Metering Pump Operational State Detection Using ML Torque Signals
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for determining operational information of metering pumps are not adaptable to different types of pumps and lack computational efficiency and cost-effectiveness.
Innovation Solution
A method using a machine-learning model to determine operational information by receiving a sequence of detected values of an indicator quantity, such as pressure or torque, and computing this information from a trained model, applicable to various types of metering pumps.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If traditional torque comparison methods are used to determine operational information, then the method can detect malfunctions, but it is not adaptable to different types of metering pumps and requires expert knowledge for curve analysis
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical expert-knowledge-based curve analysis system with a machine learning model that automatically processes torque data. The ML model learns patterns from training data and provides adaptive operational information determination without requiring expert intervention, thus reducing device complexity while improving adaptability across different pump types.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the approach from fixed threshold comparisons to dynamic parameter adaptation through machine learning. The system uses training data to learn optimal parameters for different pump types, enabling automatic adaptation without manual configuration. This allows the same system to handle multiple pump types effectively.
2Productivity
If pressure or torque curves are monitored and compared to determine operational parameters, then operational information can be obtained, but the computational efficiency is reduced and cost-effectiveness is compromised
Solution Approach 1:
The patent performs preliminary action by training the machine learning model offline before actual operation. During runtime, the pre-trained model quickly processes torque data without requiring complex real-time computations. This separates the computationally intensive learning phase from the efficient inference phase, improving computational efficiency while maintaining reliability.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent uses copying by creating a trained model representation that captures the essential patterns from extensive training data. This model copy can then be efficiently applied to multiple different pump types and operating conditions without requiring the original complex analysis procedures, thus improving both efficiency and reliability.
3Adaptability or versatility
If a machine-learning model is used to determine operational information from indicator quantity values, then the method becomes adaptable to different pump types and computationally efficient, but requires training data and model configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements universality by designing a single machine learning model framework that can handle multiple pump types through training on diverse data. The same model architecture serves multiple functions across different applications, reducing the need for separate systems for each pump type and simplifying overall configuration while maintaining adaptability.
Data Source
AI summary
Disclosed herein are embodiments of a method for determining operational information of a metering pump, the metering pump comprising a dosing chamber, a displacement member and a drive motor for driving the displacement member, wherein the method comprises: receiving a plurality of detected values of an indicator quantity indicative of a strength of activation of the displacement member at respective positions of the displacement member during operation of the metering pump; computing the operational information from a machine-learning model trained to output said operational information responsive to receiving a plurality of input values derived from detected values of the indicator quantity.


