Pump Configuration via Messaging Interface for Legacy Models

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump configurations, especially older models without electronic setup guides, are difficult to configure and re-program, requiring manufacture-specific applications and multiple installations, which deter users from configuring different types of pumps.

Innovation Solution

A computer-implemented method using a cloud-based conversation interface system and existing instant messaging applications like WhatsApp or WeChat on smartphones to detect and analyze input messages, determine database queries, and provide technical configuration parameters for configuring pumps, eliminating the need for manufacture-specific applications and deep technical knowledge.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Manufacturing precision

If manufacture-specific configuration applications are used for pump configuration, then configuration accuracy is improved, but device complexity and user burden increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration accuracyVSAvoidapplication installation complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent applies universality by making the cloud-based conversation interface system serve multiple functions: it provides configuration guidance, error code interpretation, troubleshooting assistance, and technical support for multiple pump types through a single unified platform accessible via existing instant messaging applications, eliminating the need for multiple manufacture-specific applications

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

Solution Approach 2:

The patent introduces a cloud-based conversation interface system as an intermediary between the user and the pump configuration process. This intermediary translates user-friendly natural language queries into technical configuration parameters, mediates between the user's limited technical knowledge and the complex configuration requirements, and provides structured guidance without requiring users to install specialized software

Inventive Principle:
Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Ease of operation

If electronic setup guides are integrated into the pump, then ease of operation is improved, but manufacturing cost and device complexity increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvepump configuration easeVSAvoidelectronic setup guide integration
Core Design Contradiction:
Ease of operationVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The patent extracts the electronic setup guide functionality from the pump hardware and relocates it to an external cloud-based conversation interface system. This separation allows the pump itself to remain simple while the configuration guidance resides in the accessible cloud environment, reachable through existing instant messaging applications

Inventive Principle:
Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The system enables self-service configuration by providing users with automated, on-demand access to configuration guidance, error code explanations, and troubleshooting information through the cloud-based interface, allowing users to resolve issues independently without requiring integrated electronic guides in the pump or assistance from specialists

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

3Manufacturing precision

If multiple manufacture-specific applications are required for different pump types, then configuration precision is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveconfiguration precisionVSAvoiduser willingness to configure
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The cloud-based conversation interface system provides universal support for multiple pump types through a single interface, maintaining configuration precision for each specific pump model while eliminating the need for users to install and switch between multiple manufacture-specific applications

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

Solution Approach 2:

Instead of requiring users to adapt to manufacturer-specific applications and interfaces, the system inverts the approach by having the cloud-based interface adapt to user-friendly communication patterns through natural language processing, making the system conform to user expectations rather than vice versa

Inventive Principle:
Principle #13The other way round (Inversion)

Data Source

PatentEP3819786A1Method and arrangement for configuring and/or displaying information of a pump
Publication Date: 2021.05.12 WILO SE
  • EP3819786A1 patent drawingFigure 1~2
  • EP3819786A1 patent drawingFigure 3~4
  • EP3819786A1 patent drawingFigure 5~6

AI summary

The invention relates to a computer-implemented method for configuring and/or displaying status information of a pump (1), comprising the steps of detecting, by a computer system (2), receipt of an input message in form of a plain language query message, a voice message and/or a graphical identification attribute of the pump (1) from a cloud-based conversation interface system (3), whereby the input message is routed by the cloud-based conversation interface system (3) from an instant messaging application installed on a smartphone (5) and/or by the smartphone (5), or of a status message, whereby the status message is routed by the smartphone (5) from the pump (1), analysing, by the computer system (2), the input message and/or the status message for determining a database query based on an analysed pump type, and retrieving, by the computer system (2), from the database in response to the database query at least one response message.