Centrifugal Pump Control Electronics Dynamic Interface Generation
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Solution Overview
Problem
The existing centrifugal pump units face limitations in accommodating new function modules due to a fixed number of setting parameters with restricted value ranges, which are not expandable, leading to compatibility issues with outdated software and requiring updates, especially for installed pumps with long product life cycles and rapidly evolving communication technologies.
Innovation Solution
A method is introduced where the graphical user interface of the centrifugal pump's operating software generates screen displays dynamically based on attribute values from connected function modules, allowing for temporary supplementation of the user interface without requiring updates to the pump's software, enabling support for various function modules and variables through a technology-neutral design.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If the pump software uses a fixed number of setting parameters with restricted value ranges, then the software structure remains simple and stable, but new function modules cannot be accommodated without software updates
Solution Approach 1:
The setting parameters are segmented into two distinct parts: generic settings parameters (A-H) that define the structure and valid value ranges, and module-specific variables that contain the actual functional parameters. This segmentation allows the software to maintain a fixed, simple generic parameter structure while accommodating diverse module-specific parameters through dynamic interpretation and supplementary displays.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces an intermediary mechanism in the form of a graphical user interface that dynamically generates supplementary displays based on the connected function module's characteristics. This intermediary layer translates between the fixed generic settings parameters and the variable module-specific parameters, allowing compatibility without requiring software updates.
2Adaptability or versatility
If the pump software is updated to support new function modules, then compatibility with new modules is achieved, but installed pumps with long product life cycles cannot be updated
Solution Approach 1:
The system employs dynamic parameter interpretation where the meaning and valid value ranges of setting parameters are not fixed in the software but are dynamically determined by the connected function module. The control electronics adaptively interpret the generic settings parameters according to the module's characteristics, allowing the system to support new communication technologies without software updates.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent enables parameter changes at runtime by allowing the valid value ranges and meanings of setting parameters to change depending on which function module is connected. The system transitions from static parameter definitions to dynamic parameter interpretation, where the same generic setting parameter can represent different physical quantities or have different valid ranges based on the module's requirements.
3Ease of operation
If generic settings parameters are used for all function modules, then the software structure remains simple, but configuration becomes non-self-explanatory and requires extensive user instructions
Solution Approach 1:
The patent applies local quality by providing context-specific information through supplementary displays that are generated dynamically based on the connected function module. Each setting parameter is accompanied by localized explanatory information relevant to that specific module, making the configuration self-explanatory without requiring generic documentation.
Solution Approach 2:
The system implements feedback by having the graphical user interface dynamically generate supplementary displays that provide explanatory information about the meaning and valid values of setting parameters based on the connected function module. This feedback loop ensures users receive context-appropriate guidance during configuration.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method for operating, in particular configuring, an electronic function module (1) on a control electronics (2) of a centrifugal pump unit to which it is connected, wherein the function module (1) has at least one functional unit (15) and the control electronics (2) has operating software (22) with a graphical user interface (30) for making settings, the appearance of which is defined by image frame data (23).The invention provides that the functional module (1) sends values (14) of attributes describing properties of at least one variable of the functional unit (15) to the control electronics (2), the control electronics (2) generates screen displays (33, 34, 35, 36, 37) based on the attribute values (14) and using the image frame data (23) according to a rule set (24). These screen displays are independent of the operating software (22) and supplement the user interface (30), at least temporarily. The screen displays (33, 34, 35, 36, 37), including a value of the variable integrated into one of the screen displays (34, 36, 37), are then displayed on a display (25). The invention further relates to an electronic functional module and control electronics (2) of a centrifugal pump unit, each configured to carry out the method.