Multi-Axis Electronics Housing Cover for Pump Maintenance Access

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing electronics enclosures for rotary machines, such as pumps, require complex opening mechanisms that risk damaging connecting cables and are not easily accessible for maintenance due to space constraints, necessitating either incomplete removal or disconnection of cables.

Innovation Solution

A multi-point hinge system with at least two pivot axes, allowing a large pivot range and translational movement, enables the housing cover to be opened fully without tools and securely held in place, maintaining cable connections intact.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a removable cover is used for the electronics enclosure, then accessibility for maintenance is improved, but connecting cables may be damaged during removal

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveaccessibility for maintenanceVSAvoidcable connection integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is divided into multiple hinge elements (first hinge element and second hinge element) with separate pivot axes, allowing the cover to be segmented in its movement path. This enables the cover to be opened without completely detaching it, preventing cable damage while maintaining accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge system transitions from a static fixed connection to a dynamic multi-axis pivoting mechanism. The cover can dynamically adjust its position through multiple pivot axes, enabling it to be opened to various angles including placing it on top of the housing body without forcing cable connections.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

2Ease of operation

If the cover is completely removed from the housing body, then accessibility is maximized, but cable disconnection is required

Engineering Contradiction:
ImproveaccessibilityVSAvoidcable disconnection procedure
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge connection is segmented into multiple pivot axes, allowing the cover to be partially detached and repositioned without complete removal. This enables maintenance access while keeping the cable connections intact through the housing body.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The multi-point hinge acts as an intermediary mechanism between the cover and housing body. It mediates the transition from closed to open state, allowing the cover to be placed on top of the housing body as an intermediate position, eliminating the need for complete removal and cable disconnection.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Device complexity

If a simple hinge is used, then device complexity is reduced, but the cover cannot be completely removed or set aside

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehinge mechanism simplicityVSAvoidcover removal capability
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The hinge is segmented into multiple hinge elements with separate pivot axes. This segmentation allows the cover to be detached and repositioned on top of the housing body, providing complete removal capability while maintaining a relatively simple mechanical structure.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge mechanism adds another dimension of movement by introducing multiple pivot axes. This allows the cover to move not only in the traditional hinge axis but also to be repositioned in three-dimensional space, enabling it to be placed on top of the housing body.

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

4Area of stationary object

If display and control elements are integrated into the housing cover, then space is saved and accessibility is improved, but cable damage risk increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenclosure spaceVSAvoidcable connection integrity
Core Design Contradiction:
Area of stationary objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The integrated cover with display and control elements is connected through a dynamic multi-axis hinge system. This allows the cover to be opened and repositioned without forcing cable connections, maintaining reliability while keeping the elements integrated for space efficiency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The hinge connection is segmented into multiple pivot axes, allowing the integrated cover to be detached and repositioned without damaging cables. This maintains the space-saving integration while preventing cable damage during maintenance operations.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4651650A1Electronics housing for a rotary machine and rotary machine, in particular pump, having such an electronics housing
Publication Date: 2025.11.19 KSB SE & CO KGAA
  • EP4651650A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4651650A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4b
  • EP4651650A1 patent drawingFigure 5a~7

AI summary

The invention relates to an electronics housing for a rotary machine, in particular for a pump, comprising a housing body and a housing cover which is pivotably attached to the housing body by means of at least one hinge, characterized in that the at least one hinge is a multiple hinge with at least two pivot axes and the housing cover can be placed against a surface of the housing body in the open state, so that the housing cover remains in its position in the open end position.