Integrated Pump Controller for Vacuum System Management
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum systems, such as mass spectrometry systems, require complex control systems to manage multiple vacuum pumps, often necessitating users to develop custom controllers or integrate additional components like Turbo Instrument Controllers, which can be cumbersome and inefficient.
Innovation Solution
A self-contained pump apparatus with a controller that generates control signals for both internal and external pumps, acting as a master controller to manage and monitor the operation of multiple pumps, including primary and secondary vacuum pumps, and optionally connect to pressure sensors and valves, facilitating centralized control and monitoring.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If separate controllers are used for each vacuum pump, then each pump can be controlled independently, but the system complexity increases and requires additional controllers like Turbo Instrument Controllers
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple pump control functions into a single integrated controller that can manage both the turbomolecular pump and backing pump simultaneously. This single controller replaces what would traditionally require separate controllers (like TIC for turbopump and separate control for backing pump), thereby reducing system complexity while maintaining independent control capabilities for each pump through software configuration rather than hardware multiplication.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller is designed with multi-functionality to handle diverse pump control tasks including speed regulation, pressure monitoring, and coordinated operation of different pump types. This universal controller can adapt to control various vacuum pump configurations (single pump, dual pump, turbomolecular with backing) through programmable functions, eliminating the need for specialized controllers for each pump type.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users integrate additional components like Turbo Instrument Controllers, then pump control capability is enhanced, but the integration process becomes cumbersome and time-consuming
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the functions of additional control components directly into the pump apparatus itself. The integrated controller is built-in and pre-configured to work with various pump configurations, eliminating the need for users to physically integrate separate TIC units and their associated wiring and control logic. This reduces integration complexity while preserving adaptability through software configuration options.
Solution Approach 2:
The integrated controller provides self-service capabilities by automatically configuring and coordinating pump operations based on system requirements. It can autonomously manage pressure monitoring, pump sequencing, and control parameter adjustment without requiring extensive user intervention or custom integration work, thereby enhancing versatility while simplifying the ease of manufacture and system assembly.
3Ease of operation
If a system-level controller is used to manage multiple pumps, then centralized control is achieved, but the cost and complexity of the control system increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the system-level controller functions directly into the pump apparatus housing. The integrated controller serves as both the local pump controller and the system-level hub, eliminating the need for a separate centralized system controller. This consolidation achieves centralized control of multiple pumps through a single controller unit that manages all pump operations, pressure monitoring, and coordination functions within the pump apparatus itself, thereby reducing overall system complexity and component count.
Data Source
AI summary
The present discloses a pump apparatus having a first pump and at least one controller. The at least one controller is suitable for generating a first control signal for controlling the first pump. The at least one controller is suitable for generating a second control signal for controlling operation of a second pump. The second pump is external to the pump apparatus. One or more pump connection port is provided in the pump apparatus for outputting the second control signal to the second pump. The present disclosure also relates to a vacuum system comprising a pump apparatus of the type described herein.