Pump Controller Wireless Pairing for HMI Extraction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional pumps face challenges with aesthetical, ergonomic, and implementation constraints related to human-machine interfaces (HMIs), particularly in submersible pumps, which require separate sealing and limited on-board memory for data analysis, necessitating an alternative for efficient and user-friendly operation.
Innovation Solution
A pump system where a controller communicably coupled to the motor scans for a pairing signal from a mobile device to suspend power supply, allowing the mobile device to act as the HMI, enabling direct pairing and communication without a third device, and controlling operational parameters, utilizing signals like Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, or NFC for wireless connection.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If a display (HMI) is integrated into the pump control interface, then the pump can provide local control and status indication, but it increases aesthetic constraints, ergonomic issues, implementation complexity, and maintenance costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display (HMI) function from the pump control interface and relocates it to a mobile device. The pump controller communicates with the mobile device via wireless communication, transferring the display and control functions externally. This eliminates the need for an integrated display on the pump, reducing aesthetic constraints, ergonomic issues, implementation complexity, and maintenance costs while preserving local control capability through wireless connectivity.
2Ease of operation
If a display (HMI) is integrated into the pump control interface, then the pump can provide local control and status indication, but it increases maintenance and overhaul costs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts the display (HMI) function from the pump control interface and relocates it to a mobile device. By moving the display externally to a replaceable mobile device, the pump's internal components are simplified and protected, especially important for submersible pumps. The mobile device can be easily replaced or updated without affecting the pump, significantly reducing maintenance and overhaul costs.
3Productivity
If the pump automatically starts pumping after initial startup sequence, then the pump provides convenient automatic operation, but it cannot pause or control pumping without physical intervention
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a feedback mechanism where the mobile device communicates with the pump controller to provide pause commands. The pump automatically starts after initial startup sequence, then receives real-time control signals from the mobile device allowing the user to pause or resume pumping as needed. This maintains automatic operation productivity while adding flexible control capability through wireless communication.
4Adaptability or versatility
If a gateway device is used for wireless communication between pump and mobile device, then the system provides remote control capability, but it increases device complexity and requires additional hardware
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the pump controller itself multi-functional by integrating both the control logic and wireless communication capabilities directly into it. The controller performs pump control functions and also handles wireless communication with mobile devices, eliminating the need for a separate gateway device. This reduces system hardware complexity while maintaining remote control capability through the controller's built-in communication interface.
Data Source
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AI summary
A pump (100, 200) includes a motor (130) configured to actuate a pumping action of the pump (100, 200) on receiving a power supply (110). The pump (100, 200) includes a controller (120) communicably coupled to the motor (130). The controller (120) is configured to control the power supply (110) to the motor (130), and scan an environment (140, 240) of the pump (100, 200) for detecting a pairing signal (S). The pump (100, 200) is characterized in that the controller (120) is further configured to suspend the power supply (110) to the motor (130) upon detecting the pairing signal (S).