Pump System Recipe Synchronization for Multi-Component Dispensing

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Solution Overview

Problem

Existing pump systems for dispensing multi-component materials under pressure face challenges in adapting to different component materials and environmental conditions, leading to operational errors and unsatisfactory work results due to complex monitoring and setting requirements, especially in difficult-to-access locations.

Innovation Solution

A pump system with a control device and database that synchronizes recipes with external databases, allowing for automatic adjustment of mixing ratios and operational parameters, enabling simplified operation and adaptation to real-time environmental conditions, and facilitating remote monitoring and data exchange.

Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles

VSEngineering Contradiction Analysis

1Reliability

If the pump system uses manual monitoring and setting of mixing ratios, then the operator can control the process, but the complexity of monitoring multiple variables leads to operational errors

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveoperational reliabilityVSAvoidmonitoring complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
ReliabilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically monitors fill levels, delivery rates, and environmental parameters, and adjusts pump operations without operator intervention. The system self-regulates by comparing actual parameters with target values from the database and making corrections automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Sensors continuously measure fill levels, delivery rates, and environmental conditions, feeding this data back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback and adjusts pump operations to maintain optimal mixing ratios and account for environmental factors.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

2Manufacturing precision

If the operator continuously monitors all operating parameters, then work quality can be maintained, but the operator's workload and required skill level increase

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveapplication qualityVSAvoidoperator ease of operation
Core Design Contradiction:
Manufacturing precisionVSEase of operation

Solution Approach 1:

The control unit automatically monitors fill levels, delivery rates, and environmental parameters, and adjusts pump operations without operator intervention. The system self-regulates by comparing actual parameters with target values from the database and making corrections automatically.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #25Self-service

Solution Approach 2:

Manual monitoring and adjustment by the operator is replaced with automated electronic sensors and control algorithms. The control unit processes sensor data and adjusts pump operations electronically, substituting human cognitive and manual tasks with automated systems.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #28Mechanics substitution (Replace mechanical system)

3Adaptability or versatility

If the pump system adapts to different environmental conditions, then application results improve, but the system requires complex adjustments and formulations

Engineering Contradiction:
Improveenvironmental adaptabilityVSAvoidsystem adjustment complexity
Core Design Contradiction:
Adaptability or versatilityVSDevice complexity

Solution Approach 1:

The database stores multiple formulations and target parameters for different environmental conditions and material types. The control unit automatically selects and applies the appropriate formulation based on stored environmental data, allowing the system to handle various materials and conditions with a single unified system.

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

Solution Approach 2:

The system automatically adjusts operational parameters such as pump delivery rates, mixing ratios, and pressure settings based on environmental conditions. The control unit modifies these parameters in real-time by comparing actual conditions with target values from the database, enabling adaptation without manual reconfiguration.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #35Parameter changes

4Length of moving object

If the delivery line is long, then the system can reach difficult-to-access areas, but the delay in detecting operational issues increases

Engineering Contradiction:
Improvedelivery line lengthVSAvoidfault detection reliability
Core Design Contradiction:
Length of moving objectVSReliability

Solution Approach 1:

Sensors continuously measure fill levels, delivery rates, and environmental parameters at the pump unit, feeding this data back to the control unit. The control unit processes this feedback in real-time, enabling immediate detection of operational issues without waiting for effects to propagate through the long delivery line to the spray gun.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #23Feedback

Solution Approach 2:

The system monitors operational parameters and detects potential issues before they affect the application process. By continuously tracking fill levels and delivery rates at the pump unit, the system can take preliminary corrective action before material depletion or mixing errors occur at the spray gun.

Inventive Principle:
Principle #10Preliminary action

Data Source

PatentEP3143281B1Method for operation of a pump system and a pump system
Publication Date: 2020.06.24 WIWA WILHELM WAGNER GMBH & CO KG(DE)
  • EP3143281B1 patent drawingFigure 1
  • EP3143281B1 patent drawingFigure 2
  • EP3143281B1 patent drawingFigure 3

AI summary

The invention relates to a method for controlling a pump system and to a pump system (10) having a pump unit (11) for output of multi-component material under pressure by means of a spray pistol. The pump unit comprises a pump device (12), a mixer (13), and a spray pistol (14). The pump device has at least two pumps (16, 17) for conveying component material and fluid accumulators (18, 19) allocated to each for storing component material. The pump system has a control device (24), which control device comprises a control apparatus (26) and a database (27). Recipes for mixing multi-component material are stored in the database, and the pump unit is controlled in dependence on a recipe by means of the control apparatus.