Vacuum Pump Molded Seal for Reliable Sealing
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pumps face challenges with reliable sealing, particularly with O-rings used between the vacuum pump and lubricant pump, which can slip out of position, leading to leakage and difficult assembly, resulting in inefficiencies and increased assembly time.
Innovation Solution
A single, one-piece molded seal with varying cross-section is used to seal the connection between components, which can be easily inserted and secured in pre-assembly, providing reliable sealing and quick assembly, and can be replaced during service.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple O-rings are used to seal the connection between vacuum pump and lubricant pump, then sealing coverage is improved, but assembly complexity and time increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate O-rings into a single integrated molded seal that seals both the lubricant pump connection and the control board area simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of sealing components from two or more separate O-rings to one unified seal structure, simplifying assembly while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded seal serves multiple sealing functions in one component: it seals the lubricant pump connection interface, seals the control board mounting area, and prevents lubricant leakage to electrical components. This multi-functional design eliminates the need for separate sealing elements for each sealing requirement.
2Reliability
If multiple O-rings are used to seal different areas, then sealing coverage is improved, but assembly time and ease of operation worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple separate O-rings into a single integrated molded seal that seals both the lubricant pump connection and the control board area simultaneously. This merging reduces the number of sealing components from two or more separate O-rings to one unified seal structure, simplifying assembly while maintaining comprehensive sealing coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The molded seal is pre-formed as a complete, ready-to-install component that requires no assembly or positioning adjustments during installation. The seal comes pre-configured with the correct geometry and dimensions, eliminating the time-consuming process of installing and positioning multiple separate O-rings individually.
3Adaptability or versatility
If O-rings are deformed to fit cramped spaces, then sealing adaptability is improved, but reliability and ease of assembly worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The molded seal incorporates locally optimized cross-sectional geometries in different areas to match the specific sealing requirements of each interface. The seal features varying thickness and profile characteristics in different zones, allowing each section to adapt perfectly to its local sealing surface without requiring deformation or compression of the entire seal.
4Adaptability or versatility
If O-rings are deformed to fit cramped spaces, then sealing adaptability is improved, but assembly ease and time loss worsen
Solution Approach 1:
The molded seal incorporates locally optimized cross-sectional geometries in different areas to match the specific sealing requirements of each interface. The seal features varying thickness and profile characteristics in different zones, allowing each section to adapt perfectly to its local sealing surface without requiring deformation or compression of the entire seal.
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a vacuum pump, in particular a turbomolecular pump, comprising a first component (14) and a second component which are connected to each other in a fully assembled state. For sealing the connection of the components, at least one separate, one-piece seal (10) is provided, which can be detachably attached to one of the two components (14) for pre-assembly and which defines at least two circumferentially closed sealing areas (28) which are to be sealed separately from each other.