Plug-In Pump Electronics Module With Unified Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
The demand for centrifugal pump units with expanded functionality, particularly in terms of communication interfaces, is hindered by the need for rapid development and certification of new technologies, which is costly and time-consuming, and existing solutions do not adequately address operational safety, robustness, and compatibility across different modules.
Innovation Solution
A pluggable electronic expansion module for centrifugal pump electronics that provides additional functions such as radio-based or wired communication technologies, sensor systems, and actuator systems, with a unified electrical interface and secure connection mechanism, allowing for easy handling and integration without requiring recertification of the main product.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If functions are integrated directly into the pump electronics, then operational reliability and robustness are improved, but development time and certification costs increase significantly when new technologies are added
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into a main pump electronics unit and separate plug-in extension modules. Each module is an independent functional unit that can be developed, tested, and certified separately. This segmentation allows new communication technologies to be added without requiring recertification of the entire pump system, thus reducing development time while maintaining operational reliability through modular quality assurance.
Solution Approach 2:
An standardized electrical interface acts as an intermediary between the pump electronics and extension modules. This interface includes mechanical coupling elements and electrical contacts that enable reliable signal and power transmission. The intermediary interface ensures robust operational reliability while allowing flexible module replacement and addition without affecting the core pump electronics certification.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple different extension modules are supported, then adaptability and versatility are improved, but interface complexity and manufacturing costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
A universal electrical interface design is implemented that can accommodate multiple types of extension modules through a single standardized connection mechanism. The interface includes mechanical engagement elements and electrical contacts arranged to support various communication technologies (BACnet, MODBUS, radio interfaces) while maintaining a consistent physical and electrical architecture. This universality enables functional adaptability without increasing interface complexity or manufacturing costs.
3Ease of operation
If extension modules are made compact for easy handling, then ease of operation is improved, but contact protection and insulation become more difficult to ensure
Solution Approach 1:
The electrical interface is designed with a nested structure where the carrier element with electrical contacts is inserted into a recess in the pump electronics housing. The carrier element can be tongue-like or plate-like and is received within the housing structure, providing mechanical protection and electrical insulation. This nested arrangement allows compact module dimensions for easy handling while ensuring reliable contact protection through the housing structure that surrounds and shields the electrical contacts during insertion and operation.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a pluggable electronic expansion module (1) of a pump electronics unit of a centrifugal pump for extending the pump electronics with at least one additional function, comprising a housing (2) which can be attached externally to a housing of the pump electronics unit by means of at least one connection mechanism (3, 4a, 4b), electronics (12) housed in the housing (2) which provide the additional function, and an electrical interface (5) connected to the electronics unit (12) for pluggable electrical connection of the expansion module (1) to the pump electronics unit, which projects from the underside (2a) of the housing (2) facing the pump electronics unit in order to be inserted through an opening in the pump electronics unit housing, wherein the electrical interface (5) has contacts (7a, 7b) in the form of conductor tracks on a flat carrier element (6),which protrudes from a base (8) in a tongue-like manner, spaced apart from the underside (2a) of the housing (2).