Water Hardness Data Processing Using Sensor Reliability and Flow Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Existing liquid treatment systems fail to accurately account for the non-ideal behavior of liquid treatment devices, leading to unreliable measurements of component concentrations due to variations in their performance over time, which can result in incorrect hardness values being used for water treatment.
Innovation Solution
The method determines the reliability of measurement values based on the liquid treatment device's stage in its useful life by using a signal from a sensor downstream of the treatment part, adjusting calculations to account for the device's performance degradation and incorporating a blending fraction to separate the effects of removable and non-removable components, thereby providing reliable concentration measurements.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Device complexity
If a single sensor is used downstream of the liquid treatment part, then the device complexity is reduced, but the measurement precision of component concentration deteriorates due to inability to distinguish removable and non-removable components
Solution Approach 1:
The patent changes the parameter being measured from direct component concentration to a derived parameter (second parameter) that accounts for device performance degradation over time. By using an integral of flow rate weighted by the difference between first and target parameters, the system compensates for the inability to directly measure removable component concentration with a single sensor
Solution Approach 2:
The patent introduces a computational model as an intermediary between the single sensor measurement and the final concentration determination. The model uses the measured first parameter, flow rate data, and device usage history to calculate the second parameter, effectively mediating the information gap created by using only one sensor
2Ease of operation
If measurement values are used without considering device usage phase, then the ease of operation is improved, but the reliability of concentration values deteriorates due to performance degradation over time
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements feedback by continuously monitoring the difference between the measured first parameter and the target parameter, and using this information to adjust the determination of the second parameter. The system feeds back device usage information (integral of flow rate) to compensate for performance degradation, maintaining reliability without complicating operation
Solution Approach 2:
The patent performs preliminary action by pre-calculating and storing target parameter profiles that represent ideal device performance. These pre-established reference values are then used to compare against actual measurements and compensate for degradation, allowing the system to maintain reliability proactively rather than reacting to failures
3Measurement precision
If multiple sensors or frequent calibration are implemented, then the measurement precision is improved, but the device complexity and maintenance requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent enables self-service by allowing the system to automatically compensate for its own performance degradation using computational methods. The device uses its own operational data (flow rate, usage time) and the single sensor measurement to calculate corrected concentration values, eliminating the need for external calibration interventions or additional sensors
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 approach reduces the likelihood of using unreliable concentration values by considering the device's usage phase and performance, allowing for accurate adjustment of water hardness and pH levels without requiring multiple sensors or frequent calibration, thus enhancing the reliability and efficiency of water treatment systems.
Implementation Method 1
receiving a measurement signal, values of which are representative of a first parameter, the first parameter being a parameter of the liquid depending partially on a concentration of at least one component removable to at least some extent by the liquid treatment part
Data Source
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AI summary
Method for processing data of a system for controlling the hardness of water. A sensor (12, 33, 57) measures a parameter related to the hardness of the treated water (e.g. the conductivity). A processor receives the sensor data and decides whether or not to pass on a signal related to the parameter to further process. This ensures that incorrect hardness readings, such as data recorded right after the exchange of the ion exchanger cartridge, are not transmitted to a further process. Alternatively, an integral value (e.g. the total amount of water processed since the last cartridge change) is taken into account and the sensor data is adjusted.