Motor Pump Speed Adjustment via Integrated Slide Switch

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Solution Overview

Problem

Centrifugal motor pumps require additional technical effort and space for adjusting the electric motor speed using rotary switches, which complicates handling and increases costs.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a sliding switch or plug contact near the electrical connections allows for speed adjustment of the electric motor with reduced technical effort, using a cable plug to cover the connections, eliminating the need for connecting cables and minimizing space requirements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary switch is used to adjust motor speed, then speed adjustment capability is achieved, but device complexity and space requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed adjustment capabilityVSAvoidtechnical effort and space
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the speed adjustment switch with the electrical connection terminal box, integrating the switching mechanism into the existing connection structure. This merging eliminates the need for separate speed control components, thereby reducing device complexity and space requirements while maintaining speed adjustment functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal box is designed to serve multiple functions: it provides electrical connections for power supply and simultaneously houses the speed adjustment switch. This multi-functionality approach allows the same structural element to perform both connection and control tasks, reducing the overall number of components needed.

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

2Adaptability or versatility

If a rotary switch is used for speed adjustment, then speed control is enabled, but manufacturing costs and material costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvespeed controlVSAvoidmanufacturing costs and material costs
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

By integrating the speed adjustment switch into the terminal box structure, the patent reduces the total number of discrete components that need to be manufactured and assembled. This consolidation lowers material costs and simplifies the manufacturing process while maintaining full speed control functionality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

3Ease of operation

If electrical connections are exposed for cable attachment, then cable connectivity is achieved, but external shocks and interference increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecable accessibilityVSAvoidexternal shocks and interference
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSObject-affected harmful factors

Solution Approach 1:

The cable connections are nested within the enclosed terminal box structure, which provides mechanical protection against external shocks and environmental interference. The switch mechanism is also integrated within this protective enclosure, allowing accessibility while maintaining protection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #7Nested doll (Nesting)

Solution Approach 2:

The terminal box enclosure serves as a protective barrier that cushions the electrical connections and switch mechanisms from external shocks and interference before these harmful factors can affect the sensitive components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #11Beforehand cushioning (Prior cushioning)

Data Source

PatentEP2161456B1Motor pump with rotation speed adjustment
Publication Date: 2018.03.07 WILO SE
  • EP2161456B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2161456B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

The pump has a set of electrical contacts (4a) arranged at an electric motor (1) and accessed from an outer side, where a cable connector is fastened on the electrical contacts. A slide switch (7) or a plug contact is fastened or close to the electrical contacts, where the plug contact adjusts the number of revolutions of the electric motor. The cable connector covers the electrical contacts and the slide switch or the plug contact. The slide switch or the plug contact is directly arranged at a connector block of the motor.