Vacuum Pump Sealing Gasket With Curved Multi-Seal Structure
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Solution Overview
Problem
Providing effective seals in rotating machines, such as vacuum pumps, is challenging due to fluid flow induced by pressure differences, leading to potential leaks and assembly issues.
Innovation Solution
A sealing gasket with annular and longitudinal sealing members, featuring continuous or discontinuous curved and planar surface transitions, is designed to provide a smooth interface between sealing members and longitudinal seals, enhancing compatibility with vacuum pump components.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If traditional sealing solutions are used in vacuum pumps, then assembly may be simplified, but sealing performance deteriorates due to pressure difference induced fluid flow causing leaks
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket is divided into multiple sealing members (first sealing member, second sealing member, first longitudinal sealing member, second longitudinal sealing member) arranged in series. Each sealing member addresses a specific sealing challenge, collectively providing robust sealing performance against pressure difference induced fluid flow.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing gasket incorporates curved surface portions at interfaces between sealing members to provide smooth transitions. This curvature eliminates sharp edges that could cause stress concentration and potential failure, while maintaining effective sealing contact surfaces that resist leakage under pressure differential.
2Reliability
If complex sealing structures are implemented to prevent leaks, then sealing performance improves, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple sealing members and longitudinal sealing members are integrated into a single sealing gasket component. This merging approach provides complex multi-point sealing functionality while simplifying assembly, as the entire sealing system is installed as one piece rather than multiple separate components.
Solution Approach 2:
The sealing gasket serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides sealing at multiple locations (annular interfaces and longitudinal interfaces), accommodates varying compression scenarios, and maintains performance across a wide temperature range up to 300°C. This multi-functionality reduces the need for additional specialized components.
3Temperature
If sealing members are designed for high temperature resistance up to 300°C, then temperature tolerance improves, but material selection and manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The sealing gasket is constructed from composite materials that combine the properties needed for high temperature resistance (up to 300°C) with adequate flexibility for sealing. This composite construction allows the sealing gasket to maintain structural integrity and sealing effectiveness across the specified temperature range while remaining manufacturable.
4Reliability
If smooth curved surface transitions are added at sealing member interfaces, then sealing reliability improves by eliminating stress concentration, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
Curved surface portions are incorporated at interfaces between sealing members to eliminate sharp edges and provide smooth transitions. This curvature design reduces stress concentration that could lead to sealing failure, while the continuous curved geometry can be efficiently formed during molding or machining processes.
Solution Approach 2:
The curved surface portions are integrated directly into the sealing gasket structure during manufacturing, rather than being added as separate components or post-processing steps. This merging of the curved transition surfaces into the main sealing gasket body simplifies the overall manufacturing process while maintaining the reliability benefits.
Data Source
AI summary
A sealing gasket (20) for a vacuum pump comprising: a first sealing member (22) defining a closed shape (preferably a rounded square or rounded rectangle) and comprising: a first surface (30); a second surface (32) opposite the first surface (30); a first inner surface (34); and a first outer surface (36) opposite to the first inner surface (34), wherein the first inner surface (34) and the first outer surface (36) are disposed between the first surface (30) and the second surface (32); a second sealing member (24) defining a closed shape (preferably a rounded square) and comprising: a third surface (40); a fourth surface (42) opposite the third surface (40); a second inner surface (44); and a second outer surface (46) opposite to the second inner surface (44), wherein the second inner surface (44) and the second outer surface (46) are disposed between the third surface (40) and the fourth surface (42); a first longitudinal sealing member (26) connected between the first outer surface (36) and the second outer surface (46); and a second longitudinal sealing member (28) connected between the first outer surface (36) and the second outer surface (46).