External Pump Signal Converter for Low-Cost Remote Communication

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Solution Overview

Problem

Modern fluid pump systems face challenges in cost and security due to the need for expensive display interfaces and limited communication range in existing solutions, particularly with the use of radio frequency transmission modules.

Innovation Solution

An electronic converter unit that can operate in both signal converter and repeater modes, allowing for extended communication range without the need for expensive radio frequency communication circuitry in the pump unit, using dual signal detectors and transmission means to convert and relay signals between the pump unit and external communication devices.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Ease of operation

If a display or touch screen is provided on the pump unit, then the user can directly control the pump unit, but the production cost and purchase price increase

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvedirect control capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of operationVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The control interface (display and touch screen) is extracted from the pump unit and placed on an external device. The pump unit only retains the necessary control inputs, while the complex display and control logic are moved to the external device, reducing the pump unit's cost and complexity.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

An intermediary device (such as a smartphone or external controller) is introduced to mediate between the user and the pump unit. This intermediary handles the complex display and control functions, allowing the pump unit to remain simple and cost-effective while still providing comprehensive control capabilities.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

2Adaptability or versatility

If a radio frequency transmission module is used in the pump unit, then wireless communication is achieved, but the cost increases and transmission distance is limited

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvewireless communication capabilityVSAvoidproduction cost

Core Design Contradiction:

Adaptability or versatilityVSEase of manufacture

Solution Approach 1:

The radio frequency transmission module is extracted from the pump unit and placed in the external device. The pump unit uses a simpler, lower-cost communication interface, while the external device handles the complex wireless communication functions, reducing overall system cost.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #2Taking out (Extraction)

Solution Approach 2:

The external device acts as an intermediary that bridges the pump unit and the wireless network. It converts signals from the simple pump unit interface into wireless communications, enabling versatile wireless connectivity without requiring expensive RF modules in the pump unit itself.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

3Ease of manufacture

If a simple diode display is used, then the visual indication is simple and cost-effective, but detailed information about operating condition cannot be extracted

Engineering Contradiction:

Improvecost-effectivenessVSAvoidoperating condition information

Core Design Contradiction:

Ease of manufactureVSLoss of information

Solution Approach 1:

The external device serves as an intermediary that retrieves detailed operating condition information from the pump unit and presents it on its own display. This allows the pump unit to use a simple, cost-effective display while the external device provides comprehensive information about operating conditions.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #24Intermediary (Mediator)

Solution Approach 2:

The information display is moved from the physical dimension (pump unit display) to the digital dimension (external device display). The pump unit's simple display is supplemented by the external device's ability to present detailed operating information through software interfaces.

Inventive Principle:

Principle #17Another dimension (Dimensionality change)

Applied Scientific Principles

This section explains which scientific principles are used to turn an abstract innovation direction into a practical engineering solution.

Function Achieved in This Case

This solution reduces manufacturing costs, enhances communication range, and provides a secure and versatile communication interface for pump systems, enabling efficient data transmission and control without the need for expensive user interfaces on the pump unit.

Implementation Method 1

a signal detector for detecting the signal emitted from the signal source of the pump unit

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic radiation detection: Absorption (EM radiation)

Implementation Method 2

a converter unit for converting said signals to electrical signals

Methodology Applied

Scientific EffectElectromagnetic energy to electrical energy conversion: Electromagnetic Induction

Data Source

PatentUS10132508B2Electronic converter unit for a pump and a method for communicating with the electronic converter unit

Publication Date: 2018.11.20 GRUNDFOS HLDG

AI summary

An electronic converter unit (30, 86, 87) for being arranged external to a pump unit (10) is described. The pump unit (10) includes a housing (12), which comprises a signal source (16, 18) for emitting a signal. The electronic converter unit (30, 86, 87) comprises a signal detector (40) for measuring the signal emitted from the signal source (18) of the pump unit (10). The electronic converter unit (30) further comprises a converter unit (41) for converting said signals to electrical signals, and transmitting means (42) for transmitting the electrical signals to an external communication unit (50). The electronic converter unit (30, 86, 87) is further configured to operate in a signal converter mode (30) and a signal repeater mode (86, 87).