Centralized Vacuum Pump Lubrication for Easier Multi-Pump Servicing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum devices with multiple vacuum pumps require complex and time-consuming lubricant changes due to inaccessible individual inlets and outlets within a common housing, leading to potential damage and reduced service life.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum device with a central inlet and outlet system connected to all lubricant chambers, along with a control device for precise lubricant distribution and monitoring, allowing easy and controlled lubricant changes without disassembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate lubricant reservoir systems are used for each vacuum pump, then each pump can be independently serviced, but the overall device complexity increases and maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate lubricant reservoir systems into a single centralized lubricant distribution system that serves multiple vacuum pumps. The central lubricant reservoir connects to each pump's lubricant chamber through individual lines, allowing centralized management while maintaining individual pump lubrication. This reduces overall system complexity and maintenance time while preserving the ability to service individual pumps.
2Ease of operation
If multiple separate lubricant reservoir systems are used, then each pump can be independently serviced, but the maintenance time increases
Solution Approach 1:
By merging multiple lubricant reservoir systems into one centralized system, the patent enables technicians to perform maintenance on the lubricant supply once for all pumps rather than separately for each pump. The centralized reservoir can be serviced, monitored, and refilled in a single operation, significantly reducing total maintenance time while individual pump lubricant chambers remain accessible for independent servicing if needed.
3Device complexity
If a centralized lubricant system is used, then device complexity is reduced and maintenance time decreases, but independent servicing capability is lost
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the lubricant system into a centralized reservoir and individual pump lubricant chambers connected by lines. This segmentation allows the central reservoir to be serviced independently while maintaining the ability to access and service individual pump chambers separately. Each pump retains its own lubricant chamber that can be independently accessed, filled, and serviced without affecting other pumps, preserving independent servicing capability while benefiting from centralized management.
4Ease of operation
If individual lubricant reservoirs are used for each vacuum pump, then independent lubrication is achieved, but the quantity of lubricant required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges multiple individual lubricant reservoirs into a single centralized reservoir that supplies all vacuum pumps through individual distribution lines. Instead of maintaining separate lubricant stocks for each pump, the centralized system allows one large reservoir to serve all pumps, reducing the total quantity of lubricant needed in the system while maintaining independent lubrication capability for each pump through the distribution network.
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
Facilitates simple and regular lubricant changes, extending the service life of the vacuum device and improving operational efficiency by preventing damage from lubricant neglect.
Implementation Method 1
A vacuum device comprises at least two vacuum pumps (110, 120)... each vacuum pump (110, 120) having at least one lubricant chamber (112, 114, 122, 124) for a lubricant used to lubricate at least one component of the vacuum pump
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
AI summary
A vacuum device comprises at least two vacuum pumps (110, 120), each with at least one lubricant chamber (112, 114, 122, 124) for a lubricant used to lubricate at least one component of the respective vacuum pump. The vacuum device also comprises a central inlet (150) for the lubricant, which connects to the respective lubricant chambers of the vacuum pumps, and a central outlet (160) for the lubricant, which also connects to the respective lubricant chambers of the vacuum pumps.