Water Treatment Sensor and Control Module Integration
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Solution Overview
Problem
Conventional water treatment systems require significant supervision and intervention to ensure proper operation and desirable water chemistry, as they lack integrated monitoring and control capabilities.
Innovation Solution
A water treatment device comprising a sensor module to monitor water characteristics and a control module in communication with the sensor module and a chemical feed system, which adjusts the chemical supply rate based on analyzed water characteristics.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Ease of operation
If conventional water treatment systems operate components individually without communication, then device complexity is reduced, but supervision and intervention requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The patent combines multiple individually operated water treatment components (chemical feed system, filtration system, monitoring equipment) into an integrated system where components communicate with each other through a central control unit, eliminating the need for separate manual supervision of each component
Solution Approach 2:
The control unit serves multiple functions simultaneously: it monitors water quality parameters, controls chemical dosing, manages filtration operations, and provides automated adjustments, replacing the need for separate dedicated systems for each function
2Loss of time
If manual monitoring and periodic water testing are used, then device complexity is minimized, but time consumption and labor requirements increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system performs self-monitoring through integrated sensors that continuously track water quality parameters, and self-adjusts chemical dosing and filtration operations based on real-time data, eliminating the need for human operators to perform periodic testing and manual adjustments
Solution Approach 2:
The system incorporates continuous feedback loops where sensor data from water quality monitoring is automatically processed by the control unit, which then adjusts operational parameters in real-time, replacing manual testing cycles with automated closed-loop control
3Extent of automation
If automated control systems are implemented, then supervision requirements are reduced, but device complexity increases
Solution Approach 1:
The automated control system is divided into modular functional units (chemical dosing module, filtration control module, sensor integration module) that can be independently configured and maintained, reducing the overall complexity while achieving high automation
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
The system enhances monitoring and control of water treatment processes, reducing the need for extensive supervision and ensuring consistent desirable water chemistry.
Implementation Method 1
sensor assemblies configured to monitor characteristics of the stream of water
Data Source
AI summary
Devices, systems, and methods for water treatment are provided. The devices include a sensor module configured to receive a stream of water from a body of water, the sensor module including sensor assemblies configured to monitor characteristics of the stream of water, and a control module in operable communication with the sensor module and a chemical feed system configured to supply one or more chemicals to the body of water. The control module is configured to, by one or more processors: receive sensor data from the sensor module indicative of the characteristics of the stream of water, analyze the characteristics of the stream of water relative to programmed criteria, and adjust a supply rate of the chemical feed system to supply the one or more chemicals to the body of water based on the analysis of the characteristics of the stream of water.