Vacuum Pump Flange Radial Force Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pumps with high-speed rotors face the risk of overstressing fastening means due to rapid energy release in fault scenarios, leading to high radial forces that can cause failure, and existing solutions either require additional components or do not adequately address radial forces.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum pump design featuring a collar with a radial relief groove and a conical surface on the pump flange, which reduces radial forces on fasteners and integrates a sealing element, along with an optional damping element to dissipate kinetic energy, thereby enhancing connection security and reducing pumping speed losses.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If high-speed rotation is used to achieve good vacuum data, then pumping speed and ultimate pressure are improved, but the energy stored in the rotor increases leading to high radial forces on fasteners in fault scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
A collar is introduced as an intermediary component between the pump flange and the rotor assembly. This collar absorbs and redirects the radial forces generated during fault conditions, preventing these forces from being transmitted directly to the fastening screws. The collar acts as a mechanical mediator that protects the fastening system while allowing the rotor to operate at high speeds for optimal pumping performance
2Reliability
If deformation space is provided for screws to cope with fault torques, then fastener reliability is improved, but the structural complexity and number of components increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar integrates multiple functions into a single component: it provides the deformation space for fastener protection, acts as a centering element to align the rotor assembly, and serves as a force redistribution element. By merging these functions, the design achieves improved fastener reliability without increasing overall structural complexity or requiring additional separate components
3Reliability
If additional components like centering rings are used to strengthen connection, then connection security is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The collar is designed as a multi-functional component that simultaneously provides centering, force distribution, and fastener protection functions. This universal component replaces the need for separate centering rings and other auxiliary parts, reducing the total component count, simplifying manufacturing, and lowering costs while maintaining or improving connection security
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 design effectively mitigates the risk of fastener overstressing, eliminates the need for additional centering rings, and minimizes pumping speed losses while ensuring a secure and cost-effective connection.
Implementation Method 1
A development proposes providing a damping element in which kinetic energy is converted into deformation energy, so that the forces and moments that arise are reduced.
Data Source
AI summary
The vacuum pump (1) has a pump flange (4) connected with a counter flange (2). The pump flange is arranged on a housing (6). A protective cover is associated with a suction hole (5) and arranged on a pump flange side, which is averted from the housing. A damping element is arranged on a side of the protective cover, where the protective cover side is outwardly extended in a radial direction. A conical surface is defined on the protective cover. The pump flange is formed with a groove for receiving a seal.