Vacuum Pump Series Parallel Switching Control
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum pumps face a conflict between achieving high pumping speed at high pressures and low ultimate pressure, with parallel and series connections of working pump sections being suitable for different applications but not simultaneously optimizing both performance metrics.
Innovation Solution
A control device that allows switching between series and parallel connections of working pump sections based on operating conditions, using a switching valve to select the optimal connection mode for each phase of the pumping process, thereby optimizing both pumping speed and final pressure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If working pump sections are connected in parallel, then pumping speed at high pressures is improved, but ultimate pressure deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump system dynamically switches between parallel and series connection modes of working pump sections based on operating pressure conditions. A control device monitors the inlet pressure and actuates a switching valve to change the connection configuration, allowing the system to adapt its performance characteristics to different operational phases and resolve the contradiction between pumping speed and ultimate pressure.
Solution Approach 2:
The system changes the connection parameter (parallel vs series) of the working pump sections based on the inlet pressure parameter. At high inlet pressures, parallel connection is used to maximize pumping speed. As pressure decreases below a threshold, the system switches to series connection to optimize ultimate pressure, thereby achieving both performance requirements at different operational stages.
2Reliability
If working pump sections are connected in series, then ultimate pressure is improved, but pumping speed at high pressures deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The system dynamically adjusts the connection mode from series to parallel as pressure increases during the pumping process. The control device detects when inlet pressure exceeds the switching threshold and actuates the switching valve to transition from series to parallel connection, thereby maximizing pumping speed during the high-pressure phase while maintaining series connection benefits during low-pressure phases.
Solution Approach 2:
The connection configuration parameter is changed based on the inlet pressure parameter. When operating in series mode and inlet pressure rises above the threshold, the system switches to parallel connection to enhance pumping speed. This parameter change allows the system to optimize for ultimate pressure during series operation while recovering pumping speed during parallel operation.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple vacuum pump designs are produced for different applications, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The vacuum pump is designed with multi-functionality by incorporating a switching valve and control device that enable a single pump configuration to operate in both parallel and series modes. This universal design allows the same pump hardware to serve multiple application requirements (high speed vs. low ultimate pressure) without requiring separate specialized designs, thereby reducing parts variety while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum pump comprising a first working pump section, at least one second working pump section and a control device with which it is possible to switch between a series connection and a parallel connection of the working pump sections.