Water Installation Profile Switching Without Controller Reconfiguration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Protean water installation devices, which can assume multiple functionalities, pose challenges in initial setup and control due to unpredictable profile changes, requiring cumbersome reconfiguration and qualified personnel intervention.
Innovation Solution
A software platform utilizing a two-level descriptor file structure, where a family descriptor file selects and executes virtual descriptor files associated with specific profiles, allowing for seamless operation and control of protean devices without reconfiguring the controlling apparatus or modifying the device.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If protean water installation devices assume multiple functionalities with varying profiles, then device versatility is improved, but device complexity and reconfiguration requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The controlling apparatus uses a universal descriptor file structure that can represent multiple device profiles (pH controller, ORP controller, combination controller) within a single framework. This allows one controlling apparatus to manage protean devices with varying functionalities without requiring separate control systems for each profile type.
Solution Approach 2:
The system dynamically selects and activates the appropriate virtual descriptor file based on the protean device's current profile after setup. This dynamic adaptation allows the controlling apparatus to adjust its operation mode according to the device's assumed functionality without physical reconfiguration.
2Adaptability or versatility
If protean water installation devices change profiles after setup, then device adaptability is improved, but ease of operation deteriorates due to reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs preliminary configuration by selecting the appropriate virtual descriptor file during the setup phase, before the protean device assumes its operational profile. This preliminary action ensures that the controlling apparatus is pre-configured to match the device's functionality, eliminating the need for post-setup reconfiguration by qualified personnel.
Solution Approach 2:
The protean device itself determines its profile during setup and automatically communicates this to the controlling apparatus, which then autonomously selects the corresponding virtual descriptor file. This self-service mechanism eliminates the need for manual intervention by qualified personnel to reconfigure the controlling apparatus after device setup.
3Reliability
If traditional control software is used for protean devices, then software compatibility is improved, but productivity decreases due to manual reconfiguration requirements
Solution Approach 1:
The control software is segmented into a general-purpose controlling apparatus and profile-specific virtual descriptor files. This segmentation allows the main software to remain compatible and unchanged while the virtual descriptor files provide specific configuration details for each device profile, enabling rapid commissioning without modifying the core software.
Solution Approach 2:
Instead of modifying the traditional control software for each device profile, the system creates virtual copies (virtual descriptor files) that contain profile-specific configurations. These virtual descriptors are selected and executed by the general-purpose controlling apparatus, maintaining software compatibility while enabling fast deployment of protean devices.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods and devices for operating protean water installation devices connected to water installation controlling apparatuses and comprising two or more water installation device profiles, wherein only one of the water installation device profiles is enabled at any given time are disclosed. Family descriptor files are associated with the protean water installation devices and with two or more virtual descriptor files. Each virtual descriptor file is associated with one water installation device profile of the water installation device; a registry location indicating the enabled water installation device profileis read at the protean water installation device and a virtual descriptor file, associated with the identified water installation device profile, is executed to operate the water installation device.