Pump Bottom Plate Venting Structure for Condensate Prevention
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing multi-functional closure bottom plates for centrifugal electric pumps are costly to produce and inefficient in preventing water condensation due to non-homogeneous air circulation, which can damage electromechanical components.
Innovation Solution
A bottom plate design featuring a motor cover and connector-holder cover with an internal aeration path that facilitates natural convection, using geometric interactions between simple forms to create a labyrinth that prevents liquid entry while ensuring air circulation throughout the volume.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If a double bottom with inner cavity is used to evacuate hot air by convection, then humidity reduction is improved, but production cost increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom plate is divided into two functional parts: an external bottom plate for structural support and sealing, and an internal bottom plate with integrated convection channels for humidity control. This segmentation allows the convection function to be integrated into a single component rather than requiring a separate double-bottom assembly, reducing manufacturing complexity and cost while maintaining effective humidity reduction
Solution Approach 2:
The internal bottom plate serves multiple functions simultaneously: it provides structural support, creates convection channels for hot air evacuation, and seals the electromechanical components. By combining these functions into a single multi-functional component, the design eliminates the need for separate double-bottom assembly while achieving both structural integrity and humidity control
2Ease of operation
If a double bottom with concentric collars is used, then air circulation path is created, but manufacturing complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The bottom plate is segmented into external and internal plates with distinct functional responsibilities. The internal bottom plate contains integrated convection channels that guide air circulation, while the external plate provides sealing and structural support. This segmentation simplifies the overall structure by distributing functions across separate components rather than requiring a complex integrated double-bottom design
Solution Approach 2:
The internal bottom plate acts as an intermediary element between the external environment and the electromechanical components. It provides a simplified interface with integrated convection channels that mediate air circulation, eliminating the need for complex concentric collar structures while maintaining effective air flow paths
3Reliability
If recirculation holes are used for air evacuation, then humidity control is achieved, but air circulation homogeneity deteriorates
Solution Approach 1:
The internal bottom plate features locally optimized convection channels with varying cross-sections and orientations tailored to specific regions. This local quality variation ensures uniform air distribution across the entire electromechanical component area, preventing stagnant zones and achieving homogeneous circulation without requiring precise positioning of multiple recirculation holes
4Volume of stationary object
If ultrasonic welding or gluing is used to assemble double bottom, then internal cavity is formed, but production time and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The convection function is extracted from the traditional double-bottom assembly approach and integrated directly into the internal bottom plate design. This extraction eliminates the need for separate assembly operations (ultrasonic welding or gluing) to create the internal cavity, as the convection channels are inherently formed as part of the internal plate structure, significantly improving production efficiency
Solution Approach 2:
The internal bottom plate merges the structural support function and the convection channel function into a single integrated component. By combining these functions that would traditionally require separate assembly steps, the design eliminates multiple production operations, reducing both production time and cost while maintaining the necessary internal cavity volume for effective air circulation
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Effectively prevents condensate formation within the pump, protecting electrical and electronic components from humidity and splashes, while being cost-effective and simple to manufacture.
Implementation Method 1
an internal aeration path (4), which allows the circulation, by natural convection, of the air heated during the operation of the electric pump (100)
Implementation Method 2
the thermal gradient due to the difference between the operating temperature of the electric pump and the atmospheric temperature may in unfortunate cases determine the formation, due to condensation, of water on the internal walls of the casing
Data Source
AI summary
A closure bottom plate 1 for electric pump 100, in particular for a boiler circulation centrifugal pump, having an integrated system for removing the internal condensate, such plate being extremely easy to manufacture and assemble, comprises: a motor cover 2 cup-shaped and provided with coupling opening 21, arranged to be associated, closing it, to the end of a box-shaped containment body 102 of the electric pump; and a connector-holder cover 3, associable in a mounted configuration to the coupling opening 21, in turn comprising fixing means 30 arranged to hold at least one electrical connector 300 in a preset position of connection to the electric pump 100. The bottom plate 1 has an internal aeration path 4, intended to allow the circulation - by natural convection - of the air which is heated during the operation of the electric pump 100 preventing the formation of condensate inside the bottom plate 1. Such internal aeration path 4 is extended between at least one inlet opening 22 arranged on the motor cover 2 and an outlet opening 36, successively crossing the internal volume of the motor cover 2, the coupling opening 21, and a labyrinth 32 defined by the connector-holder cover 3.