Vacuum Device Communication Bridge for Multi-Protocol Remote Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing communication devices for vacuum devices require special configuration, drivers, and interfaces, limiting their compatibility with standard laptops or smartphones, and lack flexibility and autonomy in data transfer.

Innovation Solution

A self-contained device with dual interface elements for communication and vacuum devices, supporting multiple protocols and standards, enabling data transfer between standard components without direct connection, and featuring an autonomous processor for file creation and management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a specialized configuration device with dedicated interfaces and drivers is used for vacuum devices, then communication reliability is improved, but device complexity and ease of operation deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication reliabilityVSAvoidinterface complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent introduces an intermediary communication device that acts as a mediator between the vacuum device and standard communication devices. This intermediary contains multiple interface elements supporting different communication protocols (CAN bus, Ethernet, USB, WiFi, Bluetooth), allowing it to translate and bridge communications between vacuum devices using proprietary protocols and standard devices using common protocols, thereby eliminating the need for specialized configuration devices while maintaining communication reliability

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The communication device is designed with universal multi-functionality, incorporating multiple interface elements that support various communication protocols (CAN bus, Ethernet, USB, WiFi, Bluetooth). This allows a single device to communicate with different types of vacuum devices and standard communication devices, replacing multiple specialized devices with one versatile unit, thus reducing overall system complexity

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

2Reliability

If direct physical connection is required between communication device and vacuum device, then communication stability is improved, but ease of operation and adaptability deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecommunication stabilityVSAvoidconnection convenience

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements dynamic connection capabilities where the communication device can adaptively switch between wired and wireless connection modes based on operational requirements. The system dynamically selects appropriate communication protocols and interface elements, allowing flexible reconfiguration without physical reconnection, thus maintaining communication stability while improving operational convenience

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The intermediary communication device enables indirect communication between vacuum devices and standard devices, eliminating the need for direct physical connections. It handles protocol translation and data transmission through multiple interface elements, allowing remote and flexible connections while maintaining communication stability through its mediating role

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Adaptability or versatility

If multiple communication protocols are supported in one device, then adaptability is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveprotocol compatibilityVSAvoidinterface diversity

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent merges multiple communication interface elements and protocol support into a single integrated communication device. By combining what would traditionally require separate specialized devices into one unified unit with multiple interfaces, it achieves protocol compatibility while managing complexity through integration rather than proliferation of separate components

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3951738B2Apparatus and method for communication with a vacuum device

Publication Date: 2026.05.20 PFEIFFER VACUUM TECH AG

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AI summary

Device for communication with a vacuum device, comprising a first interface element configured to communicate with a communication device configured separately from the device, a second interface element configured to communicate with the vacuum device, a storage element and a processor element configured to provide data from the communication device to the storage element via the first interface element and to provide data from the storage element to the vacuum device via the second interface element, and/or to provide data from the vacuum device to the storage element via the second interface element and to provide data from the storage element to the communication device via the first interface element.