Vacuum Pump Multi-Outlet Blocking Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum pumps face inefficiencies when the pressure in the device to be lowered approaches vacuum conditions, as external fluid can enter the chamber, increasing pressure and reducing efficiency.

Innovation Solution

The vacuum pump design incorporates multiple fluid outlets with blocking means that seal fluid communication based on pressure thresholds, ensuring efficient fluid exit without overpressure, and strategically locating outlets to maintain efficient operation across varying pressure conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a single fluid outlet is used in conventional vacuum pumps, then the structure is simple, but external fluid can enter the chamber when pressure drops, increasing pressure and reducing efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump efficiencyVSAvoidoutlet structure complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The single fluid outlet is segmented into multiple outlets (first fluid outlet and second fluid outlet) positioned at different locations on the chamber wall. This segmentation allows different outlets to serve different pressure ranges, preventing external fluid entry while maintaining pump efficiency across varying pressure conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The blocking means in the outlets are designed to dynamically respond to pressure changes. When pressure in the chamber drops below external pressure, the blocking means automatically seal the outlets to prevent external fluid entry. This dynamic adaptation ensures reliable operation across the full pressure range without requiring complex control systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Loss of energy

If outlets are positioned far from the rotor, then fluid compression is reduced, but the volume of chamber wall involved increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefluid compression energy lossVSAvoidchamber wall volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of energyVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Different regions of the chamber wall are assigned different functions: the first fluid outlet is positioned in a region optimized for fluid exit with minimal compression, while the second fluid outlet is positioned in a region that accommodates larger chamber wall volume when needed. This local optimization allows each outlet to perform its function efficiently without compromising the other.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #3Local quality

Solution Approach 2:

The solution transitions from considering outlet position in a single dimension to utilizing multiple spatial dimensions. By positioning outlets at different locations on the chamber wall surface and considering the three-dimensional volume they enclose with the rotor, the design optimizes both compression loss and chamber wall volume utilization across different operational phases.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

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 design enhances the vacuum pump's efficiency by preventing unnecessary fluid compression and external fluid entry, maintaining efficient operation by controlling pressure and fluid flow effectively.

Implementation Method 1

the primary fluid outlet comprises primary blocking means adapted for sealing the fluid communication between the primary fluid outlet and the first outside fluid zone if the pressure in the primary fluid outlet is lower than a first predetermined value

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure threshold blocking: Pressure Gradient

Implementation Method 2

the vane or vanes have some space to exit the rotor due to centrifugal force or any other force provided in the pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectCentrifugal force: Centrifugal Force

Data Source

PatentEP3532731B1Vacuum pump
Publication Date: 2020.08.19 ENTECNIA CONSULTING S L U
  • EP3532731B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3532731B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3532731B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention provides a vacuum pump (1) for lowering pressure in a device (120), the vacuum pump (1) comprising a vacuum chamber (2), a rotor (3) comprising slots (31), vanes (4, 41, 42), a fluid inlet (5), a primary fluid outlet (61) and a secondary fluid outlet (62). A volume of the chamber wall defined by a first virtual outlet vane (601) in contact with the first secondary outlet point (621) and a second virtual outlet vane (602) which is subsequent to the first virtual outlet vane (601) is at least the 66% of a volume of the chamber wall defined by a third virtual outlet vane (603) in contact with the second primary outlet point (612) and a fourth virtual outlet vane (604) which is preceding to the third virtual outlet vane (603). The primary fluid outlet (61) comprises primary blocking means (71) adapted for sealing the fluid communication between the primary fluid outlet (61) and the first outside fluid zone (100) if the pressure in the primary fluid outlet (61) is lower than a first predetermined value.