Vacuum Pump Variable Module Connection

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing vacuum pumps face limitations in pumping efficiency, particularly at high suction pressures, due to excessive energy consumption by the high-vacuum pump module without corresponding increases in suction power, leading to impaired efficiency and increased power consumption.

Innovation Solution

A vacuum pump design with a variable and adjustable operative connection between high-vacuum and rough-vacuum pump modules, allowing for changes in the ratio of suction powers, achieved through different speeds, gas load distribution, or stator speed adjustments, to optimize energy use and prevent excessive power consumption at high intake pressures.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the high-vacuum pump module and rough-vacuum pump module are connected with a fixed operative connection (common rotor shaft), then the structure is simple and compact, but the pumping efficiency decreases sharply at high suction pressures due to excessive energy consumption

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestructure simplicityVSAvoidenergy consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSLoss of energy

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies the dynamics principle by making the operative connection between the high-vacuum pump module and rough-vacuum pump module adjustable rather than fixed. The ratio of suction powers provided by the two modules can be changed dynamically according to operating conditions, allowing the system to optimize energy consumption at different suction pressures while maintaining a relatively compact structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Productivity

If the high-vacuum pump module operates at high suction pressures, then the suction power increases, but the energy consumption increases excessively without corresponding increase in pumping efficiency

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesuction powerVSAvoiddrive power consumption
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSUse of energy by moving object

Solution Approach 1:

The patent enables dynamic adjustment of the operative connection ratio between the two pump modules. When operating at high suction pressures, the system can adjust the ratio to reduce the drive power consumption of the high-vacuum pump module while maintaining adequate suction power, thereby improving overall pumping efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The patent changes the operational parameters of the pump system by allowing adjustment of the operative connection ratio. This parameter change enables the system to adapt to different suction pressure conditions, optimizing the balance between suction power and energy consumption.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Device complexity

If the ratio of suction powers between high-vacuum and rough-vacuum modules is fixed, then the control system is simple, but the pumping efficiency cannot be optimized for different operating conditions

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecontrol system complexityVSAvoidpumping efficiency
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a dynamically adjustable operative connection that allows the ratio of suction powers between the two modules to be changed according to operating conditions. This dynamic capability enables optimization of pumping efficiency across different suction pressure ranges while keeping the control system relatively simple.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Data Source

PatentEP2843238B1Vacuum pump in which different modules either can be driven with different speeds or can be traversed by different gas flows
Publication Date: 2022.06.01 PFEIFFER VACUUM GMBH
  • EP2843238B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2843238B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2843238B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a vacuum pump with a pump inlet, at least one high-vacuum pump module, and at least one rough-vacuum pump module, which are arranged in a common housing of the vacuum pump and are operatively connected to provide a pumping action for a gas present at the pump inlet. The operative connection is variable and/or adjustable to change the ratio of the suction power provided by the high-vacuum pump module to the suction power provided by the rough-vacuum pump module.