Vacuum Pump Printed Circuit Board Feedthrough
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pumps face challenges with complex and space-consuming hermetically sealed connectors for routing electrical signals between the interior and exterior, which are prone to assembly errors and do not allow for a flexible design, especially as the size and functionality of vacuum pumps increase.
Innovation Solution
The use of a printed circuit board as a separating element between the interior and environment allows for more flexible and error-resistant electrical signal routing, with features like drilled holes for pins, hermetically sealed plugs, and multi-layer boards with surface connectors to ensure vacuum tightness and simplify assembly.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a hermetically sealed plug with pins is used to route electrical signals between the interior and exterior of the vacuum pump, then electrical connection is established, but the structure becomes complicated and requires a large amount of space
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the electrical connection function and vacuum sealing function into a single integrated printed circuit board structure. The circuit board itself serves as the vacuum-tight barrier, eliminating the need for separate hermetically sealed plugs and pins, thus reducing structural complexity while maintaining both electrical connectivity and vacuum integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the mechanical pin-and-socket connector system with an integrated printed circuit board design. Instead of using separate mechanical components for electrical connection and vacuum sealing, the circuit board provides both functions through its structure and soldered connections, simplifying the overall system.
2Reliability
If a hermetically sealed plug on the vacuum pump housing is used, then vacuum tightness is maintained, but assembly becomes error-prone and space consumption increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent merges the vacuum sealing function with the electrical connection function into a single printed circuit board assembly. The circuit board is directly mounted to seal against the vacuum housing, combining what were previously separate components (sealing plug + electrical connector) into one integrated unit, thereby reducing assembly steps and potential errors.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent extracts the hermetically sealed plug from the vacuum pump housing and replaces it with a printed circuit board that provides both sealing and electrical connection functions. This extraction eliminates the complex multi-component sealing assembly and replaces it with a simpler, more reliable circuit board-based solution.
3Adaptability or versatility
If electronic components are arranged inside the vacuum pump interior, then functionality is extended, but the number of components operating under negative pressure increases
Solution Approach 1:
The printed circuit board acts as an intermediary that allows electrical signals and power to be transmitted to components inside the vacuum chamber without requiring those components to be fully sealed or operated under vacuum. The board itself provides the vacuum barrier, enabling components to be mounted on its outer surface while maintaining vacuum integrity.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent utilizes the third dimension by mounting electronic components on the outer surface of the printed circuit board rather than inside the vacuum chamber. This spatial arrangement allows components to functionally serve the vacuum pump while remaining outside the negative pressure environment, reducing the quantity of vacuum-operated components.
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
This solution reduces the risk of assembly errors, minimizes the number of electronic components under negative pressure, and enables a more compact design by allowing for flexible signal routing and additional functions on the circuit board without the need for complex internal wiring, enhancing the overall system's efficiency and reliability.
Implementation Method 1
A simple and secure seal can be achieved by arranging an elastomer ring in the gap between the separating element and the housing
Implementation Method 2
A technically simple and inexpensive solution is to drill through the printed circuit board, insert pins into these holes and solder. A vacuum-tight feedthrough is guaranteed by the soldering.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a vacuum pump (1) arranged in an environment, comprising a housing (2), an interior (8), and a drive unit (11) which includes electronic circuits (16) for controlling electronic and electrical components (9) arranged in the interior (8), wherein a vacuum is maintained in the interior, and a separating element that separates the interior from the environment. To simplify and increase the flexibility of routing the electrical signals to the control unit, it is proposed that the separating element comprise a printed circuit board (10) which has means (12) for conducting electrical currents and voltages into the interior.