Pump Pressure Monitoring via Position-Based Sampling
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing methods for monitoring fluid flow in pumps are limited by their inability to provide reliable and precise error detection across a wide range of applications, often requiring significant technical effort and being restricted to constant angular velocities and specific conveying processes.
Innovation Solution
A method and device utilizing at least one pressure sensor for continuous measurement of fluid pressure during partial areas of the pump stroke, with a comparison device to match actual pressure values against type-specific or empirically derived target values, allowing for precise error detection and control of the pump's operation, including adjustments to maintain a constant delivery rate.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Measurement precision
If pressure sensors are installed in the hydraulic space of the pump to measure pressure, then pressure measurement is possible, but the measured pressure is not representative of the pressure in the metering chamber due to diaphragm rigidity and return springs
Solution Approach 1:
The patent introduces an intermediary calculation approach: instead of directly measuring chamber pressure, it measures hydraulic space pressure and adds a compensation value that accounts for diaphragm rigidity and spring forces. This compensation value acts as a mediator to bridge the gap between the measurable quantity (hydraulic space pressure) and the desired quantity (chamber pressure).
2Reliability
If pressure values are recorded at constant time intervals during piston movement to detect errors, then error detection is possible, but this requires constant angular velocity and fixed piston movement
Solution Approach 1:
The patent transitions from a static timing approach (constant time intervals) to a dynamic position-based approach. Instead of sampling at fixed time intervals which assumes constant speed, it samples at fixed piston positions or motor angles. This makes the system adaptive to variable speeds while maintaining consistent measurement quality throughout the stroke.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent changes the sampling parameter from time-based to position-based. By using motor angle or piston position as the independent variable for sampling instead of time, the system becomes insensitive to speed variations. This parameter transformation allows the same sampling strategy to work across a wide range of operating conditions.
3Reliability
If three sensors (pressure sensor, stroke length transmitter, pulse transmitter) are used for continuous monitoring of metering pump functions, then comprehensive monitoring is possible, but the device complexity and technical effort increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The patent extracts and eliminates unnecessary components from the monitoring system. By recognizing that fixed time-interval sampling with constant speed assumptions is inadequate, it removes the need for complex synchronization between multiple sensors. The solution uses a simplified single-sensor approach with position-based sampling, extracting only the essential monitoring function while discarding redundant components.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent makes the pressure sensor serve multiple functions: it simultaneously provides pressure measurement for error detection, delivers for metering accuracy verification, and enables system diagnostics. By using the same sensor and sampling approach for multiple monitoring objectives, the system achieves comprehensive monitoring without requiring separate dedicated sensors for each function.
4Ease of manufacture
If the pump operates at constant speed to maintain fixed piston movement for monitoring, then pressure profile recording is simplified, but the delivery rate cannot be adjusted and the system is restricted to constant angular velocities
Solution Approach 1:
The patent makes the monitoring system dynamic and adaptive to varying operating conditions. Instead of requiring fixed speed operation for simplified monitoring, it uses position-based sampling that automatically adapts to any speed profile. This allows the pump to operate flexibly while the monitoring system dynamically adjusts its sampling timing based on actual piston position or motor angle.
Data Source
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AI summary
The invention relates to a method and device for monitoring a flow of fluid delivered by a pump. The method is characterized in that the pressure course of the fluid is, at least in partial areas of the stroke of the pump, continuously or quasi-continuously measured as ACTUAL values and compared with SET values. The device is characterized by having at last one pressure sensor for continuously or quasi-continuously measuring the pressure of the fluid at least in partial areas of the stroke of the pump and by having a comparing device for comparing the measured ACTUAL values of the pressure with SET values.