Vacuum Securing Device Rotating Shaft Gap Compression
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum system securing devices face challenges in forming and maintaining sealed connections, especially when parts are difficult to access, requiring time-consuming individual bolt tightening and complicating installation, replacement, and repair.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum system securing device with a rotatable shaft and force applying members that narrow the gap between parts to apply pressure, allowing for easy assembly and disassembly, reducing the need for multiple bolt tightenings and improving accessibility.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If individual bolts are used to secure the connection, then the sealed connection can be formed, but the tightening operation becomes time-consuming and difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
Multiple bolts are replaced by a single securing device that combines the functions of multiple fastening elements. The device includes a body with multiple threaded bores and securing members that can simultaneously engage with multiple threaded apertures on the opposing part, thereby forming a sealed connection through a single operation rather than multiple individual bolt tightenings.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical fastening through multiple threaded engagements, maintains sealing through the sealed surface, and enables easy release through the single operational interface. This multi-functional design consolidates what would otherwise require separate bolts, seals, and tightening operations into one integrated component.
2Reliability
If multiple bolts are used to secure the connection, then the sealed connection can be maintained, but the operation becomes complex and difficult to access
Solution Approach 1:
The securing device is segmented into distinct functional components: a body portion that interfaces with the first part, multiple threaded bores for engagement, secured members that extend through the body, and a sealed surface. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while the overall device simplifies the assembly process compared to using multiple separate bolts.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing device acts as an intermediary between the first part and the opposing part, providing a standardized interface that simplifies the connection process. Rather than directly engaging multiple bolts with multiple apertures, the securing device mediates the connection through its body and secured members, making the operation easier and more accessible.
3Volume of moving object
If the pump is located in hard-to-reach locations, then space constraints are satisfied, but installation and maintenance become difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The complex multi-bolt securing mechanism is extracted and replaced with a simplified single-device securing solution. This extraction of complexity allows the pump to be installed in hard-to-reach locations while maintaining ease of replacement and maintenance, as the simplified securing device requires fewer operations to install and remove.
Solution Approach 2:
The securing mechanism changes from a multi-parameter system (multiple bolts, multiple tightening operations) to a single-parameter system (one securing device, one operational interface). This parameter reduction makes the pump easier to install, replace, and maintain in space-constrained environments while satisfying the volume and positioning requirements.
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
Facilitates faster and more accessible assembly and maintenance of vacuum system connections by applying even pressure across the sealing area with fewer tightening operations, enhancing usability in hard-to-reach locations.
Implementation Method 1
The shaft 112 is rotatable about the axis of rotation 114 to cause the force applying members 116 to narrow the gap to apply a force that presses the second part towards the first part
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum system securing device (110) to releasably secure a sealed connection between a first part and a second part of a vacuum system has a shaft (112) having a longitudinal axis (114) and is provided with a plurality of force applying members (116). The shaft is to be attached to the first part of the vacuum system to define a gap between the first part and the force applying members to receive the second part by a movement of the second part in a lengthways direction of the shaft. The shaft is movable relative to the first part to cause the force applying members to narrow the gap to apply a force pressing the second part towards the first part.