Fluid Applicator Monitoring with Wireless Data Archiving
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Solution Overview
Problem
Fluid applicator systems, particularly those used in industrial and construction applications, face challenges in remote monitoring and data management, as they often operate in multiple, geographically dispersed locations, requiring real-time and historical data access for efficient operation and maintenance, but lack centralized, user-friendly solutions for aggregating and archiving operational parameters.
Innovation Solution
A remote monitoring system comprising a fluid handling system with integrated sensors and processors for temperature and pressure management, coupled with a communications module that transmits data via a network to an end-user accessible data storage server, enabling real-time and historical data archiving and providing a graphical user interface for end-user access and analysis.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Adaptability or versatility
If fluid applicators are deployed at multiple geographically dispersed locations, then service coverage and operational flexibility are improved, but remote monitoring capability and data management become more difficult
Solution Approach 1:
A communications module serves as an intermediary between the fluid applicator system and remote users, transmitting operational data via wireless networks to data storage servers and enabling centralized monitoring without requiring physical presence at dispersed locations
Solution Approach 2:
The patent replaces manual local monitoring with automated electronic sensing and communication systems, where sensors, processors, and wireless transmitters automatically collect and transmit data, eliminating the need for operators to physically visit each location
2Loss of information
If real-time data collection from multiple locations is implemented, then operational visibility is improved, but data transmission requirements and system complexity increase
Solution Approach 1:
The communications module performs multiple functions including data collection, wireless transmission, and interaction with data storage servers, providing a universal solution for remote monitoring across all fluid applicator locations through a single integrated system
Solution Approach 2:
The system creates digital copies of operational data from sensors and transmits these data representations remotely, allowing users to access and analyze copies of the information without requiring physical access to the original equipment or data sources
3Loss of time
If centralized data archiving is implemented, then historical data accessibility is improved, but infrastructure requirements and initial costs increase
Solution Approach 1:
The system establishes data storage servers and communication infrastructure in advance, creating a ready-to-use centralized archiving system that can immediately begin collecting and storing operational data from all locations without requiring later retrofits or installations
Data Source
AI summary
In one embodiment, a remote monitoring system for a fluid applicator system is disclosed. The fluid applicator system is disposed to heat and pump spray fluid, and to transmit reports including sensed temperatures, pressures, and other operational parameters of the fluid applicator system via a wireless network. The remote monitoring system comprises a data storage server, and an end user interface. The data storage server is configured to receive and archive the reports. The end user interface is configured to provide a graphical user interface based on the reports. The graphical user interface illustrates a status of the fluid handling system, sensed and commanded temperatures of the fluid handling system, sensed and commanded pressures of the fluid handling system, and usage statistics of the fluid handling system.