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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing fan systems with electronically commutated motors require complex wiring and external control units for air pressure measurement and regulation, leading to increased installation effort and complexity.

Innovation Solution

A sensor unit is integrated into or plugs directly into the motor electronics, receiving power and communicating via a bus system, allowing for direct pressure measurement and control without external wiring or power supplies, and can be retrofitted onto various motor technologies.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If pressure sensors and control units are mounted separately and wired together, then measurement and control functions can be achieved, but installation complexity and wiring requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepressure measurement and control functionVSAvoidwiring and installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent combines the pressure sensor, control unit, and power supply into an integrated sensor unit that is mounted directly on the fan housing. This merging of previously separate components eliminates the need for complex external wiring while maintaining all necessary measurement and control functions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Solution Approach 2:

The integrated sensor unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it measures pressure, processes control signals, provides power to the sensor, and communicates with the control system. This multi-functionality reduces the number of separate components needed and simplifies the overall system architecture.

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

2Reliability

If external power supplies are used for pressure sensors, then sensors can operate independently, but installation effort and system complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor operationVSAvoidinstallation effort
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor unit is designed to draw power directly from the fan's motor electronics through the integrated mounting interface. This self-service approach eliminates the need for separate external power supplies and reduces installation complexity while ensuring reliable sensor operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Ease of operation

If separate control units are used for fan regulation, then control functions can be implemented, but the system requires complex wiring and multiple components

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveairflow regulation functionVSAvoidnumber of components and wiring
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit is merged with the pressure sensor into a single integrated sensor unit. This combination maintains all airflow regulation functions while eliminating the need for separate control unit mounting and wiring, thereby reducing system complexity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentEP3329188B1Ventilator
Publication Date: 2024.01.17 ZIEHL ABEGG AG
  • EP3329188B1 patent drawingFigure 1a
  • EP3329188B1 patent drawingFigure 1b
  • EP3329188B1 patent drawingFigure 2

AI summary

A motor for fans or blowers, pumps or compressors, particularly electronically commutated motors (EC motors), having integrated motor electronics and at least one sensor unit (11) for direct or indirect pressure/volumetric flow rate regulation, the regulation being able to take place internally or externally. It is characterised in that the sensor unit (11) is embodied as a module pluggable onto the motor electronics or pluggable into the motor electronics or is at least partly integrated into the motor electronics and is preferably supplied with power via the motor electronics, i.e. internally. Furthermore, the invention relates to a method for operating such a motor (2) and to a blower system having at least one motor (2) or blower according to the invention.