Modular Pumping Assembly Logistics via Segmented Base Design

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current pumping assemblies with multiple electric pumps require individual preassembly, leading to inefficient storage, transportation, and installation due to large space occupation, lack of modularity, and increased costs, as well as cumbersome connection processes and long installation times.

Innovation Solution

A pumping assembly with a base featuring one or more footings and manifolds for fluidic connection between electric pumps, allowing for easy assembly and configuration at the installation site, reducing storage and shipping space, and enabling greater modularity and versatility by using a single type of electric pump with varying bases and configurations.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of manufacture

If multiple electric pumps are preassembled into pumping assemblies at the factory, then the pumping assembly is ready for installation, but the storage space required increases significantly and logistics management becomes complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvereadiness for installationVSAvoidstorage space
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of manufactureVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the pumping assembly into separate modular components: individual electric pumps, bases, and connection manifolds. These segmented components can be stored separately in compact form and assembled on-site, dramatically reducing storage volume requirements compared to preassembled units while maintaining installation readiness.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The base and manifolds are pre-configured with connection interfaces and positioning features, while electric pumps are pre-inspected and tagged. This preliminary preparation of individual components enables rapid assembly on-site without requiring fully preassembled units, thus reducing storage needs while maintaining ease of installation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

2Adaptability or versatility

If multiple electric pumps are individually preassembled and stored, then they can be installed as needed, but the logistics management complexity increases due to multiple codes and configurations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidlogistics management
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

A universal base design with standardized connection interfaces and manifold configurations serves multiple pump arrangements and flow rate requirements. This single base type can accommodate different numbers and configurations of electric pumps, eliminating the need for multiple specialized codes while maintaining configuration flexibility.

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of creating different pump assemblies for various configurations, the system uses a single base design where parameters such as flow rate and capacity are adjusted by changing the number, size, or arrangement of electric pumps connected to the universal base, rather than creating entirely different assembly codes.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If preassembled pumping assemblies are shipped to the installation site, then installation can proceed immediately, but the transportation space required increases and shipping costs rise

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation speedVSAvoidtransport volume
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

By shipping individual electric pumps, bases, and manifolds separately rather than as preassembled units, the transportation volume is significantly reduced. Components can be packed in compact, space-efficient manner and assembled on-site, maintaining installation speed while reducing transport requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Smaller components such as electric pumps and manifolds can be nested within or alongside each other during transportation, maximizing space utilization. The modular nature allows components to be compactly packaged and assembled on-site, reducing overall transport volume while maintaining productivity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

4Ease of operation

If the pumping assembly is disassembled to pass through narrow spaces, then it can be installed in confined locations, but the installation time increases due to disassembly and reassembly operations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveinstallation accessibilityVSAvoidinstallation time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The modular segmented design allows the pumping assembly to be easily disassembled into individual components for navigation through narrow spaces and then rapidly reassembled on-site. The standardized connection interfaces enable quick assembly operations, minimizing the time loss associated with disassembly and reassembly while maintaining accessibility in confined locations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP3879110A1Pumping assembly with logistics management, electric pump and base for such a pumping assembly
Publication Date: 2021.09.15 DAB PUMPS SPA
  • EP3879110A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1b
  • EP3879110A1 patent drawingFigure 1c~2
  • EP3879110A1 patent drawingFigure 3a~3b

AI summary

A pumping assembly (10, 110, 210) comprising: - a base (11, 111, 211) provided with one or more footings (13), - one or more electric pumps (12), each associated with one of the one or more footings (13), - two manifolds (14a, 14b), the manifolds being a first delivery manifold (14a) and a second intake manifold (14b), the pumping assembly (10, 110, 210) being characterized in that it comprises means for fluidic connection between two or more of the electric pumps (12).