Pump Digital Twin Control via Chatbot for Subsystem Compatibility

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump systems face challenges in centralized control and monitoring due to varying communication and input/output standards among sub-systems, requiring multiple applications and manual intervention, especially in remote or hard-to-reach locations, leading to resource-heavy operations and compatibility issues.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented system utilizing a chatbot and digital twin technology to standardize data communication and control across diverse pump sub-systems, incorporating machine learning for predictive analysis and autonomous control, with a knowledge base for decision support and compatibility management.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Adaptability or versatility

If multiple control devices and applications are used to access different sub-systems, then compatibility and access to diverse sub-systems are improved, but device complexity and user resource consumption increase

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovecompatibilityVSAvoidcomplexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent implements a universal chatbot interface that can communicate with multiple different sub-systems (pump, valve, water heater, sensor) through a single unified application. The chatbot serves multiple functions: monitoring, controlling, and providing information across diverse sub-systems with different communication protocols, eliminating the need for separate control applications for each device.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #6Universality (Multi-functionality)

Solution Approach 2:

The chatbot acts as an intermediary layer between the user and the various sub-systems. It translates user commands into appropriate communication protocols for different devices and aggregates data from multiple sources into a unified interface, thereby simplifying the system architecture while maintaining compatibility with diverse components.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If local upgrade of control system hardware and software is required for new sensors, then sensor functionality is improved, but ease of operation and compatibility are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvesensor functionalityVSAvoidease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The chatbot enables users to add and configure new sensors without requiring technical expertise or local hardware upgrades. Users can simply communicate their needs through natural language, and the chatbot automatically handles the integration process, making the system adaptable to new sensors while maintaining ease of operation.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

The system performs preliminary actions by pre-configuring communication protocols and data processing routines for new sensors before they are fully integrated. The chatbot prepares the necessary software environment and communication interfaces in advance, so that when new sensors are added, they are automatically compatible without requiring user intervention for hardware or software upgrades.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

3Device complexity

If manual control and monitoring is used for remote pump systems, then system simplicity is improved, but productivity and response time are worsened

Engineering Contradiction:
ImprovesimplicityVSAvoidproductivity
Core Design Contradiction:
Device complexityVSProductivity

Solution Approach 1:

The chatbot implements continuous feedback loops by automatically monitoring sensor data from the pump system and providing real-time updates to users. It can detect anomalies, predict maintenance needs, and automatically adjust system parameters, thereby improving productivity and response time while maintaining the simplicity of the control interface through natural language communication.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Data Source

PatentEP3983859B1A computer implemented system and method for controlling and monitoring a pump
Publication Date: 2025.08.06 GRUNDFOS HLDG
  • EP3983859B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3983859B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3983859B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The present invention relates to a computer implemented system configured for controlling and monitoring of a pump, the system comprising a pump system, at least one sensor providing an operating state data signal representative of a mechanical, fluidicly, electrical operating state and/or other system data of the pump and/or pump system and a control module controlling the mechanical, fluidicly and/or operating state of the pump in response to a received control signal. The invention also comprises a digital twin module being configured for retrieving said operating state data signal and store the data in the IoT database.