Configurable Pump Base Plate With Adjustable Motor Mounting

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing industrial pump systems require unique base plates for each combination of pump, motor, and coupling, leading to hundreds of unique designs, increased costs, and engineering errors due to one-time use part numbers and complex inventory management.

Innovation Solution

A configurable base plate system that uses standardized parts, modular design, and adjustable components such as slotted motor adapters and jackscrew lugs to accommodate various pump, motor, and coupling configurations, reducing the need for custom designs and simplifying maintenance.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If unique base plates are designed for each pump/motor/coupling combination, then the system can accommodate specific service requirements, but the number of unique designs increases to hundreds, increasing costs and engineering errors

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveaccommodation of specific service requirementsVSAvoidnumber of unique base plate designs

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The base plate is designed with multiple mounting configurations and adjustable features that allow it to serve multiple pump/motor/coupling combinations. The base plate includes various mounting patterns and adjustment mechanisms that enable it to accommodate different service requirements without requiring unique designs for each combination.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate system is divided into modular components including the base plate, motor adapter, and mounting hardware. These segmented components can be independently selected and configured to match different pump/motor/coupling combinations, reducing the need for completely unique base plate designs for each application.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If unique base plates are designed for each combination, then specific configurations are supported, but inventory management becomes complex and costs increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesupport for different pump/motor/coupling combinationsVSAvoidinventory complexity and part numbers

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSQuantity of substance

Solution Approach 1:

A small inventory of standardized base plates with universal mounting capabilities replaces the need to stock hundreds of unique base plate designs. The universal base plates can be configured to support different pump/motor/coupling combinations through adjustable mounting mechanisms and interchangeable components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The base plate system incorporates adjustable and reconfigurable mounting features that allow dynamic adaptation to different configurations. This enables a single base plate design to serve multiple purposes through mechanical adjustment rather than requiring multiple static designs in inventory.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #15Dynamics

3Manufacturing precision

If custom base plates are manufactured for each combination, then precise fit is achieved, but manufacturing costs and lead times increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvefit accuracy for specific combinationsVSAvoidmanufacturing cost and complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

Manufacturing precisionVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The system separates the base plate from the application-specific adaptation components. The base plate itself is a standardized, easily manufactured component, while the motor adapters and mounting hardware provide the configuration-specific precision fit. This segmentation allows the base plate to be mass-produced economically while maintaining precise fit through the modular components.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Motor adapters serve as intermediary components between the standardized base plate and the specific motor/coupling combinations. These adapters provide the precise fit and configuration-specific features without requiring the base plate itself to be custom-manufactured for each combination, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

4Stability of the object's composition

If maintenance requires disassembly of unique base plates, then specific configurations are maintained, but reassembly and future maintenance become more difficult

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconfiguration integrityVSAvoidmaintenance and reassembly difficulty

Core Design Contradiction:

Stability of the object's compositionVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The segmented modular design allows maintenance personnel to work with individual components (motor adapters, mounting hardware) rather than the entire base plate assembly. This makes disassembly and reassembly during maintenance simpler and more manageable while preserving the overall configuration integrity through the standardized interfaces between modules.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentUS20250075844A1Configurable base plate system for industrial pumps

Publication Date: 2025.03.06 CORNELL PUMP COMPANY LLC

AI summary

Systems and methods described herein provide a configurable base plate for industrial pump configurations, including different combinations of pump, motor, and coupling types. Slotted motor adapters allow for axial adjustment of the motor position, and movable threaded mounting lugs lock in the motor position for ease of future maintenance, replacement, disassembly, and repeated reassembly. A single adjustable coupling guard is compatible with a variety of pump, coupling, and motor configurations that fit on the base plate.