Pluggable Pump Electronics Modules With a Uniform Expansion Interface
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Solution Overview
Problem
Centrifugal pump units face challenges in rapidly expanding their functional capabilities to accommodate evolving communication technologies and customer needs, particularly with radio-based communication, due to lengthy product development times and certification requirements, while also seeking cost-effectiveness and operational safety.
Innovation Solution
A set of pluggable electronic expansion modules for centrifugal pump electronics, featuring a uniform electrical interface and secure connection mechanism, allowing for easy addition of functions like radio-based communication technologies without recertifying the main product, enabling quick market availability and functional upgrades.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Reliability
If functions are integrated directly into the pump electronics, then operational reliability is improved, but product development time and certification time increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The pump system is divided into a main pump electronics unit and separate pluggable extension modules. Each module contains specific communication functions (e.g., BACnet, MODBUS, radio technologies) that can be independently developed, tested, and certified. This segmentation allows the main product to remain certified while adding new functions through interchangeable modules, dramatically reducing development and recertification time.
2Adaptability or versatility
If multiple communication interfaces are integrated into the pump electronics, then functional versatility is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
A universal electrical interface and mechanical mounting system is designed for the pump electronics that can accommodate multiple different extension modules. The standardized interface allows various communication technologies (BACnet, MODBUS, radio interfaces like 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G, Bluetooth, ZigBee, enOcean, RFID) to be interchangeably connected without modifying the main pump unit, enabling one pump model to serve multiple application requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If functions are externalized into separate modules, then ease of customization is improved, but connection reliability and robustness may deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The extension modules combine multiple functions into integrated units that include the communication interface electronics, necessary connectors, and mounting mechanisms. This merging ensures that all connection elements (electrical contacts, mechanical fastening, sealing) work together as a unified system, maintaining high connection reliability while preserving customization flexibility through the pluggable design.
4Ease of operation
If a uniform electrical interface is designed for different extension modules, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing precision requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The uniform electrical interface is designed with specific local characteristics optimized for its function: a flat carrier element with conductor tracks provides stable electrical contact, while the mechanical mounting system includes positioning features and fastening elements. This localized optimization ensures reliable operation and simplifies installation, while the standardized design across all modules actually reduces overall manufacturing complexity compared to custom interfaces for each module type.
Data Source
Figure 1~4
Figure 5~8
AI summary
The invention relates to a set of at least one first and one second pluggable electronic expansion module (1) of a pump electronics unit of a centrifugal pump for extending the pump electronics unit with at least one additional function, wherein each expansion module comprises the following: 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), an electronics unit (12) housed in the housing (2) which provides the additional function, and an electrical interface (5) connected to the electronics unit (12) for pluggably connecting 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 conductive traces 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). The base area of the underside (2a) of the housing of the second expansion module (1) is larger than the base area of the underside (2a) of the housing of the first expansion module (1), however, the electrical interface (5) and the connection mechanism (3, 4a, 4b) with respect to the electrical interface (5) are identical for both expansion modules (1) such that either the first or the second expansion module can be plugged into the pump electronics.