Wireless interface module for chemical dispensing system
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Solution Overview
Problem
Current chemical dispensing systems in industries require manual intervention for data retrieval and updates, leading to significant time investment and inefficiency in managing chemical usage and settings across multiple washing machines.
Innovation Solution
A wireless interface module enables communication between mobile computing devices and system controllers, allowing for wireless data transmission and reception of usage data and settings, thereby streamlining the process of managing chemical dispensing systems.
Engineering Contradictions & Design Principles
Engineering Contradiction Analysis
1Loss of time
If manual wired connection is used for data transfer between system controller and computer, then data can be transmitted between devices, but significant time is required for physical connection and data management operations
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the mechanical wired connection system with a wireless communication system. The system controller and mobile computing device communicate via wireless signals, eliminating the need for physical cable connections. This substitution dramatically reduces the time required for data management operations while maintaining ease of operation, as users can access and transfer data remotely without physically connecting devices.
2Productivity
If physical access to each system controller is required for data retrieval and updates, then direct communication is established, but enormous time investment is required for facility-wide data management
Solution Approach 1:
The patent implements a universal wireless communication interface that allows a single mobile computing device to communicate with multiple system controllers across the facility. The system controller can perform multiple functions including retrieving usage data, uploading new data, and managing chemical dispensing operations through a unified wireless interface, eliminating the need for separate physical access to each controller and dramatically improving overall data management efficiency.
3Reliability
If dedicated signal lines are used for system controller connections, then reliable communication is achieved, but system complexity increases with multiple cables and connections
Solution Approach 1:
The patent replaces the complex mechanical system of dedicated signal lines and multi-conductor cables with wireless communication. This eliminates the physical infrastructure of cables and connectors while maintaining communication reliability through wireless signal transmission. The system achieves reliable data transfer between the system controller and mobile computing device without the complexity of managing multiple physical connections.
Data Source
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AI summary
Methods, systems, and computer program products for wirelessly communicating with various system controllers (15) of a facility (14) through a wireless interface module (12) are disclosed. A mobile computing device (16) may wirelessly connect with the wireless interface module (12) to transmit information to and receive information from the wireless interface module (12). Specifically, a washing machine (13) may be coupled to the system controller (15) and may require various chemicals to perform the underlying washing tasks. As the chemicals are utilized, system controllers (15) provide usage data and any other relevant data to the wireless machine interface (12), which may in turn provide the data to the mobile computing device (16) upon request. Similarly, the mobile computing device (16) may transmit system setting information, updated formulas, or other information to the wireless interface module (12) for incorporation into one or more system controllers (15).