Pump Power Unit Locking Slide Mechanism

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Solution Overview

Problem

The assembly of pump units is time-consuming and risks damage to electronic components due to the complex and labor-intensive process of attaching the electronics housing to the stator housing.

Innovation Solution

A locking slide mechanism is used to securely attach the electronics housing to the stator housing, featuring a recess and guide design that allows for a backlash-free connection without the need for fastening elements that penetrate the electronics housing, ensuring the outer surface remains available for operating and display elements.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the electronics housing is attached to the stator housing using conventional screw connections, then the connection is secure, but the assembly process becomes time-consuming and complex

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidassembly speed

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into a locking element with a locking portion and a corresponding recess with an undercut. The locking element can be inserted laterally through the guide into the recess, where the locking portion engages behind the undercut to create a secure connection without requiring multiple screws or complex fastening operations.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of fastening elements penetrating through the electronics housing from the outside, the locking element is inserted laterally through a guide into a recess on the stator housing. The locking portion then engages behind the undercut from the inside, reversing the conventional approach and eliminating the need for penetrating fasteners.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

2Reliability

If fastening elements penetrate the electronics housing for attachment, then secure connection is achieved, but the outer surface becomes unavailable for operating and display elements

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveconnection securityVSAvoidsurface availability

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The fastening approach is inverted: instead of fasteners penetrating from the outside through the electronics housing, the locking element is inserted laterally through a guide and engages behind the undercut from the inside. This preserves the outer surface for operating and display elements while achieving secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Solution Approach 2:

The attachment mechanism moves from a conventional axial penetration approach to a lateral insertion approach through the guide. The locking element engages in a different dimensional space (laterally through the guide into the recess) rather than penetrating through the outer surface, thus preserving surface availability.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

3Ease of manufacture

If conventional assembly methods are used, then the electronics housing can be attached, but there is a risk of damage to electronic components during assembly

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment capabilityVSAvoidcomponent integrity

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The assembly approach is inverted to avoid damaging electronic components. Instead of fasteners penetrating through the electronics housing from the outside (which risks damaging internal components), the locking element is inserted laterally through a guide and engages behind the undercut from the inside, eliminating the risk of damage during assembly.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

4Reliability

If multiple fastening elements are used to ensure secure attachment, then connection reliability improves, but device complexity increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveattachment securityVSAvoidfastening mechanism complexity

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The attachment mechanism is segmented into functional components: a locking element with a locking portion, a guide for controlled insertion, and a recess with an undercut for engagement. This segmentation allows a single lateral insertion action to replace multiple fastening elements, reducing overall complexity while maintaining secure attachment.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2750269B1Pump power unit

Publication Date: 2017.03.01 GRUNDFOS HLDG

AI summary

The pump unit has an electric motor that includes a stator housing (6) and an electronic housing which is fastened to the outer side of the stator housing. The stator housing has a recess (29) which extends transversely to the join direction (X) in which the electronic housing is placed onto the stator housing. The electronic housing is provided with a guide. A locking slide pin (24) engages through the guide and the recess and rotatably moves between release and latch positions.