Sensor Hub Module Layout for Pump Sensor Cabling Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circulation pumps face significant cabling challenges and economic constraints due to the need for extensive cabling between sensors and main controllers, limiting customization and increasing production costs, while there is a growing demand for connectivity to external sensors.
Innovation Solution
A sensor hub module that integrates multiple connecting elements to reduce cabling length by positioning sensors and a main controller closer to the pump, using a Local Interconnect Network (LIN) Bus for data processing and transmission, and allowing connection to actuators and other devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If sensors are arranged in the immediate vicinity of the pump to detect pressure, temperature and flow-rate, then measurement accuracy is improved, but cabling length and cabling effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces a sensor hub module as an intermediary device that collects data from multiple sensors and transmits it to the main controller. This mediator enables sensors to be positioned close to the pump for accurate measurement while the hub consolidates communication, reducing overall cabling requirements between the sensor array and controller.
2Ease of manufacture
If circulation pumps are produced in high volumes with standardized design, then production cost is reduced, but customization for individual customer requirements becomes economically unfeasible
Solution Approach 1:
The patent segments the pump system into modular components: a standardized pump body and a configurable sensor hub module. This segmentation allows the pump hardware to be mass-produced efficiently while the sensor hub can be customized with different sensor configurations to meet individual customer requirements, resolving the contradiction between manufacturing economy and adaptability.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor hub module provides dynamic configurability through software and sensor selection, allowing the same hardware platform to adapt to different customer needs. This dynamic adaptation enables customization without requiring different pump hardware designs, maintaining production efficiency while meeting diverse requirements.
3Adaptability or versatility
If connectivity features are integrated into all pump electronics to enable connection to external sensors, then adaptability is improved, but production cost increases due to customization requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The sensor hub module serves as a universal platform that can accommodate multiple sensor types and configurations. This multi-functional design allows a single standardized component to fulfill various connectivity needs across different applications, providing adaptability without requiring custom electronics for each pump variant.
Solution Approach 2:
The sensor hub enables dynamic configuration of connectivity features through software control and optional sensor modules. This allows connectivity capabilities to be activated or deactivated based on customer requirements, providing adaptability when needed while maintaining cost-effective standardized production for applications that don't require customization.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a sensor hub module (1) for processing and/or transmitting data, wherein the data is receivable from at least a first sensor (10), a second sensor (20) and a main controller (30), wherein the module (1) comprises a first connecting element (12) for electrically connecting the first sensor (10) to the module (1), wherein the module (1) comprises a second connecting element (22) for electrically connecting the second sensor (20) to the module (1), wherein the module (1) comprises a third connecting element (32) for electrically connecting the main controller (30) to the module (1), wherein the module (1) comprises a fourth connecting element (42) for electrically connecting the module (1) to a pump (100), for instance to a circulation pump (100).