Fluid Circulation Pump Non-Intrusive Pressure Measurement

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fluid circulation pumps in hydraulic installations face issues with compactness, sensor protection during assembly and maintenance, external electrical connectors, and intrusive pressure measurement methods, which affect the pump's compactness and sensor durability.

Innovation Solution

A fluid circulation pump design with an electronic control system that measures pressure without direct contact, using sensors to detect displacement or deformation of movable parts within a sealed chamber, and communicates pressure values via a communication bus for external control integration.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Measurement precision

If sensors are installed in the internal environment of the boiler or on pipes to measure pressure, then pressure measurement capability is achieved, but the compactness of the circulation pump is negatively impacted and additional external electrical connectors are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement capabilityVSAvoidcompactness of circulation pump
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent merges the pressure measurement function directly into the pump body by utilizing the sealed chamber formed by the carrier tube, casing, and closing wall. The sensor is integrated within this chamber to detect displacement of the closing wall, eliminating the need for separate external sensors and connectors, thereby maintaining compactness while achieving pressure measurement capability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces the closing wall as an intermediary element that transmits pressure information from the circulation zone to the sensor. The wall deforms under fluid pressure, and this deformation is detected by the sensor without requiring direct sensor contact with the fluid or external installations, thus preserving pump compactness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Measurement precision

If sensors are installed on pipes or in the boiler internal environment, then pressure measurement is achieved, but additional assembly operations and external electrical connectors are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement capabilityVSAvoidassembly operations and external connectors
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The pressure measurement system is merged with the pump body structure. The sensor is positioned within the sealed chamber formed by existing pump components (carrier tube, casing, closing wall), eliminating the need for separate external sensor installations and additional assembly operations on pipes or boiler components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The pump body structure itself serves the dual purpose of housing the motor and enabling pressure measurement. The sealed chamber and closing wall are integral parts of the pump assembly that automatically provide the measurement interface, making the system self-sufficient and reducing external dependencies.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Measurement precision

If sensors come into contact with the fluid by drilling through pipes, then direct pressure measurement is achieved, but the sensor becomes susceptible to damage from assembly or maintenance operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedirect pressure measurementVSAvoidsensor durability during assembly and maintenance
Core Design Contradiction:
Measurement precisionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The closing wall acts as a protective intermediary between the sensor and the circulating fluid. The wall transmits pressure information to the sensor through controlled deformation while shielding the sensor from direct fluid contact and potential damage during assembly or maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is extracted from the direct fluid environment and placed within the sealed chamber. This extraction protects the sensor from fluid exposure and mechanical damage while maintaining pressure measurement capability through non-contact detection of wall deformation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

4Loss of information

If wired cabling technology is used for sensor connection, then sensor information can be transmitted, but the volume occupied by external electrical connectors increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor information transmissionVSAvoidvolume occupied by external connectors
Core Design Contradiction:
Loss of informationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The electrical connection system is merged with the pump body structure. The sensor is electrically connected to the electronic control unit through integrated wiring within the sealed chamber, eliminating the need for bulky external electrical connectors and reducing overall device volume.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

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

The solution enhances pump compactness, protects sensors, reduces external connectors, and enables non-intrusive pressure measurement, allowing for efficient and reliable fluid circulation monitoring within hydraulic installations.

Implementation Method 1

capable of measuring, directly or indirectly, a displacement or deformation of said determined part (24a, 32), without contact with a fluid circulating in the circulation zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectDisplacement detection: Displacement

Implementation Method 2

an element of which at least a determined part (24a, 32) is capable of deforming or moving under the effect of the pressure exerted by a fluid circulating in the circulation zone

Methodology Applied
Scientific EffectPressure-induced deformation: Deformation

Data Source

PatentEP3530950B1Fluid circulation pump with non-intrusive pressure measurement
Publication Date: 2021.04.14 WILO INTEC
  • EP3530950B1 patent drawingFigure 1~2

AI summary

The invention relates to a fluid circulation pump, comprising a body having a fluid circulation zone from a suction opening to a discharge opening, and an electric motor 24 controlled by an electronic controller 22, and comprising a fixed part 30 including a stator 24b housed in a casing 31 integral with the body, and a moving part 20 including a rotor housed in a closed carrier tube 24a and in a sealed connection with a wall 32 closing the casing. The casing, the tube, and the wall define a sealed chamber comprising a deformable or displaceable element 24a, 32 under the pressure of the fluid circulating in the circulation zone. In the chamber, a sensor 40 connected to the controller allows for the measurement of a displacement or deformation of the element, without contact with the fluid.