Eccentric Screw Pump Stator Clamping Automation

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Solution Overview

Problem

Eccentric screw pumps face challenges in efficient adjustment and clamping, requiring manual retensioning which is time-consuming and inefficient, especially under changing operating conditions.

Innovation Solution

The integration of actuators connected to a control device that automates the retensioning and adjustment of the stator in the eccentric screw pump, allowing for real-time optimization based on operating parameters and status information, such as power consumption, back pressure, and volume flow, using electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic drives.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If manual retensioning of the stator is used, then the pump can be adjusted after wear, but the process is time-consuming and inefficient

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment capabilityVSAvoidretensioning time
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces manual mechanical adjustment with an automated actuation system. The actuator (electric, hydraulic, or pneumatic) automatically adjusts the position of the shell segments and stator, eliminating the need for manual retensioning operations while maintaining the adaptation capability after wear.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump system performs its own adjustment automatically through the integrated actuator and control device. The control device monitors operating parameters and autonomously actuates the shell segments to maintain optimal stator tension, making the system self-adjusting without external manual intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Productivity

If automated actuators are integrated for stator positioning, then adjustment efficiency is improved, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveadjustment efficiencyVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The actuator serves multiple functions: it positions the shell segments, adjusts stator tension, and can compensate for wear. The control device integrates monitoring of multiple parameters (power consumption, back pressure, volume flow) and coordinates the adjustment process, making the added complexity serve multiple purposes rather than adding unnecessary complexity.

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

3Reliability

If the stator is clamped with shell segments, then the stator can be securely held, but adjustment and retensioning becomes more complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvestator clampingVSAvoidclamping device complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The clamping device transitions from a static fixed clamping arrangement to a dynamic adjustable system. The shell segments can be actively positioned by the actuator to adjust clamping force and stator tension, allowing the system to adapt to different operating conditions and wear states while maintaining secure clamping.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

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 enables continuous optimization of pump efficiency, reduces starting and operating torques, and extends the service life by automatically adjusting the stator tension, ensuring optimal performance under varying conditions.

Implementation Method 1

The integration of actuators connected to a control device that automates the retensioning and adjustment of the stator in the eccentric screw pump

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectMechanical Force: Mechanical Force

Implementation Method 2

at least one stator (1) made of an elastic material... the stator or the stator half-shells rest with end sealing surfaces against corresponding sealing surfaces

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectElasticity: Elasticity

Data Source

PatentEP3189237B1Eccentric screw pump
Publication Date: 2019.09.18 SEEPEX GMBH
  • EP3189237B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3189237B1 patent drawingFigure 2~3
  • EP3189237B1 patent drawingFigure 4~5

AI summary

The invention relates to an eccentric screw pump comprising at least one stator (1) made from an elastic material and a rotor (2) that is rotatable in the stator (1), wherein at least some regions of the stator (1) are surrounded by a stator casing (3), and the stator casing (3), as a casing split along its length, consists of at least two casing segments (19) and forms a stator clamping device by means of which the stator can be clamped against the rotor (2) in the radial direction, wherein the stator clamping device has one or more movable adjusting elements which work on the casing segments (19) to adjust and clamp the stator. Said pump is characterised in that the stator clamping device comprises one or more actuators which are connected to the adjusting elements or are equipped with adjusting elements for an automated advancement of the stator.