Zig-Zag Inlet Port Design for Rotary Vane Vacuum Pump
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing rotary vane vacuum pumps face challenges in efficiently increasing air flow and inlet port size without mechanical interference with vanes, which affects their efficiency and structural integrity, particularly in mobile applications where size and weight are critical considerations.
Innovation Solution
A larger inlet port is designed diagonally within the stator, with channels that change direction in a zig-zag fashion and include ribs to prevent vane interaction and maintain structural integrity, allowing for increased air flow without jamming or deformation.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If the inlet port size is increased to improve air flow, then the pump efficiency increases, but the risk of vane jamming in the port increases
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet port is oriented diagonally rather than radially, changing the dimensional relationship between the port and vane motion. This diagonal orientation allows the port to be larger while the vanes pass by without entering the port opening, eliminating the jamming risk while maintaining high air flow capacity.
2Productivity
If the inlet port is elongated in the parallel direction of vane travel to increase air flow, then the port area increases, but the vane may become jammed in the port
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet port is positioned asymmetrically and oriented diagonally relative to the vane travel direction, rather than being symmetrically aligned parallel to vane motion. This asymmetric diagonal orientation allows the port to capture more air flow while the vanes pass by without alignment that would cause jamming.
3Temperature
If multiple small inlet ports are used to increase cooling function, then the cooling effect improves, but the air flow capacity is reduced due to long travel distance
Solution Approach 1:
The inlet port is segmented into multiple diagonal channels within the stator body, allowing the air flow path to be divided into segments that provide cooling while maintaining overall port functionality. The diagonal orientation of each segment ensures vanes pass by without jamming.
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
The solution enhances air flow and pump efficiency while reducing the size and weight of rotary vane vacuum pumps, ensuring mechanical and thermal stability, particularly suitable for mobile applications.
Implementation Method 1
If the vanes are not tensioned, centrifugal force developed while the rotor turns will drive the vanes outward maintaining contact with the stator.
Data Source
AI summary
This invention discloses an improved rotary vane vacuum pump. The vacuum pump includes an enlarged inlet port which is spread over the width and length of the stator in a zig-zagging fashion within which the vanes pass. In one embodiment, the inlet port describes an inverted W shape in the stator and includes appropriately placed ribs to ensure the stator does not deform around the inlet port.