Vacuum Pump Flange Energy Absorption via Angled Elongated Holes
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional vacuum pump designs face challenges in safely absorbing the high kinetic energy generated during a rotor burst, leading to potential damage and safety risks due to the transmission of destructive forces to the pump housing and mounting flange, which are complex and costly to manufacture.
Innovation Solution
The design features oblong fastening holes in the fastening flange with angled longitudinal axes to absorb energy through friction and deformation, allowing the flange to rotate and absorb energy, and optionally includes an absorption element and adjustment pin for additional energy absorption and secure mounting.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If conventional fastening holes are used in the mounting flange, then the pump housing can be securely fastened, but during a rotor burst the fastening screws may tear off and the pump may fly through the room causing injury
Solution Approach 1:
The patent converts the harmful bursting energy into beneficial energy absorption through friction and deformation. The oblong holes with angled longitudinal axes allow the mounting flange to rotate and deform during a rotor burst, transforming the dangerous kinetic energy into friction heat and deformation energy, thereby preventing the pump from becoming a projectile
Solution Approach 2:
The patent designs the fastening system with built-in energy absorption capabilities before a burst occurs. The oblong hole geometry and angled orientation are pre-configured to facilitate controlled rotation and deformation, creating a cushioning effect that absorbs burst energy and protects surrounding areas
2Reliability
If complex fastening flange designs are used to absorb burst energy, then energy absorption improves, but manufacturing complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent achieves energy absorption not through complex structural designs but by changing the geometric parameters of simple oblong holes. The specific angle of the longitudinal axis relative to the tangent of the circular line, and the dimensions of the oblong holes, are optimized to provide effective energy absorption while maintaining simple manufacturing
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of making the fastening flange complex to absorb energy, the patent inverts the approach by using simple oblong holes with specific angular orientation. The energy absorption capability emerges from the geometric configuration rather than from complex structural features, simplifying manufacturing while maintaining effectiveness
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 effectively absorbs energy during a rotor burst, reducing the risk of damage and injury by allowing the vacuum pump to rotate and deform, while being simpler and less costly to produce, thus enhancing safety and manufacturing efficiency.
Implementation Method 1
energy is not only absorbed by friction between the mounting flange and the pump receiving element
Implementation Method 2
energy is not only absorbed by friction between the mounting flange and the pump receiving element, but also due to the deformation and/or inward displacement of the mounting elements such as the screws or outside
Data Source
Figure 1~2
Figure 3
AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum pump comprising at least one pump element (12) arranged in a housing (10). The pump element is supported by a shaft (14). A fastening flange (20) is connected to the housing (10) in order to fasten the pump to a holding element (24). The fastening flange comprises fastening holes arranged along a circular line (26). Said fastening holes are designed to absorb energy in the event of bursting as elongated holes (28). The longitudinal axes (32) of the elongated holes (28) have an angle (a) to the tangent lines (34) on the circular line (26) that is not equal to zero.