Smart Pump Controller Real-Time Threshold Adjustment
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing electronic pump systems lack the ability to efficiently adjust operations in real-time to meet target states, such as temperature and pressure, especially in fluid distribution networks, and face challenges in maintaining optimal performance across varying conditions.
Innovation Solution
The implementation of an electronic pump system that utilizes sensors to obtain measurements, determines state values through binning methods, and adjusts operational parameters based on reference keys and thresholds stored in a local memory, allowing for real-time modifications to achieve target states, even in the absence of communication with a wireless mesh network.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Productivity
If real-time sensor measurements and local processing are implemented, then responsiveness and efficiency of pumping operations are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates and stores threshold values in a data structure during system initialization or offline processing. These thresholds are derived from historical sensor data and operational parameters, allowing the controller to make real-time decisions without performing complex calculations during operation. This preliminary preparation resolves the contradiction by shifting computational complexity from runtime to setup phase.
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces complex mechanical control systems with electronic sensor-based measurement and digital processing. Instead of relying on mechanical feedback mechanisms, the system uses electronic sensors to monitor operational parameters and compares them against stored thresholds using digital logic. This substitution reduces mechanical complexity while improving responsiveness and measurement precision.
2Measurement precision
If multiple sensors and local processing are used, then measurement precision and control accuracy are improved, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent divides the control system into distinct functional modules: sensor units for measuring specific fluid properties, a processing unit that compares measurements against stored thresholds, and a control unit that adjusts pump operations. Each module has a dedicated function, which simplifies the overall system architecture despite the presence of multiple sensors. The data structure storing thresholds is also segmented by operational parameters, allowing efficient retrieval and comparison.
3Productivity
If real-time adjustments based on sensor measurements are implemented, then efficiency of pumping operations is improved, but loss of time for data processing increases
Solution Approach 1:
The patent pre-calculates threshold values and stores them in a readily accessible data structure during system initialization. These thresholds represent optimal operational boundaries for various fluid properties and pump conditions. During real-time operation, the controller simply compares current sensor measurements against these pre-established thresholds using simple comparison logic, avoiding the need for complex real-time calculations. This preliminary preparation minimizes processing time while maintaining high efficiency in pumping operations.
Data Source
AI summary
A process includes obtaining a first set of measurements of an electronic pump operating at a parameter, determining a state value based on the first set of measurements, and determining a reference key based on the state value and the parameter. The process also includes obtaining a second measurement using a second sensor, determining a first threshold, and storing the first threshold in association with the reference key. The process further includes obtaining a second set of measurements including a third and fourth measurement acquired by the first and second sensor. The process further includes determining the reference key based on the third measurement using the function, selecting the first threshold by using the reference key when referencing the data structure. The process further includes determining whether the fourth measurement satisfies criteria based on the first threshold and modifying the electronic pump operation.