Web-Enabled Predictive Water Sampler Control

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing water quality monitoring systems face challenges in remotely modifying sampling schedules and accessing remote locations, leading to inefficiencies and high costs, as well as limitations in real-time data analysis and control due to the lack of web-hosted applications for controlling water samplers with predictive sampling capabilities.

Innovation Solution

A web-enabled predictive remote water quality monitoring system that allows for remote user control of water samplers through a network of environmental instruments and sensors, enabling predictive sampling adjustments based on real-time data analysis and communication via wireless communication links, allowing upstream samplers to control downstream instruments and alert users to environmental changes.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Extent of automation

If a preset sampling schedule is used for remote water quality monitoring, then the system operates automatically with minimal human intervention, but the sampling parameters cannot be modified on-site and require difficult and expensive access to remote locations

Engineering Contradiction:

Improveautomatic sampling operationVSAvoidsampling parameter modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Extent of automationVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

A web server acts as an intermediary between remote users and the water quality monitoring system. The server receives user requests via web interface, processes them, and sends control commands to the monitoring instruments, enabling remote parameter modification without physical access to the field site

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The system separates the control functionality into distinct modules: web interface for user interaction, web server for processing, and field instruments for execution. This segmentation allows independent modification of sampling parameters through the web interface without affecting the automatic operation of the field instruments

Inventive Principle:

Principle #1Segmentation

2Adaptability or versatility

If remote access to monitoring sites is required for schedule modifications, then sampling parameters can be adjusted, but the cost and difficulty of accessing remote locations increases

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvesampling parameter adjustmentVSAvoidtime for site access and modification

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSLoss of time

Solution Approach 1:

The patent replaces the mechanical approach of physically traveling to remote sites with an electronic/web-based control system. Users can adjust sampling parameters through a web interface, eliminating the need for physical travel to remote monitoring locations and significantly reducing time and cost

Inventive Principle:

Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Measurement precision

If traditional remote sampling systems are used, then water quality data can be collected, but real-time predictive analysis and remote control capabilities are limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewater quality data collectionVSAvoidreal-time data analysis capability

Core Design Contradiction:

Measurement precisionVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The system implements feedback loops where water quality data is continuously collected, analyzed against predefined criteria, and used to automatically adjust sampling parameters. The web server sends real-time notifications to users when criteria are met, enabling dynamic response to changing water conditions

Inventive Principle:

Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary analysis of water quality data against predefined criteria before triggering sampling events. This predictive approach allows the system to anticipate when sampling is needed based on trending data, rather than relying solely on fixed schedules

Inventive Principle:

Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentUS8886482B2Predictive and internet-based sampler control

Publication Date: 2014.11.11 HACH

AI summary

Described is a system for remotely monitoring water quality at one or more locations via a web-enabled application. Embodiments of the present invention provide remote water sampler control with integrated predictive sampling. In some embodiments, the present invention provides a web-hosted application that allows for remote user control of one or more water samplers in combination with predictive sampling.