Circulation Pump Terminal Box Layout for Compact Side Connection
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing circulation pumps face challenges in achieving a compact overall size and ensuring secure, easy connection/disconnection of connecting elements, particularly due to spatial constraints and increased risk of counterparts moving during operation.
Innovation Solution
The circulation pump design includes connecting elements arranged perpendicular to the rotation axis, with recesses and concavities in the terminal box for guiding and securing counterparts, and locking elements to prevent unplugging, reducing the overall size and enhancing mechanical stability.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If connecting elements are formed on the outside of the terminal box with rear or front access, then accessibility is improved, but the external size of the terminal box increases
Solution Approach 1:
The connecting element is repositioned from traditional front/rear access locations to a lateral surface of the terminal box, utilizing an underutilized spatial dimension. This dimensional shift allows the connecting element to be accessible from the side of the pump, thereby maintaining ease of connection while reducing the overall external dimensions of the terminal box, particularly the length parallel to the rotation axis.
2Area of stationary object
If connecting elements are accessed from a lateral side, then the overall size of the pump is reduced, but the risk of moving the counterpart during operation increases
Solution Approach 1:
The lateral surface of the terminal box is specifically designed with localized features including recesses, guiding means, and locking elements. These localized structural qualities provide mechanical guidance and secure locking of the counterpart, ensuring stable connection despite the lateral access configuration. The guiding means aligns the counterpart during insertion, while locking elements prevent unintended movement during operation.
3Area of stationary object
If connecting elements are accessed from a lateral side, then space requirements are reduced, but disconnecting the counterpart becomes more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
The locking element is designed to automatically engage with the counterpart during the insertion process, performing the locking action preliminarily before full connection is achieved. This preliminary locking action secures the connection immediately upon insertion, preventing movement during operation. For disconnection, the locking mechanism is designed to be releasable through a simple operational gesture, maintaining ease of disconnection despite the lateral access configuration.
Data Source
Figure 1a~1b
Figure 2a~2b
Figure 3a~3b
AI summary
The invention relates to a circulation pump (1) comprising -- a pump housing (10) with an impeller therein, the impeller being rotatable around a rotation axis (R) of the pump (1), -- a motor housing (20) with an electrical motor therein, the electrical motor being coaxially connected to and driving the impeller, -- a terminal box (30) with electrical and/or electronical components therein for controlling the electrical motor, and with a connecting element (321) to establish an electrical connection of the terminal box (30), the electrical motor being arranged between the pump housing (10) and the terminal box (30).