Centrifugal Pump Switching Device with Integrated Microcomputer

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing centrifugal pump units require extensive electrical wiring and are dependent on a central microcomputer, making them complex and vulnerable to failures, especially in multi-pump arrangements.

Innovation Solution

Integration of a microcomputer into the switching device with connections for a serial bus system and a second voltage network, allowing the drive motor to switch between voltage networks, reducing wiring needs and enhancing reliability by enabling fail-safe operation and flexible expandability.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If centrifugal pump units are arranged in parallel with central microcomputer control, then delivery pressure regulation is achieved, but electrical wiring complexity and system vulnerability increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesystem reliabilityVSAvoidelectrical wiring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent divides the centralized control system into distributed intelligent modules. Each pump unit is equipped with its own microcomputer and switching device, making it an independent controllable unit. This segmentation eliminates the need for complex inter-pump wiring while maintaining coordination capabilities, directly resolving the contradiction between reliability and wiring complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each pump unit possesses self-control capabilities through integrated microcomputers that can independently manage switching between voltage networks and regulate operation. This self-service approach reduces dependency on central control wiring while enhancing system reliability, as each unit can autonomously respond to operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

2Adaptability or versatility

If centrifugal pump units are equipped with speed control capabilities, then operational flexibility is improved, but device complexity and wiring requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational flexibilityVSAvoiddevice complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent designs a universal switching device that can operate in multiple modes: speed-fixed operation on the first voltage network and speed-controlled operation on the second voltage network. This multi-functionality allows a single standardized unit to provide both simple and advanced operational capabilities, enhancing adaptability without proportionally increasing complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The system dynamically adapts its operational characteristics by switching between different voltage networks based on requirements. The microcomputer-controlled switching device enables the pump unit to transition between speed-fixed and speed-controlled modes, providing operational flexibility while maintaining a standardized, manageable device architecture.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

3Productivity

If a single variable-speed pump is used for pressure regulation, then system simplicity is maintained, but productivity and delivery range are limited

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery rangeVSAvoidsystem complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent segments the pump system into multiple independent units that can operate individually or in combination. This segmentation enables the system to achieve a broader delivery range by activating appropriate numbers and configurations of pump units, while each unit remains relatively simple in design with integrated control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP2008162B1Centrifugal pump unit with switching device
Publication Date: 2012.01.11 KSB SE & CO KGAA
  • EP2008162B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP2008162B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP2008162B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a centrifugal pump unit comprising pump and drive motor and connected to a switch device, said switch device being connected to a microcomputer by mens of a data line, the switch device switching the drive motor by means of a switch and is provided with a connector for a first mains supply. A microcomputer (5, 14) is integrated in the switching device (4, 13, 30, 51) and operates the switch (6, 15, 22, 53). The switch device (4, 13, 30, 51) is provided with at least one signal input (9) and connectors (11, 12) for at least one serial bus system (21, 31 ). The microcomputer (5, 14) is connected to the signal input (9) and the connectors for the bus system (11, 12). The switch (6, 15, 22, 53) switches the direction of current for a drive motor connection (3.1) on the switching device (4, 13, 30) and/or switches the drive motor (3) on or off and means (17, 18) for passing signals are provided in the drive motor (3) and/or in the switching device (4, 13, 30, 51). The switching device (4, 13, 30, 51) is embodied as component of the drive motor (3).