Modular Fluid Dispensing Control for Reconfigurable Hardware
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing fluid mixing and dispensing systems require redesign or replacement when new or different component hardware is installed, as they are typically designed for specific configurations, limiting flexibility and efficiency in handling varying hardware configurations.
Innovation Solution
A modular plural component platform with a common control system and reconfigurable software modules that can be interchangeable based on the specific hardware configuration, allowing for automatic detection and adaptation to different fluid components and hardware setups, enabling efficient operation across various fluid mixing and dispensing applications.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If a control system is designed for a specific configuration of component hardware, then the system operates reliably for that configuration, but the system cannot accommodate new or different component hardware without redesign or replacement
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is designed with a hardware abstraction layer that provides universal interfaces and standardized communication protocols, enabling a single control system to manage multiple types of component hardware without redesign. The system can accommodate different hardware configurations through configurable software modules that interact with the abstraction layer, eliminating the need for system replacement when hardware changes.
2Adaptability or versatility
If component hardware is changed in a fluid management system, then new functionality or improved performance is achieved, but the control system must be redesigned or replaced
Solution Approach 1:
The control system includes pre-configured software modules and a hardware abstraction layer that are designed in advance to handle various hardware configurations. When new component hardware is installed, the system can automatically detect the hardware type and load the appropriate pre-configured software module, eliminating the need for time-consuming redesign or replacement of the control system.
3Reliability
If the control system is redesigned for each new hardware configuration, then optimal performance for that configuration is achieved, but the cost and time of system replacement increase
Solution Approach 1:
The control system is segmented into distinct layers: a hardware abstraction layer that handles hardware-specific details and upper-level software modules that provide configuration-specific functionality. This segmentation allows the system to maintain a single standardized control platform while achieving configuration-specific optimization through modular software components, reducing deployment costs by eliminating the need for complete system redesign.
Data Source
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AI summary
A method includes receiving, via a processor (14), a unit configuration (28) for a fluid mixing and dispensing system, where the unit configuration (28) includes one or more fluid hardware components (24). The method also includes determining one or more software modules (20) corresponding to the one or more fluid hardware components (24) and configuring a modular plural component platform (10) by loading the one or more software modules (20) corresponding to the one or more fluid hardware components (24).