Vacuum Pump Mounting with Pre-Fix Support for Tight Installations

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Solution Overview

Problem

The installation of vacuum pumps on receivers is often challenging due to their weight and difficult access, and existing mounting aids are either expensive or prone to damage the pump, requiring significant force, and are limited to specific conditions.

Innovation Solution

A two-stage mounting process involving support and fastening, where the vacuum pump is first supported on the recipient using insertion and then secured with fastening means, allowing for easy alignment and attachment without needing to support the entire weight of the pump.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the vacuum pump is mounted directly on the receiver using conventional mounting aids, then the pump can be secured to the receiver, but the installation becomes complex, expensive, or requires significant force that may damage the pump

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure mountingVSAvoidmounting device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting process is segmented into two distinct stages: a support stage using support elements (screws with locking heads) that engage with counterparts on the pump, and a fastening stage using separate fastening means (flanges with bolts). This segmentation allows the heavy pump to be supported and stabilized first, then securely fastened, reducing the complexity and cost compared to conventional single-stage mounting aids

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements are installed on the receiver beforehand, creating pre-positioned support points. When the pump is lifted and engaged with these support elements, it is automatically positioned and stabilized without requiring complex alignment procedures or additional mounting equipment during the installation process

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Ease of manufacture

If the vacuum pump is installed in difficult-to-access locations, then the installation can be completed, but the installation process becomes difficult and time-consuming

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation easeVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

By dividing the mounting into support and fastening stages, the installer can quickly engage the pump with the pre-installed support elements even in tight spaces, then complete the fastening. This segmentation reduces installation time and effort compared to conventional methods that require complex single-stage mounting operations in difficult-to-access locations

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements act as intermediaries between the receiver and the pump, providing a simple engagement mechanism that requires minimal space and effort to install. These support elements facilitate easy mounting in difficult-to-access locations by providing stable support without requiring complex alignment or significant installer effort

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Strength

If conventional mounting aids are used to support the vacuum pump, then the pump can be attached to the receiver, but the mounting aids are expensive or require considerable force that may damage the pump

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemounting strengthVSAvoidpump damage risk
Core Design Contradiction:
StrengthVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The mounting function is split between support elements that provide stable support using simple screw-locking mechanisms, and fastening means that provide secure attachment. This segmentation eliminates the need for expensive, high-force conventional mounting aids while distributing the mechanical loads safely, reducing the risk of pump damage

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The support elements with locking heads engage with counterparts on the pump in a self-aligning manner, automatically positioning the pump correctly without requiring excessive installer force. The design allows the pump's own weight to assist in the engagement process, eliminating the need for expensive external mounting equipment that applies high forces

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Data Source

PatentEP3702622B1Vacuum system
Publication Date: 2026.02.25 PFEIFFER VACUUM GMBH
  • EP3702622B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3702622B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3702622B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vacuum system with a vacuum pump and a receiver, each having a functional side, and with a mounting device for vacuum-tight mounting of the vacuum pump to the receiver with mutually facing functional sides, wherein the mounting device is designed to first enable the vacuum pump to be supported on the receiver, namely by hooking or by sliding it in, and then to enable the vacuum pump to be fastened to the receiver, wherein the mounting device on the receiver comprises at least one support element projecting from its functional side and on the vacuum pump at least one counterpart which can be brought into engagement with the support element by hooking it in from above or by sliding it in from the side in order to support the vacuum pump in a pre-fixed position on the receiver.and wherein the mounting device, in addition to the support element and the counterpart on the receiver and on the vacuum pump, comprises fastening means with which the vacuum pump can be fastened to the receiver either directly in the pre-fixing position or after being moved from the pre-fixing position to a final fixing position.