Fluid Dispenser Data Transfer Device Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simple, low-cost fluid dispensers lack the ability to monitor operations and gather usage data without requiring significant device cost or additional infrastructure, such as a mains electricity supply.
Innovation Solution
Incorporating sensors for fluid flow, a processor with storage memory, and a data transfer device that can store and transmit operational data to a portable terminal, which can then upload it to a remote server, allowing for efficient monitoring and data analysis without the need for expensive infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of information
If Wi-Fi communication modules are added to fluid dispensers for data transfer, then data communication capability is improved, but device cost and power requirements increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the data transfer function from the fluid dispenser by using a separate, removable data transfer device that can be detached and used with multiple dispensers. This removes the need for expensive, built-in communication modules in each dispenser while still enabling data transfer capability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary data transfer device that acts as a bridge between the fluid dispenser and the user's computing device. This mediator handles all complex communication functions externally, allowing the dispenser to remain simple and low-cost while still achieving comprehensive data transfer.
2Loss of information
If Wi-Fi communication modules are added to fluid dispensers for data transfer, then data communication capability is improved, but power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The power-intensive communication functions are extracted from the fluid dispenser and placed in an external data transfer device. The dispenser only needs minimal power for basic sensor operations, while the separate device handles all energy-consuming data transfer tasks.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transfer device is designed to be self-powered through portable battery operation, eliminating the need for the fluid dispenser to provide power for communication functions. The external device serves itself by carrying its own power source.
3Loss of information
If built-in communication modules are integrated into fluid dispensers, then data transfer capability is improved, but ease of use and operational simplicity deteriorate
Solution Approach 1:
The complex communication functionality is extracted from the simple fluid dispenser operation. Users interact only with the familiar dispenser interface, while the separate data transfer device handles all communication complexity through automatic pairing and data synchronization.
Solution Approach 2:
The data transfer device performs self-service by automatically pairing with the dispenser, initiating data transfers, and managing communication protocols without requiring user configuration or intervention in the complex technical processes.
Data Source
AI summary
A system incorporating a fluid dispenser for dispensing chemicals includes at least one sensor for sensing fluid flow and a dispenser management unit. The dispenser management unit includes a processor and corresponding storage memory for storing firmware, at least one input for receiving sensor data from the or each sensor, a data transfer device comprising storage memory for storing the received sensor data, and a power source for powering at least the processor. The system further incorporates a portable terminal configured to receive data from the dispenser, and a remote server configured to receive the data from the portable terminal.