Split-Shell Inverter Unit for Electromechanical Pumps

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing inverter solutions for electromechanical pumps are difficult to maintain due to inaccessible positions and require complete disassembly, posing risks to technicians and complicating operations.

Innovation Solution

An inverter unit design featuring a split-shell structure with guide pins, band springs, helical springs, handles, and thrust planes allows for easy disassembly and maintenance without removing the entire unit, enabling installation on a wall or panel and facilitating component replacement.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the inverter is integrated within the pump body or mounted externally in contact with the pump, then the inverter is securely positioned, but maintenance operations become difficult and require complete disassembly

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesecure positioningVSAvoidmaintenance difficulty
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter housing is divided into two separable half-shells (first half-shell and second half-shell) that can be easily detached from each other. The guide pins with engagement/disengagement holes enable the two half-shells to be quickly assembled and disassembled without requiring complete disassembly of the entire inverter unit, thus facilitating maintenance while maintaining secure positioning during operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

2Productivity

If the inverter is located in positions suitable for pump operation, then the pump functions properly, but maintenance technicians face inaccessible positions and safety risks

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump operationVSAvoidmaintenance accessibility
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

By separating the inverter into two removable half-shells, the design allows maintenance technicians to access the inverter components even when the pump is installed in hard-to-reach locations. The quick-release mechanism enabled by guide pins and engagement holes allows safe and easy opening of the inverter housing without requiring complete system disassembly.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

3Ease of repair

If complete disassembly is required for maintenance, then all components can be accessed, but processing time increases and technician safety risks increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvecomponent accessibilityVSAvoidmaintenance time
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of repairVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The inverter housing is segmented into two half-shells that can be independently separated. The guide pins with engagement/disengagement holes provide a quick-release mechanism that allows technicians to open the housing and access internal components rapidly without requiring complete disassembly, significantly reducing maintenance time while ensuring full component accessibility.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

4Device complexity

If the inverter housing is made as a single piece, then the structure is simple and robust, but assembly and disassembly for maintenance become complex

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvehousing structureVSAvoidassembly complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSEase of repair

Solution Approach 1:

The housing is divided into two half-shells that are simpler to manufacture individually than a complex single-piece housing. The guide pins with engagement/disengagement holes provide a straightforward assembly mechanism that reduces assembly complexity while enabling easy maintenance access, balancing structural integrity with serviceability.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #1Segmentation

Data Source

PatentEP4404701A1Inverter unit for electromechanical pumps
Publication Date: 2024.07.24 DAB PUMPS SPA
  • EP4404701A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP4404701A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP4404701A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to an inverter unit (100) for an electromechanical pump, comprising: a first half-shell (40) having a base (41), a second half-shell (30) having a body (31), an inverter (101), for the conversion of electric current, housed between the first half-shell (40) and the second half-shell (30). The second half-shell (30) comprises one or more guide pins (3) fixed along the perimeter of the body (31); said first half-shell (40) has one or more engagement/disengagement holes (33) obtained on the base (41), and the guide pins (3) of the second half-shell (30) are arranged to each engage a corresponding engagement/disengagement hole (33) when the second half-shell (30) is closed on the first half-shell (40).