Heat Circulation Pump Terminal Box Integration

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing heating circulating pumps face challenges in reducing manufacturing and assembly costs while improving reliability and design uniformity, especially in large series production where small improvements can lead to significant savings.

Innovation Solution

The integration of a terminal box housing that overlaps or completely encases the stator housing, eliminating the need for separate machining and allowing for a unified, aesthetically appealing design that reduces parts and external dimensions, with snap connections for secure attachment and protection against moisture ingress.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If the terminal box housing is designed to overlap and encase the stator housing, then the manufacturing complexity is reduced and design uniformity is improved, but the device complexity increases due to the integrated structure

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing complexityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal box housing is merged with the stator housing to form an integrated structure where the terminal box housing overlaps and encases the stator housing. This combining of functions reduces the number of separate components and simplifies manufacturing processes while maintaining protective functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal box housing serves multiple functions: it provides electrical terminal housing, protects the stator housing, provides structural support, and contributes to the overall pump housing structure. This multi-functionality reduces the need for separate protective components.

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

2Reliability

If the terminal box housing completely encases the stator housing, then the protection against moisture ingress is improved, but the accessibility for maintenance and repair deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveprotection against moisture ingressVSAvoidaccessibility for maintenance and repair
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The terminal box housing is designed to overlap and partially encase the stator housing in a nested configuration. This allows the terminal box to provide protection while still permitting access to the stator housing through the overlapping region for maintenance and repair operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

3Manufacturing precision

If the stator housing is made as a separate metal casting, then the manufacturing precision is improved, but the manufacturing cost increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvemanufacturing precisionVSAvoidmanufacturing cost
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The housing structure utilizes composite construction where the terminal box housing and stator housing can be made from different materials optimized for their specific functions. This allows for cost-effective manufacturing while maintaining the precision requirements of the stator housing through the integrated design.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #40Composite materials

Data Source

PatentEP2500578B1Heat circulation pump
Publication Date: 2018.06.13 GRUNDFOS MANAGEMENT AS
  • EP2500578B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2500578B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2500578B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The heat circulation pump has a pump housing (1) having a pump impeller (4) which is driven by electric motors (6,7). A stator housing (8) has a flange that is provided on the pump housing. A junction box housing (15) for electrical connection of motors, is provided. The junction box housing is engaged over the stator housing from the side facing away from the pump side into the region of the flange.