Vacuum Machine Dual-Communication Modules for Simpler CAN Connections
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Solution Overview
Problem
Vacuum devices with complex designs require multiple separate CAN connections and potential regions, leading to large, expensive, and complex connections at the central logic unit, with inconsistent communication between modules on different buses.
Innovation Solution
Implementing modules with two communication units that enable consistent logical communication and a simple bus topology, allowing a single voltage range and reducing the need for galvanic isolations, thus simplifying connections and reducing costs.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If multiple separate CAN connections are used for different potential regions, then reliable communication between modules is achieved, but the connection complexity and cost at the central logic unit increases
Solution Approach 1:
A potential isolation unit is introduced as an intermediary component between the CAN controller and the CAN driver. This unit handles potential isolation and galvanic separation, allowing a single CAN bus connection to communicate across different potential regions. The isolation unit acts as a mediator that maintains communication reliability while eliminating the need for multiple separate CAN bus connections at the central logic unit.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential isolation unit is designed to handle multiple potential regions and voltage ranges through a single interface. It provides universal communication capability across different electrical domains, allowing one CAN connection to serve multiple potential regions that previously required separate connections. This multi-functionality reduces the number of connections required at the central logic unit.
2Object-affected harmful factors
If multiple separate CAN buses are used for different potential regions, then galvanic isolation is maintained, but the number of pins and cables required increases
Solution Approach 1:
The potential isolation unit serves as a compact intermediary that consolidates multiple isolation functions into a single device. Instead of requiring separate cables and connectors for each potential region, the isolation unit handles all galvanic isolation requirements through integrated circuits and isolation barriers, dramatically reducing the physical quantity of connection elements needed.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces mechanical connection elements (multiple cables and connectors) with electronic isolation mechanisms. The potential isolation unit uses electronic isolation technology to achieve galvanic separation without requiring physical separation through multiple mechanical connection points. This substitution reduces the number of pins and cables while maintaining isolation effectiveness.
3Length of moving object
If different potential regions are carried on a single connection, then connection size is reduced, but maintaining physical distances for isolation becomes difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces mechanical distance-based isolation with electronic isolation technology. Instead of relying on physical distances and spacing to maintain isolation between potential regions, the potential isolation unit uses electronic isolation barriers and circuit design to achieve isolation within a compact footprint. This allows multiple potential regions to be carried on a single connection without requiring large physical distances.
Solution Approach 2:
The potential isolation unit changes the isolation parameter from spatial distance to electrical isolation characteristics. By using isolation circuits with high impedance barriers and galvanic separation, the system maintains isolation effectiveness without depending on physical dimensions. This parameter change enables compact connector design while maintaining proper isolation between different potential regions.
Data Source
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AI summary
A vacuum device comprises several modules, and each module includes a functional unit that performs a predefined function during operation of the vacuum device, as well as at least one communication unit configured to receive an input data set from another module and transmit it to the functional unit, and to receive an output data set from the functional unit and transmit it to another module. At least one of the modules of the vacuum device comprises two communication units. Both of these two communication units are configured to transmit the input data set to the other communication unit of the same module.