Vacuum Pump Multi-Inlet Offset Design
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pumps with multiple inlets face challenges in achieving a compact design due to the requirement for significant installation space, making them difficult to implement in a compact form.
Innovation Solution
The vacuum pump design features at least two separate inlets arranged offset to each other in the direction of rotation, with a plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation passing through both inlets, allowing them to be positioned at the same axial height, thereby reducing the axial length and enabling a compact design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If multiple inlets are provided on the housing, then the vacuum pump can handle multiple fluid sources simultaneously, but the installation space requirement increases and compact design becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies dimensional rearrangement by positioning multiple inlets at the same axial height (same Z-coordinate) but at different circumferential positions (different angular coordinates) on the housing. This allows multiple inlets to be accommodated without increasing the axial length of the pump, effectively using the circumferential dimension to resolve the space conflict while maintaining multi-inlet versatility
2Ease of operation
If inlets are arranged at different axial heights, then each inlet can be independently positioned, but the axial length of the vacuum pump increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent resolves the positioning flexibility issue by moving from axial distribution (different Z-coordinates) to circumferential distribution (different angular positions) at the same axial height. This dimensional shift maintains the ability to independently position multiple inlets while preventing increase in axial length, keeping the pump compact
3Area of stationary object
If inlets are positioned close together, then the housing size is reduced, but the inlets may interfere with each other in the direction of rotation
Solution Approach 1:
The patent employs asymmetric angular spacing between inlets around the housing circumference, positioning them at carefully selected angular intervals that prevent rotational interference while maintaining compact overall dimensions. This asymmetric arrangement optimizes the balance between compactness and functional independence of each inlet
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 arrangement allows for a compact and short axial design of the vacuum pump, facilitating easier implementation and operation while maintaining effective fluid handling and pressure management across the inlets.
Implementation Method 1
the stator and the rotor are designed in such a way that, when the rotor is rotating, they bring about a pumping effect, through which the fluid is conveyed in the direction of the outlet
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum pump, in particular a turbomolecular pump, comprising a housing with at least two separate inlets for connecting at least one receiver, and at least one pumping stage arranged in the housing for conveying fluid, in particular fluid drawn from the at least one receiver, towards an outlet of the vacuum pump provided on the housing, wherein the pumping stage has at least one rotor rotatable about an axis of rotation relative to a stator, wherein the stator and the rotor are designed such that, when the rotor rotates, they produce a pumping action by which the fluid is conveyed in the direction of the outlet, is characterized in that the at least two inlets are arranged offset from each other on the housing when viewed in the direction of rotation of the rotor, and at least one plane perpendicular to the axis of rotation passes through the at least two inlets.