Pump Unit with Dual-Mode Motor for Continuous and Step-Wise Actuation
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Solution Overview
Problem
Modern pump units with electric drive motors have limited speed adjustment ranges and are not effectively utilized for driving additional components, restricting their applications and efficiency.
Innovation Solution
A pump unit with a control device that operates the electric drive motor in two modes: a conventional mode for continuous rotation and a second mode for step-wise angular movement, allowing the motor to take on actuating functions and drive additional components with precision, using open-loop control and higher motor currents for specific applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the drive motor is used only for continuous rotation to drive the impeller, then the pump unit performs its primary pumping function reliably, but the motor cannot drive additional components or perform positioning functions
Solution Approach 1:
The drive motor is designed to perform multiple functions: it can operate in continuous rotation mode to drive the impeller for pumping, and in step-by-step rotation mode to drive valve elements or other components requiring precise positioning. This multi-functionality eliminates the need for separate motors for different functions, thereby increasing versatility without proportionally increasing system complexity
2Adaptability or versatility
If a separate stepping motor is added to drive additional components, then positioning functions are achieved, but the device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The single drive motor is designed to replace multiple motors by performing both continuous rotation for pumping and step-by-step rotation for actuating functions. The control device manages both operating modes, allowing the same motor to drive different components at different times, thereby avoiding the need for additional stepping motors and reducing overall system complexity
Solution Approach 2:
The patent merges the functions of a continuous rotation motor and a stepping motor into a single drive motor. The motor can switch between operating modes depending on the required function, combining the capabilities of two separate drive systems into one unified component, thus reducing the number of parts and simplifying the overall drive system
3Productivity
If the drive motor rotates at high angular speed for pumping, then the impeller generates sufficient pressure and flow, but precision positioning cannot be achieved
Solution Approach 1:
The drive motor operates dynamically in two distinct modes: high angular speed continuous rotation for pumping operations where productivity is paramount, and low angular speed step-by-step rotation for positioning operations where precision is critical. The control device switches between these modes based on the operational requirements, optimizing both pumping efficiency and positioning accuracy
4Ease of operation
If the drive motor is controlled in open-loop mode for step-by-step rotation, then actuating functions are simplified, but speed regulation capability is reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The control of the drive motor is segmented into two distinct control modes: closed-loop control with frequency converter for continuous rotation where speed regulation is important for pumping performance, and open-loop control for step-by-step rotation where simplicity and reliability are more important. This segmentation allows each mode to be optimized independently for its specific function
Applied Scientific Principles
This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.
Function Achieved in This Case
Enables the pump unit to perform a wide range of functions, including precise positioning of valve elements, expanding its applications beyond traditional pumping duties and improving operational accuracy and flexibility.
Implementation Method 1
an electric drive motor (210), in particular a wet-running electric drive motor with a can (213), which separates a rotor space from a stator space
Implementation Method 2
The rotor is particularly preferably a permanent magnet rotor
Data Source
Figure 1
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Figure 4~5
AI summary
The invention relates to a pump unit with an electric drive motor, at least one impeller (14) driven in rotation by the electric drive motor, and a control device (17) which controls the drive motor, the control device (17) being designed in such a way that it can switch the drive motor optionally in activates at least a first or a second operating mode, wherein in the first operating mode the drive motor is controlled by the control device (17) in such a way that a rotor (6) of the drive motor rotates continuously, and in the second operating mode the drive motor is controlled by the control device (17) is controlled in such a way that the rotor (6) of the drive motor is moved step by step in selected angular steps of preferably less than 360°.