Pump Unit Configuration Code Encoding

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing procedures for configuring pump units in hydraulic systems often result in errors due to misinterpretation of settings or incomplete configurations, leading to operational inefficiencies and potential damage.

Innovation Solution

A procedure that uses a configuration code, comprising alphabetical and/or numerical signs, to precisely set the operating parameters of a pump unit, ensuring accurate alignment with the planner's specifications and intentions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If the installer configures the pump unit using individual setting parameters, then the configuration can be adjusted flexibly, but the risk of errors and deviations from planner's specifications increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration flexibilityVSAvoidconfiguration accuracy
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The configuration set is prepared in advance by the planner during the planning phase, containing all necessary setting parameter values. This preliminary configuration is then transferred to the installer via a configuration code, eliminating the need for the installer to make discretionary adjustments and ensuring the planner's specifications are accurately implemented.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Solution Approach 2:

A configuration code serves as an intermediary between the planner's specifications and the pump unit's setting parameters. The configuration code encapsulates the configuration set and enables accurate transfer of parameters without requiring the installer to interpret or manually set each parameter, thus preventing errors while maintaining flexibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Manufacturing precision

If the planner provides detailed configuration information, then the pump unit can be configured accurately, but the complexity of communication and documentation increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoiddocumentation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

Instead of communicating detailed configuration information through complex documentation, the configuration set is converted into a configuration code that serves as a compact copy or representation of all necessary settings. This code can be easily transmitted via information media without the complexity of detailed technical documentation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #26Copying

Solution Approach 2:

The configuration information is transformed from a detailed set of parameter descriptions into a condensed configuration code format. This parameter transformation maintains all necessary configuration data while dramatically reducing the complexity of communication and documentation required between planner and installer.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

3Productivity

If multiple setting parameters are configured individually, then each parameter can be optimized, but the configuration time and effort increase significantly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration efficiencyVSAvoidconfiguration time
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

Multiple individual setting parameters are merged into a single configuration set, which is then encoded into one configuration code. The installer enters this single code instead of manually configuring each parameter individually, dramatically reducing configuration time and effort while maintaining the ability to optimize all parameters as originally planned.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP4530473A1Method to configure a pump unit
Publication Date: 2025.04.02 WILO SE
  • EP4530473A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4530473A1 patent drawingFigure 1a~1d
  • EP4530473A1 patent drawingFigure 2a~2b

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for configuring a pump unit (1) in a hydraulic system, in which a configuration code (6, 6a) consisting of alphabetic and/or numeric characters is provided to a pump electronics unit (4) or a portable communication device (8) connected thereto, and the pump electronics unit uses the configuration code (6, 6a) to determine values ​​of setting parameters (10) of a configuration set (9) previously defined for the pump unit, wherein, in the case of the configuration device (8), the values ​​are transmitted from it to the pump electronics unit (4). The pump electronics unit (4) then subsequently configures itself according to the determined values.Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for generating the configuration code (6, 6a) from fixed values ​​of the setting parameters (10) of a configuration set (9) previously defined for the pump unit (4), by encoding the values ​​in the configuration code (6, 6a), and to a pump unit (1) whose pump electronics (4) is configured to execute the configuration method.