Vacuum Equipment User Interface With Programming-Free Functional Views

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Solution Overview

Problem

Conventional vacuum device control and display systems are limited in flexibility and require significant operating effort due to fixed display options and system-specific configurations, leading to increased complexity.

Innovation Solution

A user device with a central unit and interface that allows programming-free configurability of functional views, enabling adaptation to different vacuum devices and system configurations without modifying source code, and supports context-specific recognition and configuration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If conventional display and control devices are designed for connection of only one specific vacuum device type, then device complexity is reduced and manufacturing is simplified, but adaptability and versatility are severely limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadaptability to different vacuum device typesVSAvoidoperating complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control device is designed with a web interface that can universally connect to and control multiple types of vacuum devices through standardized communication protocols. The system can display and control different vacuum device types (pumps, gauges, chambers) using a single interface, eliminating the need for device-specific control units while maintaining full functionality for each device type.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

A web-based interface serves as an intermediary layer between the user and various vacuum devices. This mediator translates user commands into device-specific protocols and presents device data in a unified format, enabling flexible adaptation to different vacuum devices without increasing operating complexity for the user.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If fixed display options are provided in conventional control devices, then device complexity is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but operating flexibility and user-friendliness deteriorate

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperating flexibilityVSAvoidtechnical complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The display interface is designed to be dynamic and reconfigurable through web-based technologies. Users can customize display parameters, update frequency, and information hierarchy according to their specific needs. The interface can adapt its structure and content based on the connected vacuum device type and user preferences, providing operating flexibility without requiring complex hardware modifications.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The control device allows users to modify display parameters such as update rates, information density, and presentation format through software configuration. These parameter changes enable the same hardware to serve multiple operational scenarios, improving ease of operation while avoiding the need for multiple fixed-display device variants.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If programming is required to adapt control devices to different application scenarios, then manufacturing precision and reliability are maintained, but ease of operation and productivity are reduced due to significant setup effort

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesetup timeVSAvoiduser-friendliness
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control device automatically detects the connected vacuum device type and configures appropriate display and control parameters without requiring user programming. The web interface includes automatic device recognition and setup routines that adapt the system to the specific application scenario, dramatically reducing setup time while maintaining reliability through automated configuration rather than manual programming.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system includes pre-configured templates and profiles for common vacuum device types and application scenarios. During setup, the device automatically selects and applies appropriate pre-configured settings, eliminating the need for users to program from scratch. This preliminary preparation of configuration options maintains reliability while significantly improving setup efficiency and user-friendliness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3620662B1User equipment of a vacuum apparatus
Publication Date: 2025.08.13 PFEIFFER VACUUM GMBH
  • EP3620662B1 patent drawingFigure 1

AI summary

User device for at least one vacuum device, in particular for at least one vacuum pump, a vacuum gauge, a vacuum analyzer, a leak detector and/or a vacuum valve, with a central unit for user interaction with at least one vacuum device and with at least one interface for establishing a data connection between the central unit and a vacuum device, wherein the central unit has a display and/or input device for displaying at least one function view with at least one function object and wherein the at least one function view is configurable without programming.