Remote Control of Positive Displacement Pumps via Network Hub
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current positive displacement pumps lack secure remote operation capabilities, relying on conventional local control methods that do not allow for real-time monitoring and control from a distance.
Innovation Solution
A network-based system that enables remote control of positive displacement pumps through a cloud architecture, using an application server, command server, and database server to transmit control commands, monitor operation parameters, and alert users, with the pump equipped with a network interface, processor, and liquid leak sensor for secure communication and data management.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If local control methods are used for positive displacement pumps, then the system structure remains simple, but remote monitoring and control capabilities are lost
Solution Approach 1:
A network hub acts as an intermediary between the pump controller and remote user devices. The hub receives control commands from the network, stores them in memory, and transmits them to the pump controller, enabling remote operation without requiring direct connection between all components.
Solution Approach 2:
The control system is segmented into distinct functional modules: a pump controller with processor and memory embedded in the pump, a separate network hub for command management, and remote user devices for operation. This segmentation allows each component to perform its specific function while maintaining overall system simplicity.
2Ease of operation
If remote control via network is implemented, then accessibility and monitoring capability are improved, but security risks from unauthorized access increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication of user devices before allowing control commands to be transmitted. The processor evaluates whether a transmitting device is authorized to send commands, and only authenticated devices can access the pump controller through the network hub.
Solution Approach 2:
The system provides feedback regarding the authentication status of transmitting devices. The processor communicates authorization decisions back to the network hub and user devices, ensuring that only verified users can control the pump and maintaining system security.
3Adaptability or versatility
If multiple user devices can control the pump, then collaboration and monitoring are enhanced, but control authority and error prevention are reduced
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary authentication to determine which user devices are authorized to control the pump. By evaluating device authorization before allowing control, the system enables multiple legitimate users to collaborate while preventing unauthorized or erroneous commands from unauthenticated sources.
Data Source
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AI summary
Aspects are provided for positive displacement pumps and methods and systems for remotely controlling such positive displacement pumps via a network. An application server receives, from a registered user, a selection of an operation program for the positive displacement pump, the operation program including control commands to control a drive motor of the pump. The application server sends the program to a network hub to publish the control commands to the pump, wherein the pump retrieves the control commands from the network hub. The application server stores a record of the control commands associated with the registered user. The application server receives operation parameters from the pump and stores the operation parameters in association with the registered user. The application server evaluates the operation parameters according to defined conditions. The application server transmits an alert to a registered user, for example.