Vacuum Pump Receiving Device for Single-Direction Flange Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly and disassembly of vacuum pumps in cramped or difficult-to-access spaces are challenging due to limited space and the complexity of fastening mechanisms.

Innovation Solution

A receiving device with a fastening section and support section allows the flange of a vacuum pump to be connected directly or indirectly to the pump, enabling easy attachment and detachment from a recipient, such as a container, using a standard flange design that can be retrofitted and accommodated within the device, facilitating assembly and disassembly from a single access direction.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the flange is fastened to the recipient using screws in a cramped space, then the connection is secure, but the assembly and disassembly becomes difficult or impossible due to limited access

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly and disassembly ease
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device is divided into distinct functional sections: a fastening section with fastening means for securing to the recipient, and a support section for supporting the flange. This segmentation allows the device to be attached securely to the recipient while providing easy access to the flange for assembly and disassembly operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Ease of operation

If the receiving device includes both fastening and support sections, then the flange can be easily assembled and disassembled, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveassembly and disassembly easeVSAvoidreceiving device structure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening section and support section are merged into a single integrated receiving device that can be attached to the recipient as one unit. This combining approach provides the functional benefits of both sections while avoiding the complexity of separate devices and multiple attachment procedures.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the flange is made partially retractable in the receiving device, then access from one direction is sufficient, but the device structure becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccess direction requirementVSAvoidreceiving device configuration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The receiving device utilizes spatial arrangement in three dimensions, with the fastening section positioned to allow attachment to the recipient while the support section extends to provide flange support. This dimensional arrangement enables single-direction access for assembly and disassembly without requiring complex mechanical retractable mechanisms.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2868929B1Vacuum pump
Publication Date: 2018.05.09 PFEIFFER VACUUM GMBH
  • EP2868929B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2868929B1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b
  • EP2868929B1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

The invention relates to a receiving device for the partial receiving of a flange which is connected or connectable to a vacuum pump, comprising at least one fastening section for attachment to a receiver, at least one support section on which the flange rests in an assembly state, and at least one receiving opening bounded by the support section, wherein, when the receiving device is attached to the receiver, the flange can be inserted into the receiving opening from an access side of the receiving device and pulled out of the receiving opening.