing drawbacks, with one material encapsulating the other to prevent fiber detachment and enhance operational reliability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single storage material is used in the operating medium reservoir, then the reservoir structure is simple, but the material may detach fibers that contaminate the operating fluid circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies composite materials by combining two different felt materials (first and second felt materials) with different fiber detachment characteristics. The first felt material has lower fiber detachment tendency and is positioned to face the operating fluid circuit, while the second felt material has higher fiber detachment tendency. This composite structure allows the reservoir to benefit from the low-contamination properties of the first material while utilizing the functional properties of the second material, resolving the contradiction between structural simplicity and contamination prevention.
2Reliability
If a storage material with high fiber detachment tendency is used, then the material may provide better lubrication properties, but it contaminates the operating fluid circuit
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by creating spatial differentiation within the reservoir structure. The first felt material with low fiber detachment tendency is positioned in the region facing the operating fluid circuit to prevent contamination, while the second felt material with higher fiber detachment tendency is positioned in the bulk storage region where it can provide lubrication properties without directly contacting the operating fluid circuit. This local differentiation allows each material to perform its optimal function in its designated zone.
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
The hybrid storage approach effectively reduces contamination and improves the operational efficiency of vacuum pumps by utilizing materials with complementary properties, such as high-temperature resistance and low fiber detachment, ensuring reliable lubrication and reduced maintenance.
Implementation Method 1
the felt material that has less tendency to detach the felt fibers, in particular a polyester, at least partially surrounds the felt material that has more of a tendency to detach the felt fibers, in particular a polyimide
Implementation Method 2
This prevents loose felt fibers from impairing the operation of the vacuum pump and e.g. getting into the operating fluid circuit
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
The present invention relates to a vacuum pump, in particular a turbomolecular vacuum pump, comprising a rotor with a rotor shaft, a rotary bearing for supporting the rotor shaft, a liquid operating medium for supplying the rotary bearing, and an operating medium reservoir with storage material suitable for storing the operating medium, wherein the storage material comprises at least two different materials.