Programmable Pump Control for Flexible User Applications
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing pumps lack flexibility in adjusting control parameters to meet diverse user requirements, making it difficult to adapt to different usage scenarios.
Innovation Solution
A pump unit with an electric drive motor, a control device including a microprocessor and storage for user applications, and a programming module that allows users to create, modify, and store user applications and functions, enabling flexible control adjustments by combining input parameters, operators, and actions.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If prior art pumps use fixed control patterns with limited adjustable parameters, then the pump structure remains simple and reliable, but the pump cannot adapt to diverse user requirements and different usage scenarios
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is designed to perform multiple functions: it can execute basic control programs, store and execute user applications, and interface with various input devices. This multi-functionality allows a single device to handle both simple and complex control requirements, resolving the contradiction between adaptability and complexity.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system transitions from static fixed control patterns to dynamic user-configurable control. Users can modify control parameters, create custom control logic, and adapt the pump behavior in real-time based on specific usage scenarios, enabling the system to dynamically adjust to different requirements.
2Adaptability or versatility
If users need to create and modify custom control applications, then the pump becomes highly flexible and adaptable, but the ease of operation decreases due to the complexity of programming and configuration
Solution Approach 1:
The control device acts as an intermediary between the user and the pump motor. It provides a user-friendly interface that abstracts the complexity of motor control, allowing users to configure and program control applications without needing to understand the underlying complex control mechanisms. This mediator layer simplifies operation while maintaining flexibility.
Solution Approach 2:
The control device can store multiple control applications and easily switch between them. Users can create, save, and reuse control programs, copying successful configurations for different usage scenarios. This capability maintains flexibility while reducing the operational burden of creating control logic from scratch each time.
3Ease of manufacture
If the control device is integrated within the pump unit, then installation is simplified and wireless communication becomes possible, but the device complexity increases due to integration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control device is merged with the pump unit into a single integrated assembly. This combination eliminates the need for separate external control devices, simplifies installation by reducing the number of components to install and connect, and enables wireless communication capabilities. The integration resolves the contradiction by making the system more installable while managing complexity through unified design.
Data Source
AI summary
A pump unit has an electrical drive motor and a control device for controlling the drive motor, wherein said control device includes at least one microprocessor and storage means which is able to store at least one control program executable by said microprocessor, wherein said control device includes or communicates with a programming module by which at least one user application can be created and/or modified and stored in said storage means, wherein said programming module is designed such that at least one input parameter, at least one operator and at least one action can be chosen as program elements and combined to generate at least one user function of said user application which can be executed by said microprocessor.