Vacuum Pump Feedthrough Tolerance Compensation

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Solution Overview

Problem

The existing connection methods for power feedthrough in vacuum pumps are complex and costly due to the susceptibility of glass encapsulation to mechanical stress, requiring flexible lines that complicate assembly and increase manufacturing expenses.

Innovation Solution

A drive and control device with a vacuum-tight power feedthrough using plug contacts connected via a second current conductor, where the plug contact is directly connected to the current bushing and secured via a connecting web, allowing for a simple and cost-effective connection that compensates for tolerances without introducing forces into the feedthrough.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If a flexible line is used to connect the current bushing to the control device, then the glass encapsulation is protected from mechanical stress, but the assembly complexity and manufacturing cost increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of glass encapsulationVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connection system into two independent parts: a rigid plug contact integrated with the control device and a separate socket in the current bushing. This segmentation eliminates the need for flexible lines while allowing independent positioning and assembly, thus simplifying the overall structure and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the plug contact and the socket. This magnetic intermediary enables electrical connection and mechanical positioning without direct physical contact, eliminating the need for flexible cables and simplifying the connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If a flexible line is used to connect the current bushing to the control device, then the glass encapsulation is protected from mechanical stress, but the manufacturing cost increases due to manual assembly requirements

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection of glass encapsulationVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the connection system into two independent parts: a rigid plug contact integrated with the control device and a separate socket in the current bushing. This segmentation eliminates the need for flexible lines while allowing independent positioning and assembly, thus simplifying the overall structure and reducing assembly complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a magnetic coupling mechanism as an intermediary between the plug contact and the socket. This magnetic intermediary enables electrical connection and mechanical positioning without direct physical contact, eliminating the need for flexible cables and simplifying the connection structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If pins are rigidly connected to the control device, then the connection is simple and cost-effective, but mechanical stress damages the glass encapsulation due to tolerances

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection simplicityVSAvoidintegrity of glass encapsulation
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The patent changes the mechanical parameters of the connection system by introducing magnetic coupling forces. This allows the plug contact to be attracted to the socket with controlled force, enabling simple rigid connection geometry while compensating for manufacturing tolerances through magnetic force adjustment, thus protecting the glass encapsulation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Solution Approach 2:

The patent applies preliminary magnetic attraction forces to pre-position the plug contact and socket before final mechanical engagement. This preliminary anti-action prevents excessive forces from damaging the glass encapsulation during assembly by establishing a gentle guiding force that accommodates tolerances.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #9Preliminary anti-action

Data Source

PatentEP3069026B1Driving and control device for a vacuum pump, vacuum pump, and method for producing a control circuit board for a vacuum pump
Publication Date: 2019.06.19 LEYBOLD AG
  • EP3069026B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3069026B1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3069026B1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

In a separating wall (16), which separates a vacuum region (18) from a region (20) under atmospheric pressure, pins (24) are provided as a current lead-through. The pins (24) are cast in, for example, glass (26). According to the invention, a plug-in contact (28) is arranged on a separate carrier plate (30) in order to prevent force or stresses, which can occur in particular because of tolerances, from being introduced into the glass. The carrier plate (30) is connected to the control device (12) by means of a flexible cable (32).