Networked Water Control for Remote Diagnosis and Usage Reduction
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing water management systems face challenges in diagnosing issues with water control devices, such as blockages, and in efficiently monitoring and controlling multiple devices across large facilities, leading to increased time and resource consumption, especially in environments with water usage restrictions.
Innovation Solution
A centralized water management system and method that uses electronic controllers and embedded devices to send and receive operational data, develop control data, and adjust operational parameters of water control devices, allowing for remote monitoring and control through a network of devices including web servers and computing devices.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If manual monitoring and diagnosis of water control devices is performed, then operational control is achieved, but time consumption and resource usage increase significantly
Solution Approach 1:
The water control devices perform self-monitoring and self-diagnosis through embedded sensors and controllers that automatically detect operational parameters, blockages, and faults without requiring manual inspection. The system serves itself by generating and transmitting diagnostic data autonomously.
Solution Approach 2:
Manual mechanical inspection and diagnosis are replaced by electronic sensing, data transmission, and automated analysis systems. Sensors monitor water flow, pressure, and device status, substituting human physical examination with electronic detection and remote diagnostics.
2Loss of substance
If water control devices are manually adjusted to reduce water usage, then water consumption is reduced, but operational complexity and time required for adjustment increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system continuously monitors water consumption, operational parameters, and environmental conditions, then automatically adjusts device settings based on this feedback. Controllers receive data from sensors and modify water flow, pressure, and timing to optimize water usage while maintaining functionality.
Solution Approach 2:
The system automatically changes operational parameters such as water flow rate, pressure, and timing based on monitored conditions and pre-set optimization criteria. This eliminates manual adjustment while reducing water consumption through intelligent parameter modification.
3Reliability
If multiple water control devices are monitored individually, then comprehensive monitoring is achieved, but the complexity of management across multiple facilities increases
Solution Approach 1:
Individual device monitoring systems are merged into a centralized networked platform that aggregates data from multiple devices across different facilities. The system combines sensing, communication, and analysis functions into an integrated management architecture that simplifies oversight while maintaining comprehensive coverage.
Solution Approach 2:
The monitoring system is designed with universal functionality to handle diverse water control devices across multiple facilities through a single platform. The system can monitor various device types, locations, and operational parameters simultaneously, providing multi-functional management capability.
Data Source
AI summary
A water management method for controlling at least one operational parameter of at least one water control device, wherein the operational parameter is associated with water used by the water control device, the method comprising: sending, from an electronic controller of the water control device, operational data associated with the operational parameter to an embedded electronic device; receiving, at the embedded electronic device, the operational data, and developing control data based on the received operational data and sending the control data to the electronic controller; and receiving, at the electronic controller, the control data and controlling the operational parameter of the water control device based on the received control data.