Vacuum Pump PCB Integrated Valve for Compact Design
Find Innovative SolutionsGenerate Solutions
Solution Overview
Problem
Existing vacuum pumps face challenges in reducing installation space, simplifying electrical connections, and enhancing robustness while maintaining effective ventilation and sealing capabilities.
Innovation Solution
Integrating a vacuum component, such as a miniature valve or measuring device, onto a printed circuit board within the vacuum pump housing, which serves as both an electrical feedthrough and a separating element between the interior and exterior spaces, allowing for a fluid connection that reduces installation space and simplifies wiring, while providing protection for the vacuum device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a valve is attached directly to the housing, then ventilation and sealing capabilities are achieved, but installation space increases and device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines the valve with the printed circuit board into an integrated component. The valve is mounted on the circuit board rather than being a separate attachment to the housing, merging two components into one unified structure that reduces overall installation space while maintaining ventilation and sealing functions.
Solution Approach 2:
The printed circuit board serves multiple functions: it provides electrical connections, structural support, and serves as a mounting platform for the valve. This multi-functionality allows the valve to be integrated onto the board without requiring additional space for separate mounting structures.
2Reliability
If separate wiring is used for the vacuum component, then electrical connections are established, but device complexity increases and installation space increases
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical connections for the valve are integrated directly into the printed circuit board. The valve's electrical contacts are soldered or connected to traces on the circuit board, eliminating the need for separate wiring harnesses, connectors, and insulation materials, thereby reducing device complexity and installation space.
3Ease of operation
If the vacuum component is exposed, then ventilation access is maximized, but robustness and protection are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The valve is nested within the housing structure by mounting it on the internal printed circuit board. The circuit board itself is positioned within the housing, creating a nested arrangement where the valve is protected by the housing walls while still maintaining functional access for ventilation through designated openings in the housing.
Data Source
Figure 1
Figure 2
Figure 3
AI summary
A vacuum device, in particular a vacuum pump, turbomolecular pump or vacuum assembly, comprises a housing that surrounds at least one interior space in which a vacuum can be generated and that separates the interior space from an exterior space, in particular the atmosphere, and at least one printed circuit board that is arranged in or on the housing, wherein at least one vacuum component through which fluid can flow is located on or on the printed circuit board, and a fluid connection that communicates with the interior space and/or the exterior space is guided through the vacuum component.