Distributed Sensor-Actuator Network for Sanitary Facility Monitoring

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Solution Overview

Problem

Current systems for monitoring and controlling water supply networks in sanitary facilities rely on central units and lack communication between sensors and actuators, making it difficult to detect malfunctions like leaks and requiring manual intervention for device operation and reset.

Innovation Solution

A network of interconnected, specialized connected devices that communicate with each other and remote terminals via the internet, allowing for real-time monitoring and control of water supply systems, including anomaly detection and automated responses to malfunctions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Device complexity

If a central unit is used to process information from sensors and control actuators, then the system structure is simplified and easier to manage, but the communication between sensors and actuators is lost and the system cannot detect malfunctions effectively

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesystem structureVSAvoidmalfunction detection

Core Design Contradiction:

Device complexityVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system divides the centralized control architecture into distributed intelligent sensor-actuator units. Each unit independently processes information and controls its associated actuator, eliminating the single point of failure in centralized systems and enabling autonomous malfunction detection at each node.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

Solution Approach 2:

Each sensor-actuator unit incorporates feedback mechanisms that allow it to monitor its own operation and communicate status to other units. This distributed feedback enables the system to detect malfunctions locally and propagate alerts throughout the network without requiring constant central unit intervention.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

2Reliability

If automatic cut-off devices are deployed to monitor water supply networks, then real-time monitoring capability is improved, but manual intervention is still required for resetting and deactivating devices

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvereal-time monitoringVSAvoidmanual intervention requirement

Core Design Contradiction:

ReliabilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The sensor-actuator units are equipped with autonomous decision-making capabilities that allow them to detect malfunctions, activate cut-off mechanisms, and subsequently reset themselves automatically. The system can identify the nature of the malfunction, execute appropriate responses, and restore normal operation without requiring manual intervention for resetting or deactivating devices.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #25Self-service

3Area of stationary object

If multiple independent monitoring devices are installed to cover various points of the water supply network, then monitoring coverage is improved, but the devices cannot communicate with each other and information sharing is lost

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvemonitoring coverageVSAvoidinformation sharing

Core Design Contradiction:

Area of stationary objectVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

Each sensor-actuator unit is designed with multi-functional capabilities including sensing, processing, actuation, and communication. This universal design allows any device in the network to both send and receive information from other devices, enabling comprehensive information sharing across the entire water supply network while maintaining broad monitoring coverage.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

4Extent of automation

If specialized connected devices are distributed throughout the sanitary facility and made to communicate with each other, then comprehensive monitoring and automated control are achieved, but the device complexity and communication infrastructure requirements increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomated controlVSAvoidcommunication infrastructure

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The system merges multiple functions (sensing, processing, actuation, and communication) into integrated sensor-actuator units. By combining these functions at the device level rather than separating them into distinct components, the system achieves high automation while reducing overall infrastructure complexity, as each unit operates autonomously and communicates only essential information with neighboring units.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #5Merging (Combining)

Data Source

PatentUS10461952B2Scalable system and methods for monitoring and controlling a sanitary facility using distributed connected devices

Publication Date: 2019.10.29 WATER MANAGER SARL

AI summary

A system to control and to monitor the entirety of a sanitary facility by using various specialized connected devices that are distributed throughout the sanitary facility, communicating with one another and over the internet network. Each one of these connected devices carries out its function or functions by using the information communicated by the other connected devices. Each one of these connected devices carries out its function or some of its functions independently in the event of a breakdown in the communication with the other connected devices. From the mobile or fixed apparatuses such as a Smartphone, touchscreen tablet, computer, server, etc. that are connected to the Internet, the user or users can interact with the connected devices, can be alerted in real time to malfunctions, and can receive information regarding the condition of the sanitary facility.