Pump Controller Dual Mode Operation for Pressure Stability

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pressure tank units for irrigation and plumbing systems struggle to maintain constant liquid pressure, leading to intermittent pump operation and reduced operational lifetime, necessitating a solution for efficient and durable pressure management.

Innovation Solution

A pump system with a storage tank, pumping unit, operational parameter sensors, and a controller that operates in two modes: one mode based on measured parameters and another mode that disregards them, allowing for user input or automatic activation to maintain consistent pressure during varying operational conditions.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pump operates intermittently based on pressure switch control, then the pump operational lifetime is extended, but the liquid pressure cannot be maintained constant throughout operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump operational lifetimeVSAvoidliquid pressure consistency
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSStability of the object's composition

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically switches between two operational modes (first mode and second mode) based on detected operational conditions. In the first mode, the pump operates intermittently to extend lifetime, while in the second mode, it operates continuously to maintain constant pressure. This dynamic adaptation resolves the contradiction by allowing the system to optimize for different priorities at different times.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes the operational parameters of the pump by switching between two distinct operational modes. The first mode uses pressure-based intermittent operation, while the second mode uses continuous operation regardless of pressure parameters. This parameter change enables the system to balance between pump lifetime extension and pressure consistency.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

2Stability of the object's composition

If the pump operates continuously to maintain constant pressure, then the liquid pressure remains stable, but the pump operational lifetime is reduced

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveliquid pressure consistencyVSAvoidpump operational lifetime
Core Design Contradiction:
Stability of the object's compositionVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically selects between intermittent operation (for pump protection) and continuous operation (for pressure stability) based on real-time operational conditions detected by sensors. This dynamic decision-making allows the system to prioritize pressure stability when needed while protecting pump lifetime when possible.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller receives feedback from operational parameter sensors that monitor pump status and system conditions. Based on this feedback, the controller determines whether to activate the first mode (intermittent operation) or the second mode (continuous operation), creating a closed-loop control system that balances pressure stability and pump longevity.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

3Productivity

If the pump operates based on operational parameters from sensors, then the operation is optimized for efficiency, but the system cannot respond to high-demand events requiring continuous operation

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational efficiencyVSAvoidresponse to varying operational conditions
Core Design Contradiction:
ProductivityVSAdaptability or versatility

Solution Approach 1:

The system dynamically adapts its operational strategy based on detected conditions. During normal operation, it uses sensor-based parameter optimization for efficiency. When high-demand events are detected (such as irrigation events), it switches to continuous operation mode, providing the versatility needed to respond to varying operational requirements.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #15Dynamics

Solution Approach 2:

The controller changes operational parameters based on the detected operational condition. In the first mode, it optimizes operation based on sensor readings for efficiency. In the second mode, it overrides sensor-based parameters and operates continuously, allowing the system to adapt to high-demand events while maintaining operational efficiency during normal conditions.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

Data Source

PatentEP4239199A1Pump operation control
Publication Date: 2023.09.06 HUSQVARNA AB
  • EP4239199A1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP4239199A1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP4239199A1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

A pump (100) includes a storage tank (110) adapted to store a pressurized liquid and a pumping unit (120) configured to supply the pressurized liquid to the storage tank (110). The pump (100) further includes at least one operational parameter sensor (140) and a controller (150) communicably coupled with the pumping unit (120), and the at least one operational parameter sensor (140). The controller (150) is configured to activate at least one of a first operational mode (P1) and a second operational mode (P2) of the pump (100) based on the communication with the at least one operational parameter sensor (140). The first operational mode (P1) corresponds to controlling an operation of the pumping unit (120) based on the one or more operational parameters. The pump (100) is characterized in that the second operational mode (P2) corresponds to controlling the operation of the pumping unit (120) irrespective of the one or more operational parameters.