Vacuum Device Integrated Mechanical Electrical Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum devices, such as turbomolecular pumps, face challenges in connecting accessory units due to the need for additional installation space and potential errors from separate electrical and mechanical connections, which complicate the process and require multiple cables with different lengths and connection points.
Innovation Solution
A vacuum device design that integrates both mechanical and electrical connections into a single axis, eliminating the need for separate cables and reducing installation space, using plug-in or screw connections with integrated contact elements for simplified and secure attachment of accessory units, and allowing for flexible angular positioning and wireless IT connections.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If separate cables are provided for electrical connection of accessory units, then reliable electrical connection is achieved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines mechanical connection and electrical connection into a single integrated connection element. The accessory unit connects to the vacuum device through one unified interface that simultaneously provides both mechanical mounting and electrical contact, eliminating the need for separate cables and reducing overall system complexity while maintaining connection reliability
Solution Approach 2:
The connection element is designed to perform multiple functions simultaneously: it provides mechanical support, electrical connection, and positioning for the accessory unit. This multi-functional design replaces what would traditionally require separate components (mechanical mount plus cable), simplifying the overall system architecture
2Adaptability or versatility
If separate cables with different lengths and connection points are used, then flexible electrical connection is achieved, but ease of operation and installation simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
By merging mechanical and electrical connections into a single integrated element, the patent eliminates the need to manage multiple cables with different lengths and connection points. Users only need to perform one attachment action to establish both mechanical and electrical connections, dramatically simplifying installation while maintaining adaptability through the integrated design
3Reliability
If additional connection points are provided on the control device for accessory units, then complete electrical connection capability is achieved, but device complexity and installation space requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The integrated connection element consolidates multiple connection functions (mechanical mounting and electrical contact) into a single interface on the control device. This reduces the number of separate connection points needed on the control device surface, freeing up space while ensuring complete electrical connection capability through the unified interface
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum device with at least one connection for an accessory unit and with a control unit for the accessory unit, wherein the connection is configured for both a mechanical connection of the accessory unit to the vacuum device and for an electrical and/or information technology connection of the accessory unit to the control unit. Furthermore, the invention relates to a system comprising at least one vacuum device with a connection, at least one accessory unit with a connection, and a control unit for the accessory unit, wherein the connections are configured to jointly effect both a mechanical connection of the accessory unit to the vacuum device and an electrical and/or information technology connection of the accessory unit to the control unit.