Eccentric Screw Pump State Detection via Rotor-Mounted Sensors

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Solution Overview

Problem

Eccentric screw pumps face challenges in reliably detecting wear and operating states that lead to increased wear, leading to potential failures and prolonged downtime, especially due to complex sensor arrangements and indirect detection methods that are not effective in preventing wear.

Innovation Solution

A state sensor is disposed directly on the rotor or driveshaft, or connected via a signal line, allowing for direct detection of physical variables such as temperature, pressure, and vibration, enabling real-time monitoring and control of the eccentric screw pump's operating state, thereby preventing wear through targeted adjustments.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If sensors are arranged indirectly to detect operating state, then device complexity is reduced, but measurement precision deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesensor arrangement complexityVSAvoidwear detection accuracy

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSMeasurement precision

Solution Approach 1:

The patent uses the rotor or driveshaft as an intermediary carrier to hold the state sensor, enabling direct measurement of physical variables at the source of wear while simplifying the overall sensor arrangement. The sensor detects variables like temperature, pressure, or vibration directly on rotating components, eliminating complex indirect detection systems.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If state sensor is disposed directly on rotor or driveshaft, then measurement precision improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvestate variable detection accuracyVSAvoidsensor mounting complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor or driveshaft serves multiple functions: it performs its primary mechanical function of conveying the medium while simultaneously serving as a mounting platform for the state sensor. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate sensor mounting structures and simplifies the overall device complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The state sensor is nested within or on the rotor/driveshaft structure, utilizing the existing rotational component as a carrier. This nesting approach eliminates the need for separate sensor housings and mounting mechanisms, reducing device complexity while maintaining direct measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Device complexity

If complex sensor arrangements are used for indirect detection, then device complexity is reduced, but reliability deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedetection system complexityVSAvoidwear prediction reliability

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

By using the rotor or driveshaft as an intermediary, the patent places the sensor directly at the source of wear, eliminating the need for complex indirect detection arrangements. This direct measurement approach significantly improves reliability by capturing accurate real-time data from the critical components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Productivity

If direct detection of physical variables is implemented, then productivity improves through proactive maintenance, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemaintenance efficiencyVSAvoidsensor system complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The rotor or driveshaft serves dual purposes: mechanical operation and sensor mounting. This eliminates the need for separate sensor mounting structures, reducing device complexity while enabling direct detection of physical variables for proactive maintenance and improved productivity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

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 approach allows for more accurate and spontaneous control of the eccentric screw pump, reducing wear and downtime by directly detecting critical state variables, minimizing the influence of conveying medium parameters, and enabling proactive maintenance.

Implementation Method 1

detecting physical variables such as temperature, pressure, and vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectTemperature detection:

Implementation Method 2

detecting physical variables such as temperature, pressure, and vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectPressure detection:

Implementation Method 3

detecting physical variables such as temperature, pressure, and vibration

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectVibration detection:

Data Source

PatentUS20230265846A1State detection on eccentric screw pumps

Publication Date: 2023.08.24 VOGELSANG GMBH & CO KG

AI summary

An eccentric screw pump hasa pump housing having a pump inlet opening and a pump outlet opening, a stator disposed in the pump housing, a rotor disposed in the stator, a drive unit comprising a drive motor and a driveshaft which for transmitting a torque connects the drive motor to the rotor, wherein the rotor for a rotating movement about a rotating axle is guided in the stator, a state sensor for detecting a state variable of the eccentric screw pump, where the state sensor, for detecting a state variable on the rotor or on the driveshaft, is disposed on the rotor or the driveshaft, or is connected to the rotor or the driveshaft by means of a signal line and is disposed so as to be spaced apart from the rotor or the driveshaft.