Heat Circulation Pump Axial Plug Offset

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Solution Overview

Problem

Heating circulating pumps face challenges in reducing manufacturing and assembly costs while improving reliability, with existing designs often having inefficient use of space around the terminal box and motor housing connections.

Innovation Solution

The solution involves arranging the electrical plug connection axially offset from the terminal box and adjacent to the motor housing, allowing it to lie flat and within the pump housing's outer contour, with snap connections for easy assembly and reduced bulkiness, and incorporating additional plugs for sensors or external controls in a compact, accessible manner.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the plug or socket is arranged in the area of the terminal box, then the electrical connection is integrated, but the plug-in connection protrudes radially beyond the pump housing outer contour

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration of electrical connectionVSAvoidprotrusion beyond outer contour
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSShape

Solution Approach 1:

The plug or socket is relocated from the terminal box area to an axial offset position adjacent to the motor housing. This dimensional repositioning moves the electrical connection from a radial arrangement (protruding beyond the pump housing outer contour) to an axial arrangement (within the outer contour), resolving the contradiction between integration and shape compliance.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

2Shape

If the plug or socket is arranged axially offset from the terminal box adjacent to the motor housing, then the plug-in connection lies within the outer contour, but the electrical connection is less integrated

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecompactness within outer contourVSAvoidintegration of electrical connection
Core Design Contradiction:
ShapeVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The plug or socket is positioned in the unused radial area between the motor housing and pump housing, merging the electrical connection arrangement with the existing structural layout. This utilizes the naturally occurring space between components, maintaining integration without requiring additional housing modifications or protruding elements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If the plug-in connection is arranged radially protruding, then it is easily accessible, but it increases the overall footprint of the pump

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility of plug-in connectionVSAvoidfootprint of pump
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSArea of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The plug-in connection is repositioned from a radial arrangement (protruding outward) to an axial arrangement (aligned with the pump axis). This dimensional change allows the connection to be accessed from the axial direction while remaining within the pump's radial footprint, effectively reducing the overall footprint without sacrificing accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

4Adaptability or versatility

If additional plugs for sensors or external controls are added, then the pump functionality is enhanced, but the device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvefunctionality with sensors and controlsVSAvoidnumber of plug connections
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The axially offset plug or socket arrangement adjacent to the motor housing serves as a universal connection point that can accommodate various electrical connections including power supply, sensors, and external controls. This single location can support multiple functions through different plug configurations, enhancing versatility without proportionally increasing device complexity.

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

Data Source

PatentEP2500575B2Heat circulation pump
Publication Date: 2022.05.25 GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT AS
  • EP2500575B2 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP2500575B2 patent drawingFigure 3
  • EP2500575B2 patent drawingFigure 4

AI summary

The invention relates to a heating circulating pump with a pump housing (1) with a pump impeller arranged therein, which is driven by an electric motor arranged in a motor housing (8) axially adjoining the pump housing (1), with a terminal box (12) axially adjoining the motor housing (8) for receiving electrical and/or electronic components of the motor control and with a plug or socket (34) of an electrical connector for electrical connection arranged on the outside of the terminal box (12), wherein the plug or socket (34) is arranged axially offset to the terminal box (12) and adjacent to the motor housing (8).