Fluid Dispenser Data Transfer Using Portable Terminal Intermediary
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Solution Overview
Problem
Simple, low-cost fluid dispensers lack the ability to monitor operations and gather operational data without requiring significant device cost or additional infrastructure, such as mains power or complex communication systems.
Innovation Solution
A system comprising a fluid dispenser with sensors, a processor, and a wireless data transfer device that stores operational data, allowing for independent power sourcing and communication with a portable terminal and remote server, enabling data collection and analysis without the need for expensive infrastructure.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of manufacture
If simple fluid dispensers are used, then cost is reduced and ease of manufacture is improved, but the ability to monitor operations and collect data is lost
Solution Approach 1:
A portable terminal acts as an intermediary device between the simple fluid dispenser and the data monitoring system. The terminal wirelessly collects operational data from the dispenser and transmits it to a remote server, enabling data collection without requiring the dispenser itself to have complex electronics or constant power connectivity.
Solution Approach 2:
The fluid dispenser maintains its simple, self-contained design with no electronics or power requirements, while still enabling data collection through periodic wireless communication with the portable terminal. The dispenser serves itself by having its data collected externally rather than requiring internal monitoring capabilities.
2Loss of information
If Wi-Fi communication modules are added to fluid dispensers, then data transfer capability is improved, but cost and power requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The portable terminal serves as a mediator that handles the complex wireless communication and data transmission functions externally. The fluid dispenser only needs minimal wireless communication capability to interact with the terminal, avoiding the need for expensive Wi-Fi modules and constant power sources in the dispenser itself.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces the traditional Wi-Fi based electronic communication system with a simpler wireless data transfer mechanism using the portable terminal. This substitution reduces the electronic complexity and power requirements while maintaining data transfer functionality.
3Measurement precision
If sensors and processors are added to monitor fluid dispensing, then measurement precision is improved, but device complexity and cost increase
Solution Approach 1:
The monitoring system is segmented into three separate components: simple sensors in the fluid dispenser, a portable terminal for data collection and processing, and a remote server for data storage and analysis. This segmentation allows the dispenser to remain simple while achieving precise monitoring through the combined system.
Solution Approach 2:
The portable terminal acts as an intermediary that collects data from simple sensors in the dispenser and processes it with sophisticated algorithms. This separation allows precise measurement and analysis without requiring complex electronics to be integrated into the dispenser itself.
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 efficient monitoring and data collection from simple fluid dispensers, reducing costs and infrastructure requirements while providing insights into operational performance and maintenance needs.
Implementation Method 1
The processor and sensors are provided with a power source, independent of mains power
Data Source
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AI summary
The present invention relates to a system (300) for monitoring fluid dispensers, comprising: at least one fluid dispenser (100) for dispensing chemicals, comprising a sensor (116) for sensing fluid flow; a dispenser management unit (102) comprising: a processor (120), and corresponding storage memory for storing firmware; at least one input for receiving sensor data from the or each sensor; a data transfer device (126) comprising storage memory for storing said received sensor data; and a power source (122) for powering at least said processor; a portable terminal (302) comprising a device reader and a terminal communications module; and a remote server (304) comprising a server communications module, wherein said remote server is configured to communicate with said terminal via a communications link between said terminal communications module and said server communications module; wherein said terminal further comprises storage memory for storing sensor data received from the or each fluid dispenser data transfer device, the terminal being configured to upload said received sensor data upon communicating with said remote server.