Motor-Pump Unit Socket for Simplified Wiring and Impeller Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing motor pump units face complexity in connections and maintenance due to the need for high-quality, shielded cables for motor control devices, especially when using frequency converters, and lack a straightforward method to detect impeller issues before damage occurs.

Innovation Solution

A socket is interposed between the cover and carcass to house electrical connections and sensors, allowing the motor control device to be integrated within, with sealed connections to prevent humidity ingress, and using simpler wires, while a submersible cable with a rubber sheath provides humidity resistance, and sensors monitor impeller properties.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If the motor control device is located outside the housing, then the motor can operate, but complex shielded connections with high-quality insulated cables are required

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconnection complexityVSAvoidconnection quality
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The motor control device is integrated inside the housing, merging the control function with the motor assembly. This eliminates the need for external shielded cables and complex connections, while maintaining reliable control functionality through internal wiring.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

A cable conduit is introduced as an intermediary structure to guide and protect the cables between the motor control device and the motor. This simplifies the connection path and reduces the complexity of cable routing while maintaining connection quality.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Reliability

If no sensor is integrated, then the unit structure remains simple, but the generator cannot detect impeller issues before damage occurs

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedamage preventionVSAvoidunit structure
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The generator equips itself with diagnostic capabilities through integrated sensors. The sensor monitoring device enables the generator to self-detect impeller issues and automatically trigger shutdown sequences, allowing the system to monitor and protect itself without external intervention.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The sensor is positioned to detect impeller issues before they develop into serious damage. By monitoring vibrations or other parameters in advance, the system can initiate protective shutdown sequences proactively, preventing catastrophic failures rather than reacting after damage occurs.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If the cover is made deeper to house wire elements, then electrical connections can be integrated, but the housing volume increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveintegration simplicityVSAvoidhousing volume
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSVolume of stationary object

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of increasing the radial depth of the cover, the cable conduit extends the wiring path in a different spatial direction. This allows wire elements to be housed and routed externally through the conduit, maintaining a compact housing volume while achieving integrated electrical connections.

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

Data Source

PatentEP3775561B1Integrated motor-pump unit
Publication Date: 2023.06.07 KSB SAS
  • EP3775561B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3775561B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

In this motor-pump unit, comprising an impeller (1) surrounded by a volute (2) and mounted on the output shaft (3) of an electric motor (4) surrounded by a housing (5) closed on the side opposite the impeller (1) by a cover (6), an extension (7) is interposed between the cover (6) and the housing (5), and a sensor (11) for sensing a property of the impeller (1) is housed in the extension (7).